The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth has welcomed its new College of Nursing leadership team, composed of experts in diverse subject areas ranging from virtual reality training to COVID-19 response policies.
In February, the UNT System Board of Regents approved the creation of the HSC College of Nursing to help address the shortage of nurses in Texas. The Board of Regents voted last month to approve new undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs at the UNT Health Science Center at Fort Worth.
A new Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Practice Innovation are slated to be offered in fall 2024, when the college’s first students will start classes.
Both the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges also must approve the degrees before the new college can begin enrolling students.
“We are excited to welcome the new College of Nursing leadership team to HSC,” said Cindy Weston, dean of the HSC College of Nursing, in a statement. “This group exemplifies passion for nursing education and dedication to our mission of creating solutions for a healthier community.”
Elizabeth Wells-Beede — Senior Associate Dean
With more than 15 years of innovative educational experience in nursing, Wells-Beede brings a new level of involvement in academic and clinical settings. She not only is a certified nurse educator but also an advanced certified health care simulation educator and one of the leading proponents and creators of virtual reality nurse training. She will leverage her experiences at the college in collaboration with HSC’s state-of-the-art Regional Simulation Center.
Cheryl Thaxton — Associate Dean/Chair for Graduate Studies
Thaxton brings more than 30 years of experience in nursing, including critical and primary care and nursing leadership. As a graduate of George Washington University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, she spent several years researching the specific needs of children and adults with life-limiting illnesses.
Rebecca Burns — Associate Dean/Chair for Undergraduate Studies
Burns is an accomplished nursing professional in teaching and research initiatives. Previously a clinical associate professor and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) coordinator in the Texas A&M University School of Nursing, Burns will ensure nursing students receive the highest quality education and experiences while they excel in their academic journeys at HSC’s College of Nursing.
Tonychris Nnaka — Associate Dean for Research Nnaka is an experienced nurse and researcher. He previously served as a policy advisor to Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson on data-driven health decision-making, health disparities and COVID-19 responses. He is an expert in cardiovascular disease health disparities and digital therapeutics.
Kate Taylor — Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs
Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience in health care. She is a clinical executive for SaferCare Texas, HSC’s patient safety organization, and an assistant professor in HSC’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. She previously served as a critical care Army Nurse Corps officer.