UTEP College of Nursing

06/03/2026

The future of healthcare education was on display in El Paso! 👏

UTEP College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab was proud to welcome simulation professionals, educators, and innovators from across the Southwest during SimGHOSTS X – El Paso 2026.

Hosted in collaboration with Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, New Mexico State University, The University of New Mexico, and Beaumont Army Medical Center, the conference fostered collaboration, innovation, and excellence in healthcare simulation education.

Thank you to all who participated in making this event a success!

💡 Integrate. Educate. Collaborate. Innovate.

06/02/2026

🌼 2026 DAISY Award Honoree: Sophia Martinez 🌼

Please join us in congratulating Sophia Martinez, recipient of the 2026 DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students.

During a clinical rotation, Sophia noticed a patient facing brain surgery the following day. Although she was not assigned to the patient, she chose to stay by their side, offering comfort and companionship during a difficult and emotional time. For more than two hours, Sophia sat with the patient, listening to their concerns and helping ease their fears.

Her selfless act of compassion reflects the heart of nursing—being present when it matters most. Sophia’s dedication to holistic, patient-centered care demonstrates the empathy, kindness, and human connection that make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families.

Congratulations, Sophia, and thank you for embodying the true spirit of nursing. 💙✨

MinersWhoCare

05/28/2026

As part of our 50 Voices of Nursing series celebrating the UTEP College of Nursing’s 50th Anniversary, we proudly recognize a nurse leader whose journey was shaped by mentorship, lifelong learning, and the strong foundation built at UTEP.

Encouraged by fellow UTEP graduate Dian Cassidy to return for graduate school, she discovered opportunities that inspired a lifelong path in leadership, research, and doctoral studies. From unique learning experiences in Medical Sociology and International Health — including healthcare visits in Mexico — to collaborating with remarkable UTEP alumni nursing leaders, including Dian Cassidy and Mary Evonne Taylor who served in Chief Nurse Officer roles at R.E. Thomason General Hospital (now University Medical Center of El Paso), her story reflects the far-reaching impact of UTEP Nursing.

She credits faculty mentors including Dr. Leticia Lantican, Dee Corona, Dr. Audree Reynolds, Dr. Donna Maher, Dr. Patricia Castiglia, Dr. Cheryl Ann Howard, Dr. Diana Monsivais, Dr. Lisa Hennessy, Dr. Thomas Beeman, Julieta Castaneda, Jim Flahive, and many others for helping shape her professional and academic journey. She also reflects proudly on serving with Sigma Theta Tau and reconnecting with the growing UTEP nursing community years later at a UTEP Nursing Conference.

Her message to future nurses:
“You have inherited a legacy of compassion, excellence, and dedication.”

05/27/2026

Celebrating the remarkable career and legacy of Dr. Karen Fowler as she begins her well-earned retirement. 💙⛏️

From earning her BSN at UTEP in 1984 to serving as Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, Dr. Fowler has dedicated decades to nursing leadership, education, and mentoring future generations of nurses. Her impact on the UTEP College of Nursing and the El Paso community will be felt for years to come.

Thank you, Dr. Fowler, for 42 years of leadership, compassion, and service. We wish you the very best in this next chapter!

05/21/2026

Autism spectrum disorder is being identified more often than ever before. The trend highlights the importance of recognizing autism early and connecting children and families with support as soon as possible, write Alejandra Valenzuela and Mercedes Martinez, assistant professors in the UTEP Pediatric Nurse Practitioner program.

Learn more (en español) in the latest UTEP Health column — a collaboration with El Diario de El Paso: https://bit.ly/4cZp4Tz

UTEP College of Nursing

05/20/2026

05/17/2026

Tonight, the iconic Star on the Mountain will shine bright in honor of Nurses Week and 50 Years of UTEP Nursing. ✨⛰️💙

A powerful tribute to the nurses, students, alumni, faculty, and healthcare heroes who have shaped generations of care across our borderland community. Here’s to celebrating our past, present, and future — all under the light of the Star. ⭐🧡

05/17/2026

From trauma nurse at Thomason Hospital in the 1980s to inspiring generations of future nurses at UTEP College of Nursing, Dr. Tracey Merworth’s legacy of care, leadership, and mentorship continues to impact our community today.

05/15/2026

Congratulations to the DNP Class of 2026! 🎉🩺

As part of the 50th Anniversary of the UTEP College of Nursing, our DNP students proudly presented their research during the DNP Symposium and Poster Presentations, showcasing innovation, leadership, and the future of nursing.

We are proud to celebrate this historic graduating class and their incredible achievements. 💙⛏️

05/14/2026