As we look back on 2025, the College of Nursing celebrates a year of incredible milestones, achievements, and growth. Here are the key highlights that shaped an unforgettable year:
January
The year began with an international trip to Nyeri, Kenya. Nursing students and faculty have the opportunity to travel to Kenya each year, where they collaborate in a partnership with the WAKA Continuing Medical Education Center. Together, they work alongside local health care providers to deliver essential medical care to underserved communities.
February
Nursing alum, Lainey Briggs, was named as a Volunteer 40 Under 40. Briggs began as an undergraduate student and recently graduated from the DNP program and is now an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner. Briggs is dedicated to improving cancer care through leadership, innovation, and research. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic through extensive volunteer work and mentorship of future nurses as UT adjunct faculty.
March
Our global opportunities for the academic year concluded during the month of March. Nursing students and faculty traveled to Peru and Belize over spring break to blend education with service to provide health care and learn from international communities.
April
The college and several partners hosted the inaugural Great Expectations In Health Care Conference in April. Nursing students, faculty, staff and friends welcomed Algood Middle School students for a day of learning, exploration, and hands-on experiences.
May
Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends celebrated two large scale events in May. Alumni and friends gathered on May 6 to celebrate National Nurses Week at an alumni event. Later in the month, the college hosted its first pinning ceremony for traditional BSN students and ABSN students at the Knoxville Convention Center. Over 1,000 people gathered to celebrate this event.
June
A new partnership between the college and East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) launched to help prepare future nurses for careers in pediatric care through an immersive, hands-on clinical training program. The Pediatric Registered Nurse (PRN) Enhancement Program offers rising senior nursing students the opportunity to gain specialized experience in pediatric care while completing their undergraduate degrees.
July
In July, the college’s research excellence took center stage. Assistant professor and family scientist Patricia Roberson was recognized for her work bridging research and clinical care, advancing solutions to Tennessee’s most pressing health challenges. Fellow faculty member Ji Yoo, assistant professor, continued her focus on improving mental health outcomes for teens statewide, helping lead TennWell, a UT System Grand Challenge initiative aimed at supporting adolescent well-being.
August
The college celebrated the milestone moment of the year with the official opening of its new building. Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours of the impressive 117,000-square-foot facility. The event also marked a significant step forward in the college’s partnership with UT Medical Center, highlighted by the naming of the new home for the college: the UT Medical Nursing Building.
September
After 15 years of exceptional leadership, Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the College of Nursing, announced her plans to retire at the end of this academic year. In the same month, the College of Nursing received a transformational gift from Lisa Edwards Reed (’86) and Greg Reed (’85, ’88), establishing the Lisa and Greg Reed Endowed Dean’s Chair. This investment ensures strong leadership for the college as it continues to expand programs, increase student enrollment, and prepare the next generation of nurses to meet the growing health care demands.
October
Two alumni were honored during the UT Knoxville Alumni Awards Program. Rita Silen and G. Rumay Alexander, who were honored by the university for their service and achievements.
November
The College of Nursing was granted full accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for a 10-year term, extending through December 31, 2035. Achieving CCNE accreditation is a significant milestone that demonstrates the college’s commitment to academic quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
December
The year ended with our December pinning ceremony. This event marked our third stand-alone pinning ceremony, this special event celebrated the second cohort of BSN Scholars and RN to BSN students. It honored their achievements in a more intimate and meaningful setting.
As we close the chapter on 2025, we are proud of all that we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing this momentum in the new year. Thank you to our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters for making 2025 a year to remember!
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)