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For Karli Brtalik, the path to nursing began not in a classroom, but in a hospital NICU. When her younger sister, Madison, was born with a life-threatening medical emergency, it was a team of skilled and compassionate nurses at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center who helped save her life—and guided Brtalik’s family through their most…

The College of Nursing DNP program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, ranked among the top 25 public universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools ranks released on April 8. In the new rankings, the college’s DNP program is ranked 22nd among public DNP programs. That is the highest ranking…

Nurses are the backbone of health care, providing compassionate care, advocating for patients, and innovating for the next generation. While many picture nurses at the bedside, their impact stretches far beyond hospital walls. At the College of Nursing, nurses are educators, researchers, community advocates, and leaders in the health care industry. This National Nurses Week,…

For Ariana Kerney, the journey to nursing began long before she stepped foot on campus. As a competitive gymnast for over a decade, she spent countless hours in medical offices, recovering from injuries and interacting with various health care professionals. But it was the nurses who left a lasting impression on her. Their selflessness, compassion,…

From a young age, Elizabeth Brownlie (’12) knew she was drawn to the medical field. Growing up in Knoxville, her first exposure to health care came as a candy-striper at the old St. Mary’s Hospital. “I absolutely loved being in that hospital,” Brownlie shared. “I loved walking the halls, seeing all the different jobs and…

Exciting progress continues the College of Nursing Building, which remains on schedule to welcome students for classes in August 2025. The glass curtainwalls on the west side are now complete, with work on the east side moving along. Brickwork is nearly finished, with only small sections remaining on the south and east faces. Over the…

Courtney Pitts is no stranger to hard work, dedication, and service — both in and out of the classroom. Pitts, who has formerly served as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specialty director at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing is currently pursuing her PhD at the University…

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing is taking its mission beyond the classroom and research lab by actively engaging high school students across East Tennessee. As part of the UT Grand Challenge K-12 initiative, the College’s TennWell research team—led by principal investigator Ji Youn Yoo—has launched a series of outreach visits aimed at…

The College of Nursing and University Libraries recently hosted the inaugural Great Expectations in Health Care conference. The conference was supported with grant funding from the Division of Access & Engagement. Designed to introduce K-12 students to the field of nursing, this event brought together students, teachers, and administrators from Algood Middle School in Putnam…

The University of Tennessee’s College of Nursing is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeanne Jenkins as the new associate dean of practice and global affairs, effective March 2025. In this role Jenkins will work on advancing clinical practice initiatives, strengthening global partnerships, and fostering innovative educational experiences. She will provide strategic leadership in expanding…