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 2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools ranks released on April 9.

In the new rankings, the college’s DNP program is ranked 24^th among public DNP programs. That is the highest ranking that the DNP program has placed. The college has moved up significantly in rankings over the last three years. The program has climbed over 14 spots since 2021, when it was ranked 38^th among publics.

“Our rise to 24th among public universities in the U.S. News and World Report Best Graduate School rankings underscores our dedication to fostering transformative leaders in health care,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of our faculty, staff and students who continually strive for innovation and excellence in advancing nursing practice.”

The Best Graduate Schools rankings evaluate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, and nursing. Rankings in these areas are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research, and students.

The data for the rankings in the main six disciplines came from statistical surveys of 2,225 programs and from reputation surveys sent to approximately 5,766 academics and 10,941 professionals, conducted in fall 2023 and early 2024.
“Being ranked in the top 25 among public universities is a testament to the profound influence that our students, faculty, and staff exert in the realm of health care,” said Allyson Neal, assistant dean of graduate programs. “By harnessing the synergy of education, clinical practice, scholarship, and cutting-edge technology, we’re spearheading advancements in health through nurse-led care. Our students, who are emerging nurse leaders, are pivotal in fostering collaborations and championing health enhancements in Tennessee and beyond.”

The rankings are categorized for the year following their release because they are intended to help prospective students make decisions.

“The recent recognition of our DNP program among the top 25 public universities is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education,” said Shelia Swift, executive associate dean of academic affairs.  “This ranking serves as an external affirmation of our collective efforts and echoes our resolve to respond proactively to the evolving health care landscape. I am immeasurably proud of what we have achieved together—faculty, staff, and students—as we continue to lead care initiatives, forge transformative partnerships, and drive meaningful health improvements both within Tennessee and across the globe.”

Visit U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools for more information on graduate school rankings.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Graduates from the College of Nursing at UT had one of the highest first-time pass rates in the 2023 National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)—98.5 percent.

This pass rate is higher than both the national average of 87 percent and the Tennessee average of 90 percent.

The test, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, is used to determine which candidates are adequately prepared to enter real-life practice and work as registered nurses.

“Our 98.5 percent first-time pass rate on the 2023 NCLEX-RN exam is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our students, faculty, staff, and clinical partners to excellence in nursing education,” said Phillip Moore, assistant dean of undergraduate programs. “This achievement not only surpasses national and state averages but also reflects the rigorous preparation and dedication instilled in our graduates. We are immensely proud of their success.”

A total of 197 UT Knoxville nursing graduates from the Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing program and the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program took the test for the first time in 2023.

“We are proud of our College of Nursing graduates for surpassing both national and state averages in the 2023 NCLEX-RN exam,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This speaks volumes about the dedication and excellence of our students and faculty. This exceptional achievement not only reflects the quality of education provided at UT Knoxville but also underscores our mission.”

In addition to the undergraduate Traditional and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, the College of Nursing offers a new BSN pathway in partnership with UT Medical Center, a RN to BSN track as well as graduate degrees and advanced practice certifications, with online and blended formats available for selected programs.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing, in collaboration with the Tickle College of Engineering (TCE), will begin a research and development initiative aimed at enhancing high-consequence operations. The $980,000 project is sponsored by Y-12 National Security Complex through its Plant-Directed Research and Development Program and is led by Y-12’s Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center (ORETTC). The project is expected to take three years to achieve technology that proves these concepts as useful to industry.

High-consequence operations include activities that may expose people and the environment to hazards that could result in extensive injury, death, or significant damage. The focus of this endeavor is the development of two closely interrelated projects: creation of a digital twin for high-consequence equipment operations and development of a machine learning initiative to automate maintenance requests and documentation workflows.  

These technologies, when linked, create a representative simulation of how all the systems in a factory operate so personnel can practice operating through abnormal conditions. Examples of these conditions include an emergency response to a safety mechanism on a machine breaking or safely operating at maximum effectiveness to meet production targets, which requires limiting outages.

The digital twin project advances high-consequence operations technology by using a virtual replica of assets to simulate events at the edge of the operating envelope or in abnormal conditions. This approach uses 3-D visualization and augmented reality. Use of a digital twin should reduce downtime and enhance the safety and efficiency of high-consequence operations across various industries.

The machine learning project takes advantage of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and big data analytics to analyze maintenance records and operational data. This innovative approach will facilitate the generation of accurate work orders that also reduce risk. By streamlining the maintenance process, this project promises to significantly boost operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Partnering with the University of Tennessee provides Y-12 and the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nuclear Security Enterprise access to the leading experts in NLP and big data analytics. This research develops and proves the concept for using these technologies with digital twins and spatial visualization to make work safer and more efficient” says Dr. Ashley Stowe, director of ORETTC. “Our plan is to extend the use of this technology to employ digital twins in the nuclear production environment.”

ORETTC leads Y-12’s efforts for developing and implementing digital twin technologies to support its vital national security mission.

The project’s significance extends beyond high-consequence environments, including potential applications in health care and nursing, such as the following:

1. Predictive modeling for health care operations: Health care organizations can use digital twin technology to create virtual replicas of medical equipment and how they conduct their operations, enabling assessments and improvements of operations.
2. Patient care optimization: Machine learning techniques can analyze patient data, assisting nurses and health care providers in creating personalized care plans.
3. Health care information management: Machine learning algorithms can optimize the use of vast amounts of patient information to support patient treatment and public health.

“We are excited to embark on this journey to enhance high-consequence operations,” said Tom Berg, lead researcher at the Applied Systems Lab. “By harnessing the power of digital twin and virtual reality technology and cutting-edge machine learning, we believe we can usher in a new era of efficiency, safety and security in critical operations.” 

“This collaboration represents a pioneering step in the application of augmented reality and digital twin technologies,” said Xueping Li, professor in TCE’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. “Collective expertise will significantly contribute to advancing high-consequence operation practices, demonstrating the powerful synergy between engineering and practical application in real-world scenarios.”

This collaboration between nursing, engineering, and industry leaders is a testament to the commitment to advancing technology and enhancing operational practices in maintenance.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

Born in 1954, Frank Thomasson’s upbringing as a United States Armed Forces dependent led him through several states and foreign countries, instilling in him a deep appreciation for diversity and resilience.

Thomasson earned his Bachelor’s in Geologic Sciences in 1977 from the University of Tennessee (UT) and went on to pursue a career in the United States Air Force as an aircrew navigator from 1978 to 1995.

Following an honorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces in 1995, Thomasson decided to return to UT to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I’d like to say that my choice to become a nurse after leaving the military was an altruistic one, but it wasn’t,” said Thomasson. “I had a wife and three kids to support with no real civilian work skills. When job hunting, the newspaper ads provided new insight into what career path to take. Out of ten pages of job ads the list of available nursing jobs took up four of those.”

After he graduated in 1997, he joined the orthopedic floor at Methodist Medical Center. During this time, he continued his education at UT and completed his MSN in 1999.

Frank’s transition into nursing was driven by practicality, yet his journey unfolded into a profound calling as he found his niche in mental health nursing.

“While still studying in my graduate courses but working as a floor nurse, administration needed a night shift RN to fill in on the mental health inpatient unit one night,” said Thomasson. “Nobody volunteered to go. After the single night on the unit, I knew this was my calling.”

Thomasson quickly found that talking to patients was much more rewarding than hanging IV bags, doing dressing changes, or hearing IV pumps beeping.  He later volunteered and was accepted to work on the MMC Behavioral Unit.

As Thomasson continued in the Behavioral Unit, nursing students from UT were on his floor for clinicals.

“One day an instructor had to leave to check in on students on other nearby facilities,” said Thomasson. “I provided the students with my old process recording templates from my own nursing school days and guided them in using the templates to talk to clients with active cases of depression, manic behavior, and psychosis.  Word of this made its way back to the undergraduate mental health clinical course coordinator and the rest is history.”

Thomasson’s journey to becoming a faculty member was serendipitous and sparked by his ability to mentor those around him. By incorporating humor and interactive activities, Thomasson prepares students for the dynamic challenges of the health care landscape.

“Students are stressed, so my innovative teaching method involves beginning my class presentation with a joke, a riddle, or some clever music or history sharing moment which both activates their cognitive functioning and reduces their internal stress,” said Thomasson.

Thomasson emphasizes the development of empathy, resilience, and critical thinking as essential nursing traits. Through reflective practices, positive reinforcement, and unconditional support, he fosters a nurturing environment where students thrive academically and personally.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

With over a decade of nursing experience, Travis Rhoten’s journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tennessee (UT) in 2013, followed by his Master of Science in Nursing in 2018.

Rhoten spent five years at UT Medical Center, where he worked in the Oncology, Urology, and Hematology department. During this time, Rhoten became a companion on the poignant journeys of cancer patients, witnessing both their struggles and triumphs, each moment.

“I was grateful and felt fortunate to have been a part of the journey of the cancer patients I cared for,” said Rhoten. “I was part of both the hardships and the celebrations, and each taught me valuable lessons for both my nursing career and in my personal life.”

In the fall of 2018, Rhoten was chosen to be a graduate teaching assistant for clinicals with undergraduate nursing students.

“I had always enjoyed teaching new nurses at the hospital,” said Rhoten. “Teaching students in clinicals was an extremely rewarding experience and shifted the course of my career path.”

Rhoten joined the College of Nursing in 2019 as a full-time faculty member.

“The college truly strives to lead as an innovative institution and is willing to take risk and implement new strategies, simulations, and teaching methods to stay on the cutting edge of education,” said Rhoten. “Our faculty are highly gifted and intelligent individuals who are passionate about education and have a strong desire to foster the field of nursing.”

When asked how students have made an impact on his career Rhoten replied, “It is heartwarming seeing previous students that have gone through our program striving.  I round on students for the N495 senior course where they have preceptors, and some of the preceptors are students that I have had three to four years ago. They have embodied the essence of nursing and help foster that passion in our current students.”

Rhoten is proud to call himself a faculty member in a place that values involvement, leadership, and growth.

“The college truly helps foster the development of the aforementioned traits of empathy, resilience, and critical thinking for our students,” he said.

 As Rhoten continues his journey as a faculty member, he is continuing to promote those same traits among his students.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

While most student nurses are balancing classes, clinicals, and academic service learning, Maia Stewart is adding a few other items to that list. Stewart, a senior from New Orleans, is a member of the Track and Field team, and a member of the Zeta Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She has also completed the 1794 Scholars Program and was a 2023 EURecA Research Award Winner.

“Being a student athlete and nursing student, my days can be very tiring, tedious, and stressful,” Stewart acknowledges. “Despite the demands, I try my best to always give my all and put my best effort in any task I attempt to achieve. I like knowing that no matter the outcome, I can say I’ve tried my best.”

Stewart’s passion for nursing was sparked by her mother, a registered nurse who imparted values of compassion and care.

“My mother showed me the importance of nursing growing up,” said Stewart. “Her critical thinking and knowledge allowed situations such as an accidental stab wound, or a broken finger, to be calm, and resolved without emergency services.”

When Stewarts grandfather became ill, it was her mother who served as the primary caretaker.

“Her care during that situation taught me the true importance of a great nurse and inspired me to be the same helpful individual in the lives of others,” said Stewart.

As Stewart began her studies at UT, she knew her journey to her nursing degree would be different than her peers. As a student athlete her schedule would be rigorous, but it did not halt her desire to make a difference in the care of patients.

“I want to be a nurse because I would like to provide quality care, comfort, and be a supportive individual to people seeking health care,” she explains.

As Stewart reflects on her favorite memories at UT, she recalls a moment with a patient on her birthday.

“I did not plan on celebrating my birthday because I had an 8-hour clinical, track practice, then clinical the next day,” said Stewart. “So, I spent my birthday in a waiting area with my assigned patient, holding conversation and getting to know each other while we waited for her diagnostic stress test. In this conversation, it came up that it was my birthday. Before I left, she had her partner bring me some flowers in a beautiful vase, with a sweet note to thank me and wish me a happy birthday.”

This extremely unexpected gesture reminded Stewart that her journey to becoming a nurse was worth it and reinforced her desire to serve others.

“Individuals have inspired me on my journey through telling me that I have made their day better, time in the hospital better, and compliments such as they believe I will be a great nurse in the future,” said Stewart.

Looking ahead, Stewart’s goals are grounded in a commitment to continuous growth and excellence.

“My career goals are to become a competent nurse, and possess critical thinking skills to solve any problem,” she says.

Throughout her time at UT, Stewart has been inspired by the support of her professors and mentors, who have played a pivotal role in shaping her development. Their dedication has fueled her aspirations and instilled in her the confidence to pursue her dreams.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

Research Professor Maureen Groer has been chosen as the President of the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation (ISRHML).

This appointment reflects Groer’s dedication to advancing research in human milk and lactation, as well as her significant contributions to the field over many years.

ISRHML is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting excellence in research and the dissemination of findings related to human milk and lactation. Founded in 1988, ISRHML boasts a global membership and hosts biennial meetings in various regions across the world, including the United States, Asia, South America, and Europe. These gatherings serve as platforms for scholarly exchange and discussions surrounding the latest advancements in human milk research and its practical applications.

Groer’s selection as President of ISRHML is a testament to her extensive expertise and research in milk biology and lactational physiology. Groer has been at the forefront of studying the influence of lactation on postpartum stress, a topic she began investigating during her tenure at UT Knoxville from 2001 to 2024.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation,” said Groer. “This organization plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human milk and lactation, and I am excited to contribute to its mission of promoting excellence in research and its application to practice.”

As President, Groer will lead ISRHML in its efforts to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of human milk and lactation.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

The University of Tennessee, College of Nursing Simulation Department and Roane State Community College have forged a collaborative partnership to elevate the expertise of health care educators through a comprehensive professional development initiative.

Beginning in 2024, this partnership will provide 12 faculty members from Roane State with specialized training in simulation best practices.

“The simulation team is honored to begin working collaboratively this spring with leaders and faculty from Roane State Community College,” said Susan Hébert, assistant dean of simulation.”This opportunity reflects a high level of commitment from the Roane State leadership team to understand the need to professionally prepare educators with the best practices of health care simulation as they prepare for the opening of a new simulation center in 2025.”

The extensive training will be made up of two asynchronous online learning modules, and a two day onsite at the Health Innovation Technology and Simulation (HITS) lab on UT’s campus.

The first module will be an introduction to simulation in health care, covering the aims and advantages of simulated learning, engaging learners, and simulated best practices. The second module will cover tools and knowledge for clinical educators to prepare, implement, and evaluate simulation based on best practices.

The goal of the two modules is to not only give faculty members at Roane State an understanding of simulation, but also give them the opportunity to design cases, integrate and facilitate simulation, and conduct debriefing with students.

During the two-day onsite Roane State clinical educators and simulation staff will receive hands-on training incorporating lessons from both modules, focusing on moulage, technical aspects of simulation, master training, simulation event facilitation and debriefing, and learner evaluation.

This partnership provides a pathway for both institutions to advance the field of health care education through immersive and innovative simulation techniques.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])

The Health Innovation Technology and Simulation (HITS) Program in the College of Nursing has received reaccreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSiH) in teaching/education and research.

The HITS Program mission is to deliver excellent educational offerings and advance the science of health care simulation. This is carried out by ensuring experiential simulated learning opportunities and research and development of innovative simulation technologies for health care and health care education are guided by the best practices of healthcare simulation. Securing reaccreditation by SSiH ensures that the college remains at the forefront of simulation education and research in the United States and globally.

“We are immensely honored to receive this reaccreditation,” said Dean Victoria Niederhauser. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in simulation education, teaching, and research. The collaborative efforts underscore our dedication to advancing health care through cutting-edge technologies. This also demonstrates excellent educational outcomes for our undergraduate and graduate students.”

The HITS educational program, led by Susan Hébert, assistant dean of simulation, uses state-of-the-art simulation and health care technologies to support simulation education for inter-professional learning. The HITS research program, co-directed by Tami Wyatt, assistant dean of research at the college, and Xueping Li, professor in the department of industrial and systems engineering, engages interprofessional teams in researching and developing health care technologies, applications, and intellectual properties to improve health care and health care education.

 “It is an honor to lead one of the premier simulation programs accredited in simulation teaching, education, and research from the Society of Simulation in Healthcare,” said Hébert. “Currently, approximately 250 international programs hold accreditation in teaching and education. However, the college remains the only stand-alone nursing program in the United States with additional accreditation in simulation research. This additional honor displays a commitment to excellence from all involved in advocating, planning, and delivering simulation experiences that include the leadership team, clinical faculty, support staff, and researchers.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])

January

The year kicked off with enthusiasm as nursing students embarked on a trip to Panama. These students formed a cohesive interdisciplinary team, united by a common goal: understanding the profound relationship between water and health. Their trip took them to an indigenous village, where they implemented a comprehensive community health and water assessment.

February

In February, the college celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala. The 500 attendees included alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the college. The evening opened with a cocktail hour and a silent auction. As the night unfolded, guests were treated to dinner, and a program that recognized the outstanding achievements of 50 esteemed alumni.

March

In March, Dean Niederhauser and a group of undergraduate students traveled to the nation’s capital, where they participated in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Student Policy Summit, a transformative event that delved into the intricate workings of federal policy processes and the pivotal role of nurses in professional advocacy. The summit helps to equip these aspiring health care professionals with the tools and insights they need to become influential leaders in shaping the future of health care policy.

April

In the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools ranking, the DNP program at the college was positioned among the top public programs. The college’s rise was nothing short of impressive, with a remarkable 11-spot leap from the previous year.

May

The commencement ceremony in May was an exciting event for the graduating students. Families, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduates and to honor their commitment to nursing.

June

June was a month of inspiration and mentorship as the college opened its doors to students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. These students joined the college for the Advanced Nursing Camp, an initiative aimed at igniting their passion for the nursing profession. Throughout the camp, they heard lectures, engaged in hands-on simulations, and had the privilege of hearing from leadership at the college.

July

Doctoral Student Elliot Loughran took the stage at a conference in Johnson City, Tennessee. Loughran delivered a TED Talk, where ideas worth spreading took center stage. Loughran, shared insights and perspectives that captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression.

August

The University of Tennessee Medical Center and University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing celebrated the opening of the BSN Scholars Facility with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aug. 25. The new state-of-the-art simulation and learning lab were funded by the medical center for the BSN Scholars partnership, a groundbreaking academic-practice partnership that provides nursing students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn at a respected academic medical center.

September

In September, the summer Nurse Anesthesia graduates demonstrated their unwavering commitment to excellence by achieving a remarkable 100 percent first-time pass rate on their National Certification Exam.

October

In October, Kathy Newnam, associate professor at the college, was named an American Academy of Nursing Fellow. This well-deserved honor was a testament to Newnam’s impressive background as a nurse scientist and neonatal nurse practitioner, highlighting her significant contributions to the field.

November

The college was recently awarded a grant of $1.47 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The grant is specifically designated for the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative.

December

In December, it was announced that the annual Sprint for the Prints raised $11,000 to support the Precious Prints Project. The Precious Prints Project comforts grieving families with a sterling silver pendant bearing the fingerprint of their child.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974 9498, [email protected])