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After serving as an assistant professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing, Dr. Allison Ihle is returning to UT Austin, where she completed her post-doctoral fellowship program.

Long before Africa became part of her professional journey, Beth Hadi felt a strong connection to the continent. “Even when I was little, I was drawn to Africa,” said Hadi, DNP, MSN, MHA, APRN, CPNP-AC. “I always thought about Ethiopia, because it was on the news. But then I had the opportunity to go to Kenya – and I’ve never stopped going.”

What began five years ago as an innovative clinical makeup opportunity for undergraduate nursing students has evolved into a highly successful community partnership that promotes health and wellness for employees while developing the next generation of nurse leaders.

Barbara Cardoza was getting ready to transfer into the School of Nursing in 2023 from a Houston College when a friend invited her to a multicultural Friendsgiving celebration thrown by the Hispanic Nursing Student Association (HNSA). The person who invited her, Alexander Claros, eventually became president of HNSA while Cardoza is now the vice president.

Two longtime School of Nursing professors retired in 2026 and were awarded Emerita status in recognition of their distinguished service. Drs. Alexandra García and Sharon Horner both retired in June but will continue their work as educators and researchers.

UT Austin School of Nursing faculty are translating National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding into action, advancing research that addresses a wide range of health challenges and engages different populations and communities.

Can we get an AMEN? For the past seven years, that’s exactly what Austin residents have gotten through Advancing Mental and Emotional Nourishment (AMEN), a program launched by the School of Nursing and financially supported by Austin Public Health. The program partners AMEN with two local faith-based organizations to provide mental health awareness in addition to vaccinations and blood tests, said Shalonda Horton, PhD, RN, who serves as program director.

Although Dean Kavita Radhakrishnan has held several leadership positions in the School of Nursing, serving as dean has been a different experience altogether. Radhakrishnan, PhD, MSEE, RN, FAAN, FAHA, took the reins as interim dean in March 2026, leading the School until her permanent appointment in September.

In August 2026, the Children’s Wellness Center (CWC), operated by The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing in partnership with Del Valle Independent School District, opened the doors to a new, purpose-built facility. Made possible through a generous anonymous donation, the building provides an expanded, modern space for a mission that has been rooted in the Del Valle community for 30 years.

The Light the Lamp Pinning Ceremony honors nursing students as they prepare to enter clinical settings and celebrates their commitment to humanistic, patient-centered care. Please join us on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:30–8:00 PM CDT at Texas Union, Shirley Bird Perry Ballroom (3.202). For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will also be available virtually via our YouTube livestream.