The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing announces faculty promotions, recognizing distinguished contributions in teaching, leadership, service, and practice. Promotions will be effective August 16, 2026.
Shalonda Horton, PhD, RN
Dr. Shalonda Horton will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Shalonda Horton has been a member of the School of Nursing faculty since 2006. She served recently as the Chair of the Family, Public Health Nursing, and Nursing Leadership Division. She teaches across undergraduate and AE‑MSN programs, with instructional expertise in public health nursing, global health, and clinical skills development.
Dr. Horton brings extensive clinical and leadership experience spanning public health, oncology, medical‑surgical nursing, outpatient surgery, post‑anesthesia care, and inpatient psychiatry. She has more than 20 years of military nursing experience, having served on active duty and in the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring in 2021 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Her leadership roles included nurse manager, school director, and course instructor for military medical training programs.
Her scholarship focuses on health promotion, spirituality/religion and health, and community-based participatory research in faith-based settings. Dr. Horton’s work reflects a sustained commitment to community engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and service to underserved populations.
Stephanie Key, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP
Dr. Stephanie key will be promoted to Clinical Associate Professor.
Dr. Stephanie Key currently serves as Director of the Post‑Master’s Option III DNP Program, and previously held positions as Director of the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) Primary Care Program and as Chair of the Advanced Practice Division. Her teaching emphasizes leadership development, advanced practice competencies, and the preparation of APRNs to improve health outcomes and systems of care.
Dr. Key has been instrumental in advancing pediatric mental and behavioral health education, including the integration of psychiatric and mental health content within the PNP curriculum. In clinical practice, she specializes in the diagnosis and management of children with ADHD and other behavioral conditions. Her DNP project focused on the implementation and evaluation of mindfulness interventions for children and adolescents with ADHD.
A nationally recognized leader in pediatric nursing education, Dr. Key is an active member of professional organizations including the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Texas Nurse Practitioners, and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. Her contributions to teaching, curriculum innovation, mentorship, and professional service have had a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the broader nursing profession.