The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing announces faculty transitions and promotions, effective August 2024.
Learning Enhancement & Academic Progress (LEAP) Center
Nicole Manley, MSN, RN, CHSE, CA-SANE, is the Interim Director of the Learning Enhancement & Academic Progress (LEAP) Center as of August 1, 2024.
Manley has been the Director of the Simulation and Skills Center since 2022 and will continue in this role while serving as Interim Director of the LEAP Center until the position is filled later this year.
Leigh Goldstein, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, CNE, served as LEAP Center Director since 2014 and has relocated to Maryland to be near family.
Goldstein was instrumental in advancing the LEAP Center's mission and fostering a vibrant community of learning and innovation at the UT Austin School of Nursing, that will continue to thrive under Manley’s leadership.
The Center for Global Nursing and Health
Center for Global and Community Nursing changes effective August 15, 2024.
Hyekyun Rhee, PhD, RN, FAAN, has stepped down as Associate Dean for Global and Community Nursing and as Director of the Center for Global and Community Nursing to focus on her research on asthma in adolescents.
While serving in this inaugural role, Dr. Rhee launched multiple initiatives and facilitated new partnerships around the world. She paved the way for the School’s continued growth, success, and global reach, and we are immensely grateful for her leadership.
Julie Zuñiga, PhD, RN, FAAN, who formerly served as the Center’s Associate Director, is now serving as Interim Director until the position is filled. Dr. Zuñiga’s experience in community and global health and commitment to global nursing initiatives will ensure the Center builds on this momentum and continues to expand its reach.
In addition, the center’s name has been updated to The Center for Global Nursing and Health to sharpen the focus on building and fostering partnerships around the world.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program
Cara Young, PhD, RN, FNP-C, FAANP, FAAN, has been named the new PhD Program Director, effective August 16, 2024.
Dr. Young will use her successful track record of PhD student mentorship to guide the continued growth, success and excellence of our PhD Program. She recently chaired the PhD student qualifying examination committee and co-led a grant-writing workshop for PhD students. Her research, which primarily focuses on improving the mental health of children, adolescents and young adults through mindfulness-based interventions, has been uniquely informed and enhanced by her clinical practice.
Dr. Young has been PI or Co-I on more than 20 research studies, 12 of which were funded through competitive research grants. She has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Dr. Young and Chris Divin, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, who formerly served as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Program Director, will serve as Co-Directors of the FNP Program until the position is filled later this year. We appreciate Dr. Divin for stepping into the role during this transition.
Professor Emeritus
Linda Yoder, PhD, MBA, RN, AOCN, FAAN, will be Professor Emeritus as of September 1, 2024.
Dr. Yoder is retiring this year after serving the School of Nursing for more than 17 years in a variety of positions, including Professor, Luci Baines Johnson Fellow in Nursing, and Program Director. During her esteemed career, she earned several honors for oncology nursing, medical-surgical nursing and nursing excellence, including the UT Austin Billye J. Brown Award for Excellence in Leadership and the Epsilon Theta Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau Dolores Sands Outstanding Researcher Award.
Dr. Yoder is an alumna of the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nursing Fellowship and a past president of the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses, and a member of several professional nursing and interdisciplinary health care organizations and serves as a reviewer and board member of a variety of nursing and interdisciplinary journals.