Cizik Nursing by the Numbers - 2022
Demonstrating excellence
Cizik School of Nursing's key metrics include increases in our already impressive U.S. News & World Report rankings.
50th anniversary gala
A legacy of excellence
Students, employees, and supporters gathered to celebrate Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston.
1970s
Laying the foundation for nursing excellence
What would become Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston welcomed its first students in 1972.
Elizabeth (Betty) C. Jones
PhD, MSN, RN - Associate Dean, 1972-1975
“Betty was an activist for nursing and stood up for the school,” said Marvin Hecker, an original staff member.
Three Originals
Two students, first male employee remember the ’70s
“It was exciting to be starting nursing school, and the medical center was like a city within itself,” said Susan Ebbs Fitcher, a member of the first class.
Dorothy Otto
EdD, RN, ANEF - Acting Dean, 1975-1977
A much-loved leader, Dr. Dorothy Otto taught nurses at UTHealth Houston for 43 years.
Arlowayne Swort
PhD, RN - Dean, 1977-1983
During her time as dean, the UTHealth Houston nursing school became a Sigma Theta Tau nursing honor society member.
1980s
Growth of Nursing Specialties
Programs established during the 1980s continue to drive innovation in education, research, and practice.
Committed to caring for older adults
Gerontological nursing
“We really grew geriatrics within the school and also within the medical community,” said Dr. Vaunette Fay.
The McCrea Sisters
Then and now
The trio all graduated from Cizik School of Nursing in the 1980s, and today they work within walking distance of one another in the TMC.
PATRICIA L. STARCK
PhD, RN, FAAN - DEAN, 1984-2015
Our Dean Emerita led Cizik School of Nursing for 30 of its 50 years with innovation and determination.
Legacies of Excellence
Oral histories
Four long-serving faculty members share stories of their careers in nursing education and research.
1990s
Great Ideas Welcome
In the 1990s, a passionate group of faculty and staff fearlessly explored new ideas while growing the school in reputation and enrollment.
PRACTICING PRIMARY CARE
Nurse-led clinic sets the bar
“UT Health Services became the model for academic nursing centers around the country," said Professor Thomas Mackey, PhD, FNP, FAAN.
PARTNERS
A Legacy of giving
“PARTNERS is one of the big success stories of Cizik School of Nursing, and we are envied by most nursing schools in the nation,” said Dean Emerita Patricia L. Starck.
Nursing education on the border
"Distance learning" for the Rio Grande Valley
Faculty flew south every week to help a sister school establish its own master’s program.
2000s
Excelling in the digital age
Highwater marks in the new millennium included a new doctoral program, a new building, and extremely bad weather.
A new home
For nursing education and discovery
The Cizik School of Nursing building was designed with the future – of nursing and the planet – in mind.
2010s
A New Generation of Leadership
Cizik School of Nursing moved into the “twenty-teens” propelled by momentum in educational programs and research funding.
A New Name
In Nursing Excellence
A transformational gift from the Cizik family endows scholarships, faculty chairs, innovative research, and a distinguished lecture series.
Lorraine Frazier
PhD, RN, FAAN - Dean, 2015-2018
“UTHealth Houston was a very important part of my journey. You always had the opportunity to do what you wanted to do," said former dean Lorraine Frazier.
2020s
Forward into the future
Socially distanced simulations and COVID-19 vaccination clinics give way to expanded graduate opportunities and robust research.
Diane Santa Maria
DrPH, MSN, RN, FAAN - Dean, 2020 – Present
New dean continues her research with youth experiencing homelessness while leading the school through - and out of - the pandemic.
Nurses of tomorrow
It's a baby boom!
“Family truly comes first at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston,” said Dean Diane Santa Maria.
BSN To PhD Program
An earlier start in nursing science
Nurses can begin careers of meaningful research earlier through Cizik School of Nursing’s new BSN to PhD program.
Leadership Academy
Alumna aims to empower nurses
“I am so in awe of everything I have gotten to do, and it’s all because of the education and training I had," said Deborah "Debbie" Adams, BSN ’84.
Alumni Opportunities
Explore ways to engage
Let us know what you have been up to, and learn how you can help tomorrow's nurses.
Distinguished Alumni
50 years, 50 honorees
Cizik School of Nursing recognizes the excellent work of our graduates.
Simulating struggles
A perspective on poverty
Students learn what life is like for families trying to make ends meet.
Graduation Grand Slam
2022 Commencement
The 2021-2022 graduates of Cizik School of Nursing celebrated commencement at Minute Maid Park.
Educational grant highlights
Currently funded studies
Innovative programs prepare students to take on health care challenges.
Research Highlights - 2022
Advancing nursing science
Topics include nutrition, stroke recovery, pediatric dental anesthesia, and mothers experiencing homelessness.
Faculty Highlights - 2022
Honors and Awards
Congratulations to faculty members for exceptional work and leadership.
Welcome our new faculty
Hello, UTHealth Houston
New faculty bring a wide variety of educational and research interests to Cizik School of Nursing.
Employment Opportunities
Nurture the next generation of nurses
Explore enriching opportunities for career growth at Cizik School of Nursing.
