Djukic succeeds Coviello as faculty development leader Transition effective Sept. 1
Jessica S. Coviello, DNP, ANP-BC, FACC, FAAN, will step down as associate dean for faculty development at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston effective Aug. 22, 2026. Maja Djukic, PhD, RN, FAAN, will assume this key leadership role on an interim basis beginning Sept. 1.
“We are grateful for Dr. Coviello’s contributions over the past five years, and we wish her well as she explores new opportunities on the East Coast,” said Dean Diane Santa Maria, DrPH, MSN, RN, ACRN, PHNA-BC, FSAHM, FAAN. “Dr. Djukic’s background in mentoring and nursing workforce research makes her well positioned to continue to grow and enhance our faculty development programs.”
Coviello joined the Cizik School of Nursing faculty in October 2021. In addition to serving as associate dean, she has been a professor in the Department of Graduate Studies and the Patricia L. Starck/PARTNERS Endowed Professor in Nursing.
Her accomplishments at UTHealth Houston include coaching, mentoring, and inspiring faculty throughout their scholarship journey. Under her leadership, her office has directed continuing education and coordinated the development of the Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Series. Additionally, she co-led the design and implementation of the Interfolio faculty information system, mentored the school’s Values Committee, and successfully proposed Cizik School of Nursing’s designation as a 2026 NLN Center of Excellence™.
Previously, Coviello held a joint appointment at the Yale University School of Nursing as an associate professor in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and as an adult nurse practitioner in cardio-oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven.
Djukic came to Cizik School of Nursing in September 2020 as an associate professor in the Department of Research and the John P. McGovern Distinguished Professor in Nursing. She received academic leadership training as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar and the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Faculty Scholar.
Djukic was promoted to professor in September 2025 and served as assistant dean for research. She has led the development of several nursing pipeline programs and recently co-authored a perspective piece in the New England Journal of Medicine that analyzed loan risk for graduate nursing students.
She previously served on the faculty of the New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing, where she earned her Master of Science in nursing education and PhD in nursing research and theory development.
