Joy M. Harrison, DNP, MSN, RN, has come back to her alma mater as director of UT Health Services effective June 7, 2021. 

In this role, Harrison will work to expand the reach of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth’s nurse-led clinics while maintaining and growing efficient, financially sound operations. Among her first projects will be to oversee the possible relocation of the clinic from its current University Center Tower site (UCT 1620) to a larger and more visible space near UT Physician clinics within the Texas Medical Center. 

Harrison held various roles within the Texas Children’s organization since earning her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Houston Community College in 1991. She began as a staff nurse and then served as a nurse manager. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) in Galveston, she was promoted to assistant director for Texas Children’s Hospital’s after-hours call center and room management. 

Since 2006, Harrison served as assistant director of regional operations for Texas Children’s Pediatrics managed services organization. There, she led the operations of several practice locations and opened Community Cares sites that provide primary care to underserved communities. 

Harrison earned her Master of Science in Nursing from UTMB Health with a concentration in nursing administration in 2007 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in nursing executive leadership and administration from Cizik School of Nursing in 2019. In addition, she has earned certificates in quality and safety from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, health care management from the Rice University Executive Education Program, and Six Sigma as a green belt.