New endowment expands tutoring program

A new endowment from long-time supporter Dorothy Nicholson will ensure the continued growth and impact of Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston’s tutoring program.

“We are thrilled to have this support,” said Linda Brown, PhD, assistant professor and director of the Academic Success Center. “It will make a huge difference in sustaining and advancing a program that benefits not only our students but also the communities they will serve as future nurses.”

Nicholson is a member and former chair of PARTNERS (Providing Advancement Resources to Nursing Education, Research, and Students). Her generous gift will secure a permanent funding source so that the Academic Success Center continues year after year to help students excel. Through a limited-time matching opportunity for eligible endowed gifts, the university is doubling the impact of this commitment.

Launched in 2011, the tutoring program pairs senior nursing students with their junior peers in group sessions focused on some of the most rigorous courses in the Pacesetter Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) curriculum. What began with seven tutors covering four courses has grown to more than 30 tutors serving nine courses, along with expanded service to the Cizik School of Nursing community.

“Our student tutors bring an invaluable perspective,” Brown said. “They have recently completed the same courses themselves, so they understand the challenges and can share practical strategies that worked for them, whether it is organizing notes or creating study guidelines.”

Tutors must meet rigorous academic criteria, complete training, and interview before taking on the role. In addition to supporting their peers, tutors gain teaching experience that strengthens their confidence and prepares them for future nursing careers.

In recent years, tutors have also participated in programs such as Inspiring and Growing Nursing Interest Through Exploration (IGNITE) for high school students and the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) as well as poverty and vaccine simulations. With the support of the new endowment, the plans are in place to continue expanding such opportunities to further enhance the tutors’ teaching experience.

Tutor Kenzie Nguyen, a Pacesetter BSN student, knows firsthand the impact the program can make. As a first-semester student, she relied on tutoring sessions to navigate demanding courses. Now, she tutors others in reproductive health and will add pediatrics to her role this fall.

“Tutoring gave me the confidence I needed when everything felt overwhelming,” Nguyen shared. “Now, being a tutor myself, I feel honored to help other students succeed. This program has been such a big part of my journey. I honestly don’t know where I would be without it.”

For Nguyen and her fellow tutors, the new endowment represents more than financial support. “It shows how much the school values student success,” she said. “It means we are doing something right, and it allows us to keep growing.”

PARTNERS is dedicated to funding student scholarships and faculty research through membership drives and fundraising events. Learn how you can get involved and support the nurses and health care innovations of tomorrow.

Merve Erten