First Doctoral Graduates at UT Tyler!!!!!

The University of Texas at Tyler’s nursing doctoral program will celebrate its first graduating class this semester, Dr. Linda Klotz, College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean, announced. Four students have completed a rigorous course of study and conducted independent research to qualify for the Ph.D. in nursing. “The University of Texas at Tyler reaches another milestone as the first ever doctoral students prepare to graduate in May. Graduates will help contribute to society by serving as nursing faculty as well as nurse scientists and leaders of the profession,” said Dr. Barbara Haas, doctoral program director. The inaugural Ph.D. graduates are Dr. Shellye Varadman of Troy, Ala., Dr. E’Loria Simon Campbell of Houston, and Dr. Monica Ramirez and Dr. Irene Gilliland, both of San Antonio. Currently 60 students from 12 states – with the majority located in Texas –are enrolled in the online program, which began fall 2008. Students complete two years of coursework, taking several required courses in philosophy and theory, statistics, research, policy and education, along with individualized courses that focus on the student’s particular area of research. Upon successful completion of all coursework and passing a doctoral preliminary exam, students are eligible to conduct independent research under a dissertation chair’s guidance. The university’s Ph.D. in nursing program focuses on health in communities within the context of culture. Campbell’s dissertation research project, “Empowerment as a Hypertension Management Strategy for African-American Women,” is the first in her program of research that focuses on health behaviors of African-American women. She was mentored and advised by Dr. Lynn Wieck, Braithwaite professor of nursing. Gilliland’s dissertation research project, “The Effects of a Community-Based Hospice Experience on Attitudes and Self-Perceived Competencies of Senior Nursing Students,” is the first in her program of research that focuses on end-of-life care. She was mentored and advised by Dr. Beth Mastel-Smith, associate professor of nursing. Ramirez’s dissertation research project, “A Cross-National Analysis of the Nutrition Habits of Hispanic Mothers and Daughters,” is the first in her program of research that focuses on health behaviors of Hispanic women. She was mentored and advised by Wieck. Vardaman’s dissertation research project, “Lived Experiences of Transitions of International Nursing Students,” is the first in her program of research that focuses on assimilation of foreign nursing students into U.S. culture and workforce. She was mentored and advised by Mastel-Smith. For more information, contact Haas, 903.566.7021 or BHaas@uttyler.edu.