TWU to celebrate Nursing PhD program

Jan. 28, 2022 — DENTON — The world has learned many lessons the past two years with the sudden arrival of — and adjustments to — COVID-19, perhaps none more pressing than there is an overwhelming need for more nurses.

Nurses, however, do not just appear. It takes education and training as well as research into the best ways to nurse patients. That requires doctoral-educated nurses with careers in health administration, education, clinical research, and advanced clinical practice.

The Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing has been training PhD students for those roles for more than 50 years. And if the world has changed dramatically over the past two years, the evolution of TWU’s nursing science PhD program over 50 years is immeasurable.

“I have seen remarkable change that has kept TWU on the cutting edge of doctoral nursing education,” said PhD Program Director Sandra Cesario, PhD. “Applications of the latest technologies have enhanced our delivery format, expanded statistical capabilities, and allowed for growth beyond Texas borders.”

In 1995, Cesario made the five-hour drive from northeast Oklahoma to attend classes in person every week in order to complete her doctorate. Since then, Cesario has seen TWU’s PhD in nursing science go online to reach more students outside of Texas and internationally long before the pandemic forced other programs to adapt.

Clinical nurses with a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) have an opportunity to bridge easily to the research doctorate at TWU. Cesario has also seen significant growth in statistical abilities.

“Texas Woman’s provides incredible statistical support to our students through the high-level statistical packages and support of statisticians. This greatly improved the rigor of dissertation research and facilitates publication,” Cesario said.

That tradition of nursing innovation and excellence has a significant impact to the state. Texas Woman’s awards more than 20% of all nursing doctorates conferred by Texas public universities.

Now that the TWU College of Nursing has reached its 50-year milestone, Cesario and Dean Rosalie Mainous, PhD, want to recognize the faculty and students who have made it possible. The College of Nursing will celebrate 50+ years of the PhD program at the Golden Anniversary Gala Weekend in Houston on March 4-6.

There will be opportunities to meet the dean, tour the College of Nursing, hear a presentation on making an impact in nursing education by Deborah Trautman, PhD, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) President and chief executive officer, and more.

The highlight of the weekend will be the gala on March 5 at the Omni Houston Hotel. The celebration concludes with a Sunday breakfast.

More than 700 students have earned a PhD in nursing science from Texas Woman’s University and the College of Nursing will honor them and the faculty who taught them during the celebration weekend.

Page last updated 9:29 AM, May 8, 2023