Message from the Interim Dean of the College of Nursing

Welcome to the Texas Woman’s University College of Nursing. Our college is a nationally recognized leader in training nurses to become expert clinicians, nurse educators and nurse scientists. Our mission is to support and empower students of all ages and ethnic groups to address the health care needs and issues of the people in Texas, the nation, and the world. 

We are in a time of rapid societal and technological change, and the healthcare environment around us has led to great challenges. The demand for highly skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate nursing professionals has never been greater. TWU has an abundance of support structures to foster student success. We have distinguished faculty who diligently work to assure tomorrow’s nurses, health care leaders, and nurse scientists are fully equipped to meet challenges ahead. In addition, our dedicated staff members are focused on assisting the college meet our mission to ensure student success.

We value interprofessional approaches to care and experiential learning. Diversity, equity and inclusion are our goals as we strive to create a welcoming community where all are included, heard and respected. We encourage meaningful inquiry across divergent views and perspectives. 

Because of this, I am certain your time at the TWU College of Nursing will be inspiring, challenging and filled with wonderful opportunities to begin, build or expand your career. We look forward to providing you intellectually rich and experientially relevant training opportunities and will strive to support your professional growth because that will ultimately contribute to the overall health of all people. 

Sincerely,

Damon B. Cottrell, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CCNS, ACNS-BC
Interim Dean & Professor, College of Nursing

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Damon B. Cottrell, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CCNS, ACNS-BC

Professor & Interim Dean
Denton: ASB 216B
dcottrell@twu.edu 
940-898-2403

Education: Diploma, Baptist Memorial Hospital System School of Professional Nursing; BS, Texas Woman's University; MS, Texas Woman's University; DNP, Robert Morris University; Post-Master's Certificate, Indiana State University; PhD, University of Texas at Tyler

Primary Teaching Areas: Graduate: Family Nursing Practice

Areas of Expertise: Gender & Sexual Minorities, Emergency/Urgent Care, Men's Health, Professional Aspects of Advanced Practice, Clinical Leadership, Mentoring

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Jo-Ann Stankus, PhD, RN

Associate Professor & Interim Associate Dean - Denton
Denton: ASB 124
stankus@twu.edu 
940-898-2434

Education: BSN, University of the Incarnate Word; MSN, University of Texas at Arlington; MA, Texas Woman’s University; PhD, University of North Texas

Primary Teaching Area: Online Education, Education and Technology, and Ethics

Areas of Expertise: Teaching and Design Strategies for Online Education, Student Readiness for University Learning

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Kristine Morris, PhD, RN, CNE

Associate Clinical Professor & Interim Assistant Dean - Dallas
Dallas: Room 7512
kmorris1@twu.edu 
940-898-2478

Education: BSN, Harding University; MS, Texas Woman's University; PhD, University of North Texas

Primary Teaching Area: RN-BSN program, Blended BSN program

Research Interests: Best Practices for Teaching, Student Success, NCLEX Readiness

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Paula Clutter, PhD, RN, CNL, CNE, CENP, CMSRN

Professor & Associate Dean - Houston
Houston: Room 7519
pclutter@twu.edu 
713-794-2101

Education: BSN, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston; MSN, University of Florida; PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Primary Teaching Area: Adult Health, Clinical Nurse Leader

Research Interests: Evidence-Based Practice, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, Leadership & Management, Clinical Simulation

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Donna Scott Tilley, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN

Professor & Associate Dean - Research and Clinical Scholarship
Denton: ASB 216L
dtilley@twu.edu 
940-898-2425

Education: BSN, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing; MSN, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing; PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Research Interests: Gender Based Violence, Health of Mothers and Children, Nursing, Nursing Diagnosis, Research Culture, Campus Sexual Assault Prevention and Response

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Staff