SONSHINE
2026-2029 Strategic Plan
Message from Dean ad interim
Kristen Starnes‑Ott
The legacy established at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing is strong. The collective efforts by our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community partners have not only advanced nursing education, but have provided life‑changing opportunities for students and faculty who will continue to strengthen the nursing workforce for decades to come. I am profoundly proud of what we have achieved collectively, and I am excited to share the vision for our future.
The new strategic plan has been developed alongside countless stakeholders at the local, regional, and state levels. We understand that the work we do here at UTMB ripples across the state and we feel passionate about that positive impact reaching populations around the world.
Since joining UTMB School of Nursing in 2020, the VISION 2025 strategic plan was set forth to CREATE the future for nursing excellence. This model not only laid a solid foundation for the school but set us on a path of growth that I have been immensely proud to support.
Throughout it all, the commitment to excellence and unwavering devotion to quality healthcare has been a throughline that we are proud to showcase. As we honor our successful past, I am proud to know that the School of Nursing will continue not only to thrive in these pursuits but to SHINE bright as an innovative leader in education, research, practice, and service.
As we head into the new year with a fresh strategic plan, I hope you find pride in everything we have accomplished together. The sense of community we have created and our ongoing commitment to excellence and care are what make our UTMB School of Nursing so special. I’m excited for all that lies ahead, and grateful to be part of this journey where passion meets purpose!
Let’s SHINE together,
Kristen Starnes-Ott, PhD, BS, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP
Dean ad interim
Vice Dean Academic Affairs and Professor Betty P. Akins Endowed Chair in Nursing UTMB School of Nursing
Mission, Vision, Values
The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing
MISSION
We improve the health of communities in Texas and around the world by advancing nursing excellence through leadership, clinical practice, education, research, and service.
VISION
To create the future as leaders in innovative nursing education, promoters of high impact research, and as transformers of health and healthcare.
VALUES
We, at the UTMB School of Nursing, will achieve excellence and professionalism through compassion, integrity, respect, lifelong learning, and accountability.
Strategic Planning Process by the Numbers
NUMBER OF LEADERS ON THE PLANNING TEAM REPRESENTING VARIOUS SCHOOL FUNCTIONS
21 YEAR
SPAN OF YEARS TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR TARGETED OUTCOMES 3
107 8
STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGED IN INTERVIEWS AND FOCUS GROUPS
VARIED STAKEHOLDER GROUPS CONSULTED
MAJOR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES TO ORGANIZE GOALS
30
OBJECTIVES IDENTIFIED BY PLANNING TEAM TO ENSURE MISSION AND PRIORITY ALIGNMENT 5
UTMB School of Nursing Strategic Planning Process
A comprehensive, stakeholder driven strategic planning process was undertaken by the UTMB School of Nursing (SON) starting in early 2025, charting a bold direction for the school spanning 2026 to 2029. The process was facilitated by Clarus Consulting Group and grounded in extensive stakeholder engagement, leadership alignment, and a deep analysis of environmental opportunities and challenges.
Collaborative Planning: The planning process centered on over 107 stakeholders across eight distinct communities of interest, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, university leaders, community members, and clinical partners. Through interviews and focus groups, participants provided input on SON strengths, gaps, and future possibilities, ensuring the plan reflects broad institutional insight and builds shared ownership.
Leadership Alignment and Vision
Setting: The effort began with a leadership development session designed to strengthen cohesion and prepare leaders to champion the forthcoming plan. Leadership emphasized that the school must be recognized as a model of nursing excellence, with innovation, academic clinical integration, research, workplace culture, and technology leadership as core pillars.
Development of Strategic Priority Areas: The strategic plan crystalized into priorities that articulate the school’s ambitions. Each priority is supported by clearly defined goals and a set of detailed objectives to guide and develop outcome metrics.
Strategic Plan 2026-2029
S ustainable Growth and Workplace Culture
H igh Impact Research
I nnovation and Technology Leadership
N ursing Workforce Development
E ducational Excellence and Student Success
The UTMB SON strategic plan is not just a roadmap. It is a shared commitment shaped by broad engagement and reinforced through intentional structures for sustainability. Through clear priorities, aligned leadership, and integrated implementation strategies, the SON is positioned to advance innovation, strengthen the nursing workforce, expand research impact, and secure the foundation needed for long‑term excellence.
The foundation that holds our past accomplishments….
Culture
Create a healthy work environment with a commitment to engage our community and to develop professionally in ways that are meaningful to each person while simultaneously working together to reach our full potential.
Research
An investment in the necessary infrastructure to build strong nursing research programs that are committed to improving healthcare outcomes and health care systems through high impact research.
Education
Through innovative pedagogies in a student-centered environment, we will equip our graduates to provide high quality compassionate care in communities regionally, nationally, and globally.
Advance Innovation
We will not only support, but foster and promote a culture of innovation and creativity aimed at addressing the challenges facing education and health care today.
Transformation
We will invest in a meaningful way to create a healthier future for diverse populations which begins through transformative education and practice that influences systems and systems change.
Engagement
By advancing our professional network and community partnerships, we will increase opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni, and foster lasting local and global collaborations.
Sustainable growth
Secure the resources required to achieve growth and sustainability and advance the School’s boldest aspirations, including a supportive, engaged workplace where people are valued and their contributions celebrated.
H I Nigh impact research
Advance scholarship and research that improves health outcomes focused on accelerating discovery, expanding interdisciplinary collaboration, and translating evidence into meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery.
nnovative leadership
Lead in the momentous integration of technology and innovation to pioneer transformation in nursing education and practice.
ursing workforce
Set the standard for seamless academic-clinical integration that strengthens graduate readiness and the nursing workforce.
ducational excellence
Advance health through integrated education and workforce development programs that embed global health principles, community partnership, and population health competencies across academic programs and academic–clinical initiatives to prepare graduates who are practice‑ready to improve outcomes.
….To the future where we will continue to SHINE
SHINE through Strategy
SWe understand that the work we do at UTMB School of Nursing ripples far beyond our walls and we feel passionate about that positive impact reaching populations around the world. Through clear priorities, aligned leadership, and integrated implementation strategies, the SON is positioned to advance innovation, strengthen the nursing workforce, expand research impact, and secure the foundation needed for long term excellence.
Sustainable growth and workplace culture
UTMB School of Nursing will ensure sustainable growth by demonstrating measurable value across all programs, diversifying funding, and fostering a culture of collaboration.
By optimizing operations and using data-driven insights, we strengthen our ability to recruit and retain top talent while elevating our national reputation.
Simultaneously, we cultivate a culture of trust, well‑being, and professional growth to create an environment where faculty and staff are empowered to thrive and drive long‑term success.
HHigh-impact research
UTMB School of Nursing will advance nursing science and improve health outcomes by diversifying research funding and strengthening leadership capacity.
By building a robust research ecosystem, supported by strong infrastructure and strategic partnerships, we ensure relevance, collaboration, and measurable impact on community health.
These efforts will cultivate the next generation of nurse scientists and engage communities in research that drives innovation locally, nationally, and globally.
IInnovative
learning and technology leadership
To position UTMB School of Nursing as a leader in healthcare innovation, we will adopt AI-driven solutions and emerging technologies that enhance efficiency and transform care delivery. By aligning with UT System and UTMB Health priorities, we will build partnerships that accelerate discovery, commercialization, and entrepreneurial growth. This commitment empowers faculty, staff, and students to lead in innovationdriven environments, elevate their national and global impact, and advance nursing science for a healthier future.
NNursing workforce development
UTMB School of Nursing will strengthen the link between education and practice by establishing a unified integration strategy with UTMB Health that aligns shared goals, resources, and workforce needs across all care settings. By formalizing roles, creating lifelong learning pathways, and collaborating on value‑based initiatives, we ensure seamless alignment between teaching and practice to improve quality and manage costs. These efforts will elevate the visibility of academic–clinical achievements, demonstrating impacts that benefit patients, providers, and communities.
EEducational excellence and student success
UTMB School of Nursing will prepare practice-ready leaders and expand a future-ready nursing workforce by strengthening a student-centered culture that prioritizes engagement, personalized learning, and responsive support. By adapting programs to market needs, advancing teaching with immersive technologies, and embedding interprofessional education, we ensure exceptional academic outcomes and transformative learning experiences. These efforts will enhance our national reputation, grow enrollment, and build excellence that positions us as a leader in innovative nursing education.
Together we SHINE
Charting a Bold Path for the Future of Nursing
