A Message from the Dean

This issue of UBNursing reflects the depth and breadth of our work. Faculty, students and alumni are conducting research that addresses pressing health challenges, advancing educational innovation, earning national recognition, and building partnerships that strengthen the health of our communities.

Despite being the largest segment of the health care workforce, nursing continues to receive a fraction of the research funding awarded to other health disciplines. At UB School of Nursing, we are determined to change that. Our faculty, students and alumni lead studies that are rooted in the realities of patient care and informed by the expertise only nursing brings. The research you will read about in this issue demonstrates how nurses generate knowledge that informs policy, improves care delivery and addresses inequities. Whether investigating the effect of heat waves on kidney disease hospitalizations or evaluating how artificial intelligence can enhance nursing education, our researchers are contributing to science with insight that is grounded in practice.

Our commitment to educational excellence is equally strong. The State University of New York awarded UB SON $17 million to develop SUNY’s first Simulation Center of Excellence; UB has matched the investment for a total of $34 million, the largest in our school’s history. The new facility will be a place where students from UB and other schools of nursing across the state can refine their skills, apply evidence-based practices, and learn to navigate the complexities of clinical care before entering the workforce. Our recent endorsement by the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning affirms that we are using the highest standards in simulation education.

We also celebrate the exceptional achievements of our faculty. This year, five faculty were named fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the American Heart Association. These honors recognize sustained contributions to research, practice, education and leadership. They also signal to our students and to the broader health care community the level of expertise and dedication that defines UB School of Nursing.

Our work extends well beyond the university. In partnership with the Erie County Department of Health and Buffalo Public Schools, we are providing a series of free back-to-school vaccine clinics for students. These clinics help children meet state immunization requirements so they can start the school year healthy, protected and ready to learn. They also give our nursing students meaningful real-world experience in public health while advancing access to preventive care and supporting the wellness of the wider community.

In addition to these advances and accomplishments, we are proud to share that our RN to BS program has once again been ranked the number one online bachelor’s program in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This marks the second consecutive year we have earned this distinction, reflecting the expertise of our faculty, the commitment of our students and the strength of our academic programs.

The work featured in this issue is the product of a community dedicated to advancing nursing science, preparing future leaders and improving health outcomes. Whether you are an alumnus, donor, partner or friend of the school, your support is essential to this mission. I invite you to explore the impact of that shared commitment in the pages ahead.

With gratitude,
Dean Annette B. Wysocki, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNYAM