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Dean's Message
The mission of the UTRGV School of Nursing is to educate individuals to meet the health care needs of the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. We are committed to fostering an environment where students succeed in their pursuit to become Registered Nurses. To make this a reality, as dean, one of my initiatives is to create a Student Success Center for nursing students. Our goal is to:
Support our students in achieving their academic goals in a timely manner and reaching their professional aspirations through excellent integrated learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Lilia Fuentes, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Dean- School of Nursing, Lillian O. Slemp Endowed Chair in Nursing/Associate Professor
Our key initiatives for student success are:
- Increase experiential learning opportunities that enrich the academic experiences of all students and link to future careers and advanced study.
- Support high-quality and innovative instruction through faculty development, curricular evaluation, course redesign, empirically supported learning strategies, and universal design of learning.
- Increase access to courses across campuses and platforms for students to make timely progress to graduation.
- Provide excellent academic advising through highly trained advisors, robust technological tools, timely outreach to students, and self-advisement tools.
Cultivate a campus environment that supports students’ resilience and interpersonal skills to enhance relationship development, personal health, and safety.
The purpose is to support at-risk students in navigating the challenges of their academic journey and achieving success in the School of Nursing. Current students who have shown mastery in courses will assist at-risk students in a positive and active peer learning environment.
The purpose is to provide an environment of well-being through social and community engagement. Family, faculty, staff, and peers play a crucial role in a nursing student’s life. This support during the teaching and learning process is vitally important to achieve academic success. The inclusion of families at new student orientation and other school events, regular social events for nursing students and faculty, and support for student engagement in community events are a few of the activities planned.
Associate Dean for Student Success & Engagement, UTRGV School of Nursing
Dr. Rebecca M. Hernandez is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. With more than 16 years of clinical experience, her background includes pediatric intensive care (RN), transitional care, rural medicine, and internal medicine as a family nurse practitioner.
A South Texas native, Dr. Hernandez earned her BSN and MSN–FNP from the University of Texas–Pan American and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been full-time faculty at UTRGV since 2015 and served as Graduate Program Coordinator for the MSN Family Nurse Practitioner and Post-Master’s Certificate programs from 2023-2025.
Her teaching and clinical interests focus on improving holistic care and preventative health within diverse communities and educating and mentoring the next generation of Family Nurse practitioners.
Rebecca Hernandez, DNP, APRN, FNP-BCRebecca.Hernandez@utrgv.edu
Office: EHABE 2.222
O: 956-665-3859
D: 956-665-3491
Student Success Coordinator, UTRGV School of Nursing
Dr. Roda Galang DNP, MSN, BSN, RN is dedicated to planning, implementing, and evaluating student success initiatives in the BSN undergraduate program. With 15 years of experience in undergraduate nursing education at South Texas College, she currently holds the position of clinical assistant professor and student success coordinator at the UTRGV School of Nursing. Dr. Roda Galang's teaching philosophy revolves around student-centered approaches. Acknowledging individual strengths, needs, and learning styles, Dr. Roda Galang prioritizes meeting students where they are and tailoring instruction to their unique requirements. By integrating active learning strategies such as case studies, simulations, and group discussions. Dr. Galang fosters an environment that enhances experiences, and promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the application of knowledge essential for success in the nursing profession.
Dr. Roda S. Galang, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN
Student Success Coordinator, UTRGV School of Nursing
Roda.Galang@utrgv.edu
EHABE 2.112G
- Dr. Patricia Cortez-Animas, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC | patricia.cortez01@utrgv.edu | BLHSB 2.166
- Ms. Maria Fechner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C | maria.fechner@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.201
- Dr. Roda S. Galang, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN | roda.Galang@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.112G
- Dr. Edmundo Garcia, DNP, RN, FNP-BC | edmundo.garcia03@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.216
- Dr. Jolly Jaison, RN, MSN, FNP-C | jolly.jaison@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.112B
- Dr. Pauline Jojo, DNP, CNM, MSN, BSN, RN | pauline.jojo@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.172
- Dr. Kochurani Joseph, DNP, RN, MSN, FNP-BC | kochurani.joseph@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.212
- Mrs. Vanessa Hale, MSN | vanessa.hale@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.217
- Ms. Christina Limon, RN, MSN | christina.limon01@utrgv.edu | BLHSB 1.718
- Ms. Melissa A. Vasquez Medrano, MSN, APRN, FNP-C | melissa.vasquezmedrano@utrgv.edu | BLHSB 2.184
- Ms. Anna Rodriguez, MSN, RN | anna.rodriguez@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.182
- Ms. Margaret Rubi, MSN, RN | margaret.rubi01@utrgv.edu | BLHSB 1.734
- Dr. James Waters, DNP, APRN, FNP, NRCME | james.waters@utrgv.edu | EHABE 2.182