Student Success Network

Dean's Message

Dean of school of nursing

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.

Description

Useful tools and services are provided to help nursing students through their studies and beyond. These services are designed to meet academic, professional, and complementary needs. The academic support and resources available are:

Associate Dean for Student Success & Engagement, UTRGV School of Nursing

Dr. Eloisa G. Taméz, RN, PhD, MSCJ, FAAN

Associate Dean Dr Tamez

 

Dr. Taméz teaches across programs with a primary concentration on graduate education. She is the founder of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate. She received multiple awards for service to the profession. She is a retired Colonel of the United States Army. At present, she has an appointment from the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to the Disability and Compensation Advisory Committee.

 

Student Success Coordinator, UTRGV School of Nursing

Dr. Roda S. Galang, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN

Student success coordinator Dr Galang

Dr. Galang 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 and currently holds the position of clinical assistant professor and students’ success coordinator in 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, promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the application of knowledge essential for success in the nursing profession.

 

Dr. Eloisa J. Tamez, PHD, RN, FAAN - Associate Dean for Student Success & Engagement
Dr. Roda Galang, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN- Student Success Coordinator
 
BSN Academic Coaches
Ms. Maria Fechner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Dr. Edmundo Garcia, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Mrs. Vanessa Hale, MSN
Ms. Christina Limon, RN, MSN
Mr. Gregorio Rodríguez, MSN, RN
Ms. Margaret Rubi, MSN, RN
Dr. James Waters, DNP, APRN, FNP, NRCME