The School of Nursing Newsletter

Starck Truth Header

The School of Nursing Newsletter - From the Office of Dean Patricia Starck


July 02, 2009

We started the week off with some good news.  The Vivian L. Smith Foundation has awarded us $50,000 to support BSN education.  They have been faithful supporters for many years.

From Executive Council July 1, 2009
Dr. Boutwell gave an update on the SACS self-study and report process.  The final report will be 700 pages and 1000 narratives.  There will be a website and a DVA.  The QEP requires campus wide involvement.  The topic will be Ethics and a revised proposal is in the process of being prepared.  It is expected to be 75 pages with 25 pages of Appendices.  The QEP will be the focus of the April, 2010 visit and anyone interviewed on the Standards may also get asked about the QEP.  (We continue to be very thankful to Dr. Christine Brosnan, who is leading the effort for the SON, and to all others who are participating.)

Michelle Morris encouraged all to participate in the online survey regarding our branding initiative.  There will be a 1 ½ day retreat later in July to focus on this effort.

HOOP Policies revisions were approved for:

  • Reviews of Administrators
  • Employment Eligibility; Health Assessment (combined)

Dr. Kaiser called our attention to an IOM list of 100 priorities for comparison effectiveness research and encouraged us to take advantage of the 1 billion dollars available to fund projects.  See: http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3809/63608/71025.aspx.

Dr. Ken Shine, Executive Vice Chancellor of Health Affairs at UT System will be setting up a task force.  Our representatives are likely to be Dr. Eric Thomas and Dr. Jon Tyson of the Medical School. 
Sabrina Midkiff reported on the Special Session of the Texas Legislature called by Governor Rick Perry.  Her office will monitor.  She announced that U.S. Rep. John Culberson will be visiting the campus next week.

Dr. Peter Davies and others appointed by Dr. Kaiser will be examining existing Councils for structure, function, and utility.

The search firm, Spencer Stuart is handling the recruitment of an Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs on our campus who will have a different role than the current position.  A campus search committee has been appointed.

Dr. Kaiser is having regular meetings with Dr. John Mendelsohn, President of MD Anderson to promote expanded collaboration between our two institutions.


I hope everyone has a safe and happy July 4th weekend.


Dean Starck