Department of Nursing Systems

The Department of Nursing Systems is comprised of four (4) divisions and houses three master’s level programs: MSN and Post-Master’s degrees concentrating in Gerontological Nursing, and Nursing Leadership and Administration in Health Systems, and a dual degree MSN-Master of Public Health (MPH) dual degree in conjunction with The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. In addition, faculty members of the department teach core courses in all program areas offered by the school: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Post-Master’s Program.

Divisions

• Community Health

  Community Health is broadly defined in nursing and focuses on the application of public health, professional nursing, community concepts, scientific methods, and critical thinking in the assessment and identification of populations at risk for major community health problems. The division supports these principles in teaching undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.

  Community Health Faculty

• Gerontology

  Due to the increased aging population, health care professionals have become increasingly aware of the complex needs of older adults and of the need for advanced practice gerontological nurses to help meet those needs. The Gerontology division prepares graduates to be specialists in the multidimensional care of older adults across diverse care settings.

  • MSN and Post-Master’s Clinical Concentrations: Gerontological Nursing

  Gerontology Faculty

• Management and Education

  The Management and Education division prepares students to take a leadership role in Administration and in Academic settings. The division is dedicated to student and graduate success through a rewarding academic experience in higher education.

  • MSN and Post-Master’s Concentration: Nursing Leadership and Administration in Health Systems

  Management and Education Faculty

• Theory, Research, and Statistics

  The faculty members in the Theory, Research, and Statistics division are actively involved in research projects within the School of Nursing. This division also prepares students to advance in their professional, educational, and research careers by teaching nursing theory, nursing research, and statistics.

  Theory, Research, and Statistics Faculty

Programs

• MSN-MPH Dual Degree Program

  The department offers a MSN-MPH dual degree in conjunction with The University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. The dual degree program allows students to enroll in both schools simultaneously and earn a MSN and a MPH.

• Center for Substance Abuse Education, Prevention, and Research

• Center on Aging

Department Chair and Staff

Sandra L. Upchurch, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
Assistant Dean & Department Chair
Office: SON 711
Phone: 713-500-2128
Fax: 713-500-2142
Email: Sandra.L.Upchurch@uth.tmc.edu

Pamela J. Nugent
Administrative Assistant I
Office: SON 710
Phone: 713-500-2139
Fax: 713-500-2142
Email: Pamela.J.Nugent@uth.tmc.edu

Deborah A. Collins
Sr. Staff Assistant
Office: SON 745
Phone: 713-500-2140
Fax: 713-500-2142
Email: Debra.A.Collins@uth.tmc.edu

Rhonda R. Richard, BS
Research Coordinator I
Office: SON 567
Phone: 713-500-2089
Fax: 713-500-2140
Email: Rhond.R.Richard@uth.tmc.edu

Fozia I. Steinkuller
Research Assistant I
Office: SON 567
Phone: 713-500-2188
Fax: 713-500-2140
Email: Fozia.I.Steinkuller@uth.tmc.edu