Notes from the Dean

“We recognize that our work will change the lives of others.”

In their 1994 book, Competing for the Future, authors Gary Hamel and C.K. Prahalad discuss strategic intent and using it to bring dreams to life.

Last year, The University of Texas at Arlington joined the elite ranks of R-1 Carnegie Classification "highest research activity" universities, fulfilling a long-sought goal. Through strategic intent, the College of Nursing and Health Innovation is supporting the University, thriving as a major research destination and leader in teaching and learning excellence.

Strategic intent has three main components: direction, discovery, and destiny. A sense of direction gives a unifying purpose to everything in the organization. For the College, that direction is the advancement of one of UTA's four strategic themes: improving health and the human condition.

We recently added a Ph.D. in kinesiology. This addition sets the stage for enhanced discovery in the future of health and science. This spring we expanded our master's in nursing programs online to increase access to highly qualified health care practitioners. We are also taking steps to expand our doctorate in nursing practice program online.

Our faculty and staff have a sense of destiny. We recognize that our work will change the lives of others. To that end, there is another important aspect of strategic intent present in our College: sharing. We empower people to use their knowledge and expertise to achieve the best outcomes. Our faculty and staff regularly work in teams to ensure that a diverse range of perspectives helps us arrive at the best decisions.

As you will see in this issue, together we have mobilized this concept of strategic intent and helped transform our College into one of the nation's leading producers of health care professionals.

Anne R. Bavier, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Dean, College of Nursing and Health Innovation