CONHI celebrates 50 years of excellence
The College of Nursing and Health Innovation (CONHI) is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new 50th Anniversary webpage, where visitors can stay up to date on the latest events, submit their stories and photos and learn more about the college’s rich history at The University of Texas at Arlington.
The School of Nursing in Fort Worth received approval to open in 1971 and saw its first students enroll in 1972, becoming the sixth UT System school of nursing. In 1976, the program moved to the UT Arlington campus. The Department of Kinesiology was also first established in 1971 at UTA, with the name the Department of Health & Physical Education.
“What a momentous time to be in the College of Nursing and Health Innovation,” said Elizabeth Merwin, CONHI dean. “It is a very special time to be a student, faculty or staff member in our college, as we honor 50 years of nursing and kinesiology education. I am excited for the year ahead, as we have several events planned for our students and alumni to commemorate this milestone.”
CONHI is the No. 1 producer of baccalaureate-degreed nurses in Texas and a leader in addressing state and nationwide shortages of registered nurses. The college practices innovative health care research with internationally renowned faculty members specializing in cardiovascular conditions, aging, esophageal cancer, osteoporosis, bone disease, patient safety, health disparities and more.
Earlier this year, CONHI earned a Center of Excellence designation for the fourth time from the National League for Nursing, considered the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education.
In 2021, UTA began building the School of Social Work/CONHI Smart Hospital Building, a new facility that will house a modernized Smart Hospital, a simulation learning center that includes mock patient rooms and medical robots. The projected completion date for the building is November 2022.
“This 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate and honor our rich history at UTA,” Merwin said. “It is a chance to look back at the 50 years of academic excellence we are known for and to begin looking ahead to how we will help shape the next 50 years.”
As part of its anniversary, the college invites its community of students, alumni, donors, partners and other stakeholders to stay involved. Here’s how:
- Visit the new 50th Anniversary webpage to stay up to date on the latest events.
- Submit your story about your time in CONHI.
- Express interest in a local alumni event.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Email CONHI50@uta.edu with ideas and suggestions.
- Written by Sarah McBride, College of Nursing and Health Innovation