Highlights
Sharon Tucker becomes the second faculty member to be named the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing, which was established in 2009.
Endowed chair positions strengthen UCF’s preeminence by supporting outstanding faculty who conduct research, improve teaching and provide service to the community.
Tucker, who was appointed the College of Nursing’s dean in June 2025, is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on nursing practice and patient outcomes.
UCF Pegasus Partner Orlando Health has named Sharon Tucker, dean of UCF’s College of Nursing, the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing.
The prestigious endowed faculty position, which will support Tucker’s nursing research, teaching and scholarly activities, is just the latest example of how UCF is leveraging industry partnerships to drive real-world impact.
Tucker is a distinguished scholar in both psychiatric mental health nursing and evidence-based practice who has made sustained impacts on the field, for nurses and patients alike. She is nationally board certified as an adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and integrative nurse coach.
Her research, which has been published in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and presented around the world, focuses on behavior change through mental health and wellness interventions and organizational change through evidence-based practice.
“With its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.” — Sharon Tucker
“I am incredibly honored to be named to this esteemed endowed position, and grateful for Orlando Health’s support of the college,” says Tucker. “Partnerships are powerful and with its partnership, Orlando Health is elevating excellence in education and research to support future Knight nurses and improve the health of our communities.”
In addition to the new endowed chair appointment, Tucker holds the prestigious distinctions of fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing.
Orlando Health has been a long-standing partner of UCF and the College of Nursing. The Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2009, and Tucker is the second faculty member to be named to the appointment. It was formerly held by Professor Emerita Mary Lou Sole, the previous dean and a renowned critical care researcher.
Kelly Edmondson, Orlando Health’s senior vice president of nursing and patience care services, says the partnership speaks to the organization’s mission to improve the health and quality of life of the individuals and communities they serve.
“Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson says. “It is an honor to continue to partner with UCF to strengthen the nursing workforce and create a healthier future for all.”
In 2023, Orlando Health became one of UCF’s inaugural Pegasus Partners with a $5 million commitment to support the Dr. Phillips Nursing Pavilion as well as provide tuition assistance and additional paid internships for UCF nursing students.
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