The school, which supports the university\u2019s academic health center and health system,\u00a0UT Health San Antonio<\/a>, earned the designation in \u201cStudent Learning and Professional Development,\u201d to go along with\u00a0one previously awarded<\/a>\u00a0in \u201cPromoting the Pedagogical Expertise of Faculty.\u201d Pedagogical relates to the methods and practices of teaching.<\/p>\n The UT San Antonio School of Nursing is one of only 19 nursing education programs nationwide, and two in Texas, that will be formally awarded at the Honors Convocation of the 2026 NLN Education Summit in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 25. It remains the only school headquartered in San Antonio with a NLN Center of Excellence designation and one of only six statewide \u2013 and now is the only school in Texas with two active designations.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the School of Nursing, we are deeply committed to creating an educational environment where students are challenged to grow as clinicians, professionals and leaders,\u201d said Sonya Renae Hardin, PhD, APRN, FAAN, dean of the UT San Antonio School of Nursing. \u201cThis designation recognizes the extraordinary work of our faculty in advancing innovative, evidence-based approaches to nursing education, the dedication of our staff in supporting student success and the strong partnerships we have built with students, clinical partners and the communities we serve.<\/p>\n \u201cTogether, these efforts create meaningful learning experiences that prepare graduates for evidence-based practice, professional leadership and lifelong learning,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Fewer than 100 out of thousands of institutions with nursing programs nationally hold a Center of Excellence distinction in at least one of five designated areas, for achieving a sustained level of excellence. The designations are good for five years, but can be re-awarded.<\/p>\n \u201cThis recognition reflects a culture of collaboration in which faculty continually advance how we teach, staff members support the student experience, students actively engage in their learning and our clinical and community partners help connect education to the evolving needs of the profession and the people we serve,\u201d said Azizeh K. Sowan, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor and associate dean for strategic initiatives at the UT San Antonio School of Nursing. \u201cTogether, we are preparing nurses who can lead, adapt and advance the profession while improving health across our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n The recognition is designed to distinguish those organizations that demonstrate sustained, evidence-based and substantive innovation in the selected area; conduct ongoing research to document the effectiveness of such innovation; set high standards for themselves; and are committed to continuous quality improvement. Such recognition indicates a commitment by the organization as a whole to pursue and sustain excellence in a selected area.<\/p>\n The NLN, founded in 1893, is the premier U.S. organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The Center of Excellence designees located throughout the country represent the spectrum of higher education in nursing, from certificate-granting programs through advanced-degree academic institutions.<\/p>\n \u201cEarning the NLN Center of Excellence designation reflects the hard work and commitment by these nursing schools and programs to sustain innovation and excellence in every aspect of the academic experience, from classroom to clinic to campus life,\u201d said NLN president and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. \u201cWe applaud the 2026 NLN Centers of Excellence and thank them for demonstrating values and actions that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary in nursing education.\u201d<\/p>\n Information about the Center of Excellence program and application process can be found at NLN.org. For more information about the 2026 NLN Education Summit, visit\u00a0Summit.NLN.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Sonya-Hardin.jpg\")
Sonya Renae Hardin, PhD, APRN, FAAN<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/27A_195_13070105_3897204998_4.jpg\")
Azizeh Sowan, PhD, RN, FAAN<\/p>\n