Community Grant Supports Clinical Faculty Development, Enhancing Student Experience
Community Grant Supports Clinical Faculty Development, Enhancing Student Experience
El Paso Community Foundation awards generous grant to the College of Nursing to expand clinical faculty development
By Luisa Duenas
UTEP Marketing and Communications
The UTEP College of Nursing welcomes a generous $100,000 grant from the El Paso Community Foundation (EPCF) to support the development and expansion of a structured orientation program for newly hired part-time clinical faculty in the undergraduate nursing program.
The grant comes at a time of increased demand for healthcare providers in the region and the college’s ongoing mission to foster a progressive research-driven environment.
“We’re grateful to the El Paso Community Foundation for their generous grant in support of our BSN undergraduate program,” said Leslie K. Robbins, Ph.D., dean of the College of Nursing. “By expanding orientation experiences for our clinical faculty, this support will also strengthen our program and enrich our students’ learning.”
Although the EPCF grant supports faculty development directly by providing faculty with tools and resources to excel in clinical teaching roles, its ultimate impact reaches undergraduate nursing students. Clinical instructors play a key role in the development of specialized curricula that utilizes hands-on learning and real-world experiences. By equipping incoming faculty with a supportive and structured orientation, the College of Nursing ensures that the instructors can align with UTEP’s commitment to excellence and be well-prepared to educate the next generation of nurses from day one.
As a result of extensive faculty development, nursing students benefit from consistent, high-quality clinical instruction that enhances their skills in their academic courses and sharpens their confidence in clinical roles. At the same time, faculty experience an increase in teaching effectiveness and a smoother transition into UTEP.
“This initiative ensures our part-time undergraduate clinical educators are well-prepared and supported as they guide and mentor the next generation of nurses,” Robbins said. “The El Paso Community Foundation’s continued commitment to our college strengthens our ability to meet the growing health care needs of our region and beyond, and we thank them for their dedication in helping us advance excellence in nursing education.”
The El Paso Community Foundation was recognized during a special Nurse’s Week event on May 6, 2025 at the College of Nursing. The event celebrated the dedication of nursing professionals and highlighted the support that shapes the future of healthcare.
