UT Tyler Announces New School of Nursing Dean
March 23, 2026 | Elizabeth Wingfield
The University of Texas at Tyler named Dr. Jenifer Chilton as the dean of the School of Nursing. Chilton has served as interim dean since 2025.
“A longtime and highly respected member of our School of Nursing faculty, she has served as interim dean, providing steady leadership,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Dr. Chilton brings a spirit of innovation and collaboration, along with a deep commitment to the university’s mission.”
Chilton first served as a preceptor for UT Tyler community health students in 2004 and became a clinical instructor in 2007. Starting in 2021, Chilton served as the associate dean for academic affairs, playing a key role in advancing the school’s academic mission, improving student outcomes and fostering a collaborative environment for faculty and staff.
“Dr. Chilton’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to the school’s mission of empowering students, faculty and staff to excel as leaders, scholars and nurse clinicians in a caring, person-centered, strengths-based environment,” said Provost Dr. Barbara K. Haas. “Her passion for embracing a vibrant culture in which individuals are supported, challenged and inspired to excel will position the school to continue to make meaningful contributions to the profession and the communities we serve.”
Chilton received her PhD in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing from UT Tyler. She has received statewide recognition for her service to nursing education, including the Excellence in Teaching Award by the Texas Organization of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Education and acceptance into the Texas Academic Leadership Academy. She is a member of various professional organizations such as the National League for Nursing, Texas Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,500 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.