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Get to Know SON Interim Executive Director Dr. Jenifer Chilton

Associate professor of nursing Dr. Jenifer Chilton has been named interim executive director of the School of Nursing within the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. 

Chilton accepted Interim Dean Barbara Haas’ offer to serve effective Jan. 1, 2021. A UT Tyler double-alumna, she has served the University as faculty since 2007, and as the doctoral program director since 2015. Before coming to UT Tyler, Chilton was associated with the University as a preceptor for community health students while the head school nurse for the Jacksonville Independent School District. 

She is a member of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her academic specializations include health promotion and wellness. A Richardson, Texas, native, Chilton holds master’s and doctoral nursing degrees from UT Tyler.

In the following question and answer segment, learn more about Chilton and her vision for the school.

Can you please tell us about yourself?

I attended UT Austin and earned an education degree, thinking I wanted to be a biology teacher / drill team director, until I actually did my student teaching! Instead, I sold cheerleader supplies and decided I wanted to go back to school to become a nurse. I attended the University of Kansas and became a BSN, RN. It was the best professional decision I ever made – besides coming to work at The University of Texas at Tyler! I earned a master’s and Ph.D. in nursing from our wonderful university. 

I am married to Gene Chilton, and we have three grown children. Christopher works in Austin and is an engineer. Bryce, a UT Tyler graduate, enlisted with the Navy and is currently deployed. Shannon graduated from UT Tyler (BSN) this past fall and will be working as a mother-baby nurse at Medical City Plano.

Why do you enjoy doing what you do, and why do you enjoy working at UT Tyler? 

I enjoy my job because I learn something new every day. It never gets old! It is gratifying to help others achieve their educational dreams. I enjoy UT Tyler specifically because the faculty and staff are all about helping students be successful. The attitude of helping extends to faculty and staff. If you get in a pinch, there is always someone willing to help! Also, the campus is beautiful, and it is a joy to walk around the lakes when I need a break from the computer. 

What does it mean to you being named interim executive director of the SON?

I am honored and excited to serve as the executive director of the SON for several reasons. I have been part of this university for quite some time, and I understand the life-changing educational opportunities available here. I appreciate the legacy of the incredible women that envisioned the School of Nursing and created the foundation for what we have become today. Our history of innovation and ability to adapt and overcome remains. I am the product of the innovative minds who knew 20 years ago that online education was the future. It took COVID-19 to get many of the Tier 1 universities on board. Our people knew! I got to learn from those amazing women who celebrated strengths in others before strengths was a thing.  So, I am grateful to stand in this gap while we transition. I will hold onto our past and open the gate for things that are good.

What are some ideas you have that will move the school forward, and what do you see as current challenges as we go into a new year? 

Our theme this semester is “Just Breathe!” Our goals are to rest, reflect and restore.  We need  to regain our balance, appreciate all we have accomplished over the last year and prepare for what is next. We are going to work on restoring personal and professional margins. We are going to reflect on what we have accomplished this last year. We survived a pandemic while helping students achieve their dreams! The pandemic hit as we were rolling out a new curriculum and a new year-round academic calendar. We are going to rest from major changes and focus on the basics – teaching. We want to emphasize our SON mission and vision:

• To empower students to excel as nurse clinicians, leaders and scholars in a caring, learner-centered, strengths-based environment. 
• Be the leader in transforming lives through excellence in nursing education.

The biggest challenge going into the new year remains COVID-19, but ironically, it is also creating opportunities. Students and faculty are volunteering at NET Health and UT Health North to help with vaccination efforts. The collaboration has been tremendous and something everyone can be proud! 

What most excites you about the merger?

We anticipate many opportunities in the near future. Collaborations that were just talked about are actually happening! This is the time for big dreams so that 20 years from now, people will look back at us and think, “Wow, look what they built!” I don’t know what all that will look like, but I am just excited to be a part of it!

What are your hobbies/interests?

I am an active person and enjoy exercising. My latest obsession is yoga. I am a member of Be Free Yoga; they are the best! I encourage everyone to check it out!

#CNHS

Read more from the February 2021 issue!

Lending a Helping Hand: UT Tyler Aids With COVID Vaccine Clinics

International Spotlight: Get to Know H&K 2020 Grad Linet Juma