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Q&A: Get to Know CNHS Interim Dean Dr. Barbara Haas

HaasWith two academic schools/departments, 95 full-time faculty and over 2,000 students, the UT Tyler College of Nursing and Health Sciences is one of the largest colleges at the University, conferring about 800 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees annually.

Dr. Barbara Haas has accepted the provost’s offer to serve as interim dean, effective Jan. 1, 2021. Former dean Dr. Yong Tai Wang’s immediate successor is no stranger to UT Tyler, having served the University since 1992. Previously, Haas served as associate dean of the college and the School of Nursing’s executive director. She also holds the UT Tyler Mary Coulter Dowdy Distinguished Professorship in Nursing.

Under her leadership, the School of Nursing has launched a number of successful initiatives, including the accelerated trimester baccalaureate program in nursing, the seamless pathway for concurrent associate and baccalaureate degrees in nursing as well as new graduate programs including Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in psychiatric and mental health nursing practice and Master of Science in nursing informatics. Haas serves numerous local and national organizations, including the national Nursing Education Exchange for doctoral granting Schools of Nursing, as chair and past chair; the Board of Directors of the Cancer Foundation for Life, as research director; and the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee for Chapel Hill High School in Tyler.

Can you please tell us about yourself? 

I have enjoyed 29 years so far at UT Tyler. I began in 1992 as a clinical instructor, shortly after moving here from New Mexico. I was inspired by my UT Tyler colleagues to return to school and earn my Ph.D. After completing that degree at UT Austin, I was reclassified as an associate professor and taught both undergraduate and graduate courses. In 2005, Dr. Klotz, dean at that time, requested I lead development of a PhD in nursing program. That led to the role of Ph.D. program director. For several years I enjoyed building that program until I was asked to assume the role of associate dean for graduate nursing programs in 2012. For the past five and a half years, I have had the privilege of serving as the executive director of the School of Nursing and associate dean for the college.

What led you to academia? 

I have always loved teaching. Even as an undergraduate nursing student, I knew that someday I wanted to teach (my undergraduate classmates thought I was crazy!). I enjoyed teaching patients and families while in practice as a registered nurse – it was something that came naturally to me. In every practice setting I worked, I volunteered to mentor new nurses and new employees and when I returned for my master’s degree in nursing, I elected the education track. It was a great decision!

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

The joy I get from teaching is generated by the students. It is extraordinarily gratifying to help students grasp a difficult concept; it is exciting to hear their ideas; and it is rewarding to see them become successful professionals upon graduation. I contend that I have always learned more from my students and patients than I ever gave to them.   

I love exploring new ideas. Serving in a leadership capacity has enabled me to have an impact on a larger scale within the School of Nursing. As interim dean, I will now have the opportunity to work with colleagues across the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and I look forward to hearing their ideas and supporting them as well. 

What do you like best about UT Tyler and the college? 

There are many things I like about UT Tyler and the CNHS, but they fall broadly into two areas: “people” and “freedom.” The School of Nursing has had numerous nationally known speakers, consultants, and program reviewers come to UT Tyler over the years. These external visitors consistently comment “you really have something special here” in reference to the culture of the institution and the School of Nursing. I believe it speaks volumes when someone external to the university can come for a few days and perceive the genuine caring and support that is inherent in all we do. 

While many perceive academia to be rigid and inflexible, that has not been my experience at UT Tyler. I have had the good fortune to have leaders who gave me permission to try new approaches, new roles, or create something new. I have never been bored during my time at UT Tyler! 

What does it mean to you being named interim dean of the college?

I am humbled and honored to be given this responsibility and this opportunity. The support from colleagues has been overwhelming and so encouraging. This is a critical time for our college and university and I am excited about being involved in planning for our future.

What is your future vision for continued success as interim dean?

I see my role as doing all I can to support the faculty and staff of the CNHS so they can focus on continued excellence in educating students, conducting research that impacts health and well-being, and serving our communities and the professions represented in our college. I am a strong advocate of shared governance. Knowing our faculty and staff as I do, I am confident that the CNHS will continue to thrive in the coming years.

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

The obvious immediate challenges include (1) navigating COVID while maintaining excellence in educating our students and (2) responding to the merger and the changes it will bring. However, every challenge is an opportunity to approach something from a different perspective and to grow in unexpected ways. I believe that COVID and the merger, while challenges, also provide us the opportunity to re-envision how we educate future health care professionals. The forced move to online education has taught us many lessons and also introduced new possibilities. Along with the CNHS leadership team, university administration, and external stakeholders, I hope we can pursue additional health-related programs such as speech pathology, nutrition and physical therapy. Working with our UTHSC colleagues, I would like to see many more interprofessional research teams. 

What most excites you about the merger with UT Health Science Center in Tyler?

The opportunities! This merger will have a major impact on our region. By combining the strengths of the two institutions we will have the opportunity to create strong interprofessional research teams and new programs. I look forward to working with colleagues at UT Health Science Center. I truly believe we can develop educational models that will become a model for others across the nation.

What are your hobbies/interests?

My husband and I love to travel! We have been to all 50 states, all seven continents and 40 countries. We still have several more on our bucket list!  When we are not traveling, I love being on and in the water – swimming, skiing, sailing and simply watching the sunrise over the lake. I enjoy reading and creative pursuits. Perhaps I will have time to take photography and painting classes if I ever retire!

Any family info you’d like to share?

I have been blessed to share my life’s journey with Charles (Charlie) Haas. He believed in me before I did. He motivated and supported me to continue to pursue my goals and dreams. Our grown daughters also work in education. Katie Hewitt and her husband Joe are both teachers at Chapel Hill High School. Maggie Ruelle is director of talent development and engagement, QEP director, and also teaches government at TJC; and her husband Justin is also a teacher at Chapel Hill High School. In addition to our two girls, I love our extended, blended family, including Kathy, David, and Jason Haas and their families.

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