Advocates in action

The Nursing Advisory Council channels community connection, personal passion and a generous spirit to uplift future nurses and the faculty who guide them

By Kristen Zapata

For decades, the Nursing Advisory Council at UT Health San Antonio’s School of Nursing has served as a dedicated bridge between the school and the greater San Antonio community. Established by former Dean Patty Hawkins, the council was formed with a vision to connect the School of Nursing with influential voices in the region and advocate for the next generation of nurses.

Its mission has evolved over the years, but its core purpose remains steadfast — champion the School of Nursing, strengthen community engagement and directly support students and faculty in meaningful ways.

Rooted in support

The council is a community of San Antonians, many from the local corporate sector, who are committed to promoting excellence in nursing education. In 2024, it redefined its roles and responsibilities to closely align with the School of Nursing’s goals.

“We are community advocates for the school, speaking with business associates, friends and family about the school’s impact and helping to create new opportunities of support for the school,” said council Chair Terri Edlund.

Edlund, a longstanding supporter of UT Health San Antonio who has personally benefited from nursing care, said this support includes strengthening community ties, identifying opportunities for the school’s leaders to engage with the community and identifying ways to increase financial support through annual membership donations, space-naming prospects and special events.

The council’s history of being a driving force for linking key organizations and individuals with the school was evident through its annual luncheons, which raised substantial funds for nursing scholarships and faculty research.

“The luncheons were a vehicle for educating the public about the School of Nursing and the need for support,” said former council Chair Deborah “Debby” Hepburn. “Some attendees continued to include the school in annual contributions or provided endowments.”

While large-scale fundraising events like the luncheons are now primarily managed by the university’s development team, the advisory council continues to play an essential role in generating support through smaller, more personal gatherings.

A recent cocktail event hosted by Edlund and her husband raised $10,000, proving that community-driven efforts remain a powerful force for change.

“We are always looking for ways to generate consistent financial support,” Edlund said. “It’s an ongoing effort, but we know the impact is real.”

Advisory council members also actively promote the school’s excellence, encouraging the region’s leaders to invest in nursing education.

“Our members are informed advocates,” Hepburn noted. “We not only seek financial support, but also work to raise awareness of the high-quality education and research happening at the School of Nursing. It attracts quality faculty and staff and recruits students through a variety of forums.”

Direct impact

Beyond advocacy, the council plans to take a more active role in the lives of nursing students. One of its newest initiatives will be to host meals during finals week, where council members serve and interact with students, offering encouragement as they navigate their rigorous studies.

“We want students to know who we are and that we care about them,” Edlund shared. “We are rooting for their success.”

The advisory council is also working to revive a beloved tradition that was previously led by the alumni relations team — providing encouragement cards to new nursing students throughout their first year.

“In the past, while friends and family were waiting for the White Coat Ceremony to begin, they were encouraged to write a note to their student. The notes are gathered and held to be distributed to students after exams during their fifth semester,” Edlund said. “The council also plans to fill out and have available a supply of encouragement cards that can be given out to students who may not have had a friend or family member complete a card for them.”

“We want students to know who we are and that we care about them. We are rooting for their success.”

— Terri Edlund, chair, Nursing Advisory Council

The council’s fundraising contributions also create tangible opportunities for students to thrive.

“We steward emergency funds to help students in crisis, whether they needed assistance with rent, car repairs or a new computer. Sometimes, that little bit of support makes all the difference in helping them complete their education,” Hepburn shared.

Faculty members have also benefited from council-sponsored research grants, which serve as crucial seed money for innovative projects that might otherwise struggle to receive funding.

“Faculty often face challenges securing funding for research, especially at the early stages,” Hepburn explained. “The council’s support has provided an essential boost, allowing new projects to take root.”

Looking to the future

As council members look ahead, their primary goal is to establish a sustainable source of financial support for the School of Nursing. While the strategy is still taking shape, members remain committed to leveraging their community connections to back the school and its mission.

Additionally, the advisory council aims to increase Dean Sonya Hardin’s presence at community events, ensuring her message about the critical need to build a nursing workforce reaches a wider audience.

“She is a passionate speaker, and her message resonates with everyone,” Edlund said. “We want to get her in front of as many people as possible because we will all be in a position to benefit from the services of a nurse.”

Anyone interested in supporting the council’s mission has numerous opportunities to get involved. From attending hosted events to participating in student–alumni engagement initiatives, there are many ways to contribute to its vital network of support, “and we are always looking for new members,” said Edlund.

To learn more about the Nursing Advisory Council, contact Terri Edlund at 210-601-2058 or at terriedlund88@gmail.com.