September 2025

Florida Atlantic University College of Nursing Demonstrates Community Impact in New Report

The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is pleased to announce the release of its fiscal year 2024-2025 Community Engagement report. Highlighting the numerous outreach activities of nursing students, the report also features articles about the extensive volunteer work and philanthropy of the college’s faculty, staff and Advisory Board.

The report showcases the range and impact of the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center, as well as the Florida Atlantic University Northwest Community Health Alliance (FAU/NCHA) Community Health Center in surrounding areas. Learn how the college is putting caring science into action. Read More

College of Nursing Receives $1.8 Million Gift from Mark Bruce Swillinger

Florida Atlantic University's Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing has received a $1.5 million gift from Mark Bruce Swillinger in memory of his wife, Marilyn Lee Swillinger, to establish an endowed professorship in hospice and palliative care nursing. The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professor will expose nursing students to specialized studies in hospice and palliative care throughout their nursing education. Additional gifts totaling $300,000 name the dean’s conference room for Marilyn Lee Swillinger, and the collaborative classroom for Mark and Marilyn together.

Marilyn Lee Swillinger, who passed away on Oct. 30, 2023, after a two-year battle with lung cancer, was especially passionate about supporting health care and the arts. She was a longtime member of the College of Nursing’s advisory board and supported other FAU colleges and departments, in addition to numerous other local charitable organizations.

“This is my opportunity to memorialize Marilyn and give back to the community, which has given so much to us,” said Mark Swillinger. “I can’t say enough about the treatment that hospice gave to Marilyn and me. It’s important not only to the people in need but also for everyone within our community.”

The Mark Bruce and Marilyn Lee Swillinger Endowed Professorship in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing will provide support in perpetuity for a professor with expertise in hospice and palliative care who will direct the integration of this nursing specialty into the undergraduate curriculum that includes academics, simulation, clinical training, and preparation for certification in all levels in hospice and palliative care. This professor will also introduce students to this important specialty early in their academic careers and promote and prepare them for rewarding careers in hospice and palliative care.

“As a member of the College of Nursing’s first advisory board, Marilyn had a profound influence on the college, helping it grow to what it is today,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean of Nursing. “Hospice and palliative care are so important to the community, and so many lives are going to be impacted because of Mark’s generosity.” Read More

FAU Giving Day 2025

On Thursday, Sept. 18, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are encouraged to make charitable donations to a college or program of their choice, including the College of Nursing, its new Simulation Center, the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center and Community Health Centers.

Florida Atlantic University’s annual Giving Day emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and fosters a sense of community and engagement. A gift of any amount supports student scholarships, faculty research and programs that impact the South Florida community and beyond. Give Now

Calling All Nursing Alumni!

You're Invited to Attend a Fall Reception

The Nursing Professionals Alumni Network invites you to attend their fall reception on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Davie campus! This special gathering celebrates Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing graduates. Come connect with fellow Owls and enjoy refreshments as we honor their compassion and leadership. RSVP here by Thursday, Sept. 25.

Please note: New users will be required to create an account in order to RSVP.

Christine E. Lynn Advanced Nursing Simulation Clinic Set to Open in September

Students in the College of Nursing will have access to a newly renovated, state-of-the-art simulation lab that is focused on strengthening the high-tech nursing skills in today's rapidly changing field of health care. The college will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Christine E. Lynn Advanced Nursing Simulation Clinic on Sept. 24, along with a portrait unveiling of Dr. Safiya George, former Holli Rockwell Trubinsky Eminent Dean, on the university's Boca Raton campus.

Student News

Student organizations are an excellent way to expand your personal and professional growth, as well as help you build a strong support network. From research to faith-based groups, there's an Owl community for you! To learn more and view a complete listing of nursing organizations, click here.

Welcome back, Nursing Owls! Students on the Boca Raton and Davie campuses enjoyed special luncheons to kick off the fall semester in August. Have a healthy and successful year!

Student Spotlight: Gabriel Fonarov

Learn how Gabriel Fonarov, a Freshman Direct Admit student, is driven by a deep passion for service and a commitment to encouraging other students to become more involved in nursing education. As president of the College of Nursing’s Student Council, Fonarov is leading by example. He is spearheading efforts to strengthen communication between nursing students and faculty within the college.

"The Student Council offers a chance for student voices to be heard,” stated Fonarov. “We help our peers feel more engaged in their education by providing a platform for open dialogue with their instructors.” Read More

Alumna Spotlight: Rachel Huerta '07, '11

Florida Atlantic University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomed seven new directors this fall, including Rachel Huerta ’07, ’11. Huerta, a two-time alumna, received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Florida Atlantic. She is a nurse practitioner and owner of Direct Primary Care of Boca Raton. Read More

News and Events

Explore a new approach to healing! Our new Advanced Holistic Practice & Nurse Coach certificate program offers BSNs or higher the tools to care for others and themselves. The fully online, 12-credit course is open to non-degree seeking students and upon completion, students are eligible to apply for board certification. Apply by Nov. 15 for Spring 2026! Learn More

Staff from the College of Nursing engaged with attendees at the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network's annual conference from Aug. 21 to 23 in Orlando. They shared information about the college's graduate programs and preceptor opportunities. View Photos

Advance your education! The College of Nursing offers a range of professional development courses, all based in the caring philosophy of our college, which are designed to fit your schedule and your life. Learn more about our certificate course here.

Research News

Assistant Professor Named Recipient of Distinguished International Nursing Award

This summer, Dr. Rita Gengo received the Distinguished Global Contribution to Nursing Knowledge and Nursing Diagnosis award from The Marjory Gordon Program for Clinical Reasoning, Decision Making and Knowledge Development at Boston College. She was recognized at the 2025 North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International (NANDA-I) conference held June 3 to 6, in Lisbon, Portugal. NANDA-I aims to be a global force for the development and use of nursing’s standardized terminology to ensure patient safety through evidence-based care.

Faculty and Staff News

During the month of August, the college hosted two different faculty events. The annual faculty retreat was held on Aug. 13 at the Hillsboro Club, providing opportunities for attendees to reconnect and discuss ways to enhance collaboration, intentional health and student success. The new faculty orientation took place on Aug. 14 at the Boca Raton campus with an introduction to academic programs and faculty roles.

Breanne Levarity, Ph.D., BSN, is now a visiting instructor at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. Levarity received her BSN-Ph.D. degree from Florida Atlantic in 2024. Following her graduation, she served as an adjunct clinical instructor in the college.

Manika Petcharat, Ph.D. '18, MSN, RN, became a visiting instructor at the College of Nursing this August. Dr. Petcharat is a nursing instructor from Thailand who has over 17 years of teaching experience. After relocating to the U.S. in 2024, she worked as a registered nurse in the Adult Day Care Center at the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center.

In the Media

Dr. Lisa Wiese and Healthier Glades Project Director Annie Ifill were guest speakers on the Palm Beach Treasure Coast Perspective podcast with Deb Knepp. Together, they discussed the Healthier Glades’ focus on behavioral health, with the goal for residents to thrive physically, emotionally and spiritually (Aug. 14).

The September issue of South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report features a front-page interview with Dr. Beth King describing the College of Nursing's Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) concentration.

Upcoming Events

Sept. 11: Freshman Direct Information Session

Sept. 16: AI/ML Club Meeting "AI for Healthcare Design"

Sept. 18: Virtual RN to BSN Information Session

Sept. 18: Virtual Accelerated BSN Track Information Session

Sept. 18: Virtual Graduate Admission Information Session

Sept. 23: DNP/Ph.D. Doctoral Café from 6-7 p.m.

Oct. 2: Graduate College Open House

Every Tuesday: Free Yoga Classes

Faculty Publications

BOOK CHAPTERS:

Barry, C., Martinez, R. C. K. P., & Heinze, K. E. (2025). Community health nursing: extraordinary nursing caring for persons using folkloric health and wellness practices. In Z. R. Wolf & M. E. Wright (Eds.), Extraordinary nursing practice: Multiple roles, caring practices (pp. 39–59). Cambridge Scholars Publishing

King, B., Alberts, L., & Banzhaf, S. E. (2025). Psychiatric-mental health advanced practice nurses: Extraordinary nurses’ caring in primary care practice. In Z. R. Wolf & M. E. Wright (Eds.), Extraordinary nursing practice: Multiple roles, caring practices (pp. 60-84). Cambridge Scholars Publishing

Stubin, C., & Mendonca-Cali, L. (2025). Critical care nurses: Extraordinary nursing in volatile practice situations. In Z. R. Wolf & M. E. Wright (Eds.), Extraordinary nursing practice: Multiple roles, caring practices (pp. 25–38). Cambridge Scholars Publishing

PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:

*Baig, M. M., Besser, L. M., Tolea, M. I., Kleiman, M. J., Chang, L. C., O’Shea, D. M., Chrisphonte, S., Wiese, L., & Galvin, J. E. (2025). Correlates of post-COVID-19 pandemic worry and preventive practices in older adults in Florida. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1608352

*Cook, D., Walker, A., Minor, B., Luna, C., Tomaszewski Farias, S., Wiese, L., Weaver, R., & Schmitter-Edgecombe, M. (2025). Understanding the relationship between ecological momentary assessment methods, sensed behavior, and responsiveness: Cross-study analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Mhealth and Uhealth, 13, e57018. https://doi.org/10.2196/57018

de Carvalho Batista, L., de Góes Salvetti, M., & de Cassia Gengo E Silva Butcher, R. (2025). Education and music intervention to reduce anxiety (EMIRA) in cardiac catheterization: Intervention development. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 11(1), 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-025-01663-z

*dos Santos Dotta Pereira, L., Waldomiro Nogueira, L., Gengo e Silva Butcher, R. de C., Silva de Morais Freire, B., Cristinne Pinto Costa, I., Giffoni Braga, C., & da Costa, A. C. (2025). Factors associated with health literacy in people with chronic diseases. Ciência, Cuidado e Saúde, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.4025/ciencuidsaude.v24i1.71969

#Iriarte, E., Villegas, N., Stonbraker, S., Cook, P., Baeza, M. J., Cianelli, R., Toledo, C., Erlandson, K. M., & Jankowski, C. (2025). Development and acceptability of Viviendo Positivos: A culturally tailored telenovela (soap opera) intervention to improve self management among Latinos with HIV. PLoS ONE, 20(6), e0326930. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0326930

#Kociolek, J., Gengo, R., & Chiang-Hanisko, L. (2025). Caring-healing modalities for emotional distress and resilience in cancer survivors: A scoping review guided by Watson’s theory. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202508.0068.v1

#*Martinez, A. J. S., Wiese, L., & De Oliveira, G. C. (2025). Cultural influences of alcohol use among Latino farmworkers: A literature review. International Journal for Human Caring. https://doi.org/10.20467/IJHC-2025-0008

Pratt, B. A. (2025). Overcoming limitations to advance biobehavioral research in nursing science. Research in Nursing & Health, 48(1-2). https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.70015

(* = Data-based, # = Caring Science)