Sharon Tucker named to nursing endowed chair worth $40 million in research
The University of Central Florida dean holds a position funded by Orlando Health, which has supported nursing research since 2009.
By Mariam Saleh ·
Sharon Tucker, dean of the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, was formally invested as the Orlando Health Endowed Chair in Nursing on Thursday, October 29. She is the second faculty member to hold the position. The chair was established in 2009 by UCF Pegasus Partner Orlando Health to fund research that directly affects patient care.
The endowed chair supports nursing research and reflects a shared commitment to Florida's nursing workforce. Tucker has worked in the field for nearly 40 years. Her career includes roles in intensive care at the Mayo Clinic and as a nurse counselor in Minneapolis. She currently holds the rank of dean at UCF, a role she has held for two years.
Tucker’s academic record includes more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and more than $40 million in secured research and training funding. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and a distinguished fellow of the National Academies of Practice in Nursing. She also holds credentials as a board-certified adult psychiatric-mental health clinical nurse specialist and an integrative nurse coach.
Kelly Edmondson, senior vice president of nursing and patient care services at Orlando Health, stated that the partnership aims to strengthen the nursing workforce. “Dr. Tucker’s research supports our efforts to empower nurses and elevate clinical excellence to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care,” Edmondson said.
In 2009, Tucker and two colleagues developed a self-efficacy assessment tool. The instrument is now used by more than 4,000 people in over 40 countries to identify learning gaps. Tucker uses the data to inform her approach to education and leadership. She believes that assessing where people and organizations are allows them to build the right supports for evidence-based practice.
Tucker also focuses on how artificial intelligence may change the profession and nursing education. She is asking how these tools can improve care for patients. The college continues to emphasize partnerships with organizations like Orlando Health to support highly skilled nurses.
Tucker has run for 40 years and has competed in several marathons. She uses the activity to process information and maintain focus. She recently completed a six-month dean development program and led a leadership team through a book club on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.
