For 2026, the  is ranked at No. 69 out of 154 universities ranked, moving up from No. 83 last year. The  at No. 90 out of 159 universities. These rankings look at universities across the country, but when you break it down to just within the state of Wisconsin, our Master of Nursing program is ranked again as the top program at a public university in Wisconsin, and our Doctor of Nursing Practice program is ranked second again for public universities in the state.

The rankings are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school’s faculty, research and students, and students’ post-graduate outcomes.

Interested in learning more about these programs? Check out our Master of Nursing program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, or contact us with any questions.

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Dr. Snethen dedicated more than 23 years of service to 51����, leaving a lasting impact on the School of Nursing, the university community, and the nursing profession. Most recently, she served as the PhD Program Director and Executive Committee Vice Chair, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of nurse scholars.

As PhD Program Director, Dr. Snethen demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing nursing science and cultivating rigorous scholarship. She led important initiatives in curriculum reform and championed the expectation that doctoral students pursue scholarly work beyond their dissertations. Through her leadership, she fostered an environment that encouraged intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice.

Dr. Snethen was deeply dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their success. Her thoughtful guidance and genuine care left a profound impact on many students, particularly international students who found in her a strong advocate and mentor. Her encouragement helped countless scholars develop the confidence and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to nursing research and education.

Her influence extended well beyond 51����. Nationally and internationally respected, Dr. Snethen served as an editor for Nursing Outlook, where she contributed to elevating the quality and visibility of nursing scholarship that informs health policy and improves patient care. Through her professional network, she also connected 51���� faculty and PhD students with prominent scholars and speakers from across the country.

Dr. Snethen’s service to the university community was extensive. Over the years, she contributed her leadership to numerous committees, including the University Committee, Faculty Senate, Admissions and Records Policy Committee, Faculty Appeals and Grievance Committee, University Relations Committee, Academic Planning and Budget Committee, and the Zilber Dean Search Committee. Her commitment to shared governance reflected her dedication to strengthening the university and supporting faculty and student success.

She was also deeply engaged in the broader nursing profession. Dr. Snethen was a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, an honor recognizing her national and international contributions to improving the health of children and families. She was also an active leader in the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, particularly through the Eta Nu Chapter, where she promoted professional integrity, compassionate leadership, and lifelong learning among nurses across Wisconsin and beyond.

Dr. Snethen’s legacy will be remembered through the many students she mentored, the colleagues she supported, and the scholarship she helped bring into the world. Her dedication, warmth, and commitment to advancing nursing science have left an enduring mark on the School of Nursing and the profession she cared for so deeply.

A celebration of life and memorial gathering will be held at the 51���� School of Nursing in mid-April. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

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The DAISY Foundation, as part of its service to the nursing profession’s role in patient care, established The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (includes clinical teaching staff as well). The purpose of this program is to provide to colleges/schools of nursing a national recognition program they may use to demonstrate appreciation to teachers for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students. The Foundation hopes that, in some way, this program will contribute to a positive work environment for faculty in schools.

About the DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died of complications of the auto-immune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP) at the age of 33. (DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.) During Pat’s 8-week hospitalization, his family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided not only to Pat but to everyone in his family. So, one of the goals they set in creating a Foundation in Pat’s memory was to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make an enormous difference in the lives of so many people by the super-human work they do every day.

Specific Criteria used to select nominees:

• Excellence in Teaching
  • Demonstrates expertise in content area (e.g., fosters evidence-based practice in classroom or clinical/community environment)
  • Sets high standards for student achievement
  • Fosters the development of critical thinking skills and evidence-based practice in classroom or clinical/community environment(s) through pedagogically sound, innovative, and engaging teaching methods.
• Quality Relationships with Learners
  • Engages in caring and sensitive interactions with students, while facilitating learning in the classroom and clinical/community environment(s).
  • Fosters an environment in which transparent and respectful communication is expected of all, role-modeled by the faculty member, and rewarded (i.e., when students do the same).
  • Treats all students fairly and in an unbiased fashion.
• Leadership and Collaboration
  • When issues arise, addresses them effectively, fairly, and in accordance with existing policies and procedures
  • Collaborates effectively with other professionals to facilitate student learning.

Specific Materials Needed to Nominate a Teacher:

• A letter that includes details of your relationship to the nominee and your credentials if a member of the community or academe, a statement about the context in which you know the nominee, and details as to how he/she meets the criteria listed above with information that substantiates ‘extraordinary’ accomplishments.

How to Nominate an Extraordinary Faculty Instructor

Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners may nominate a deserving UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing teaching faculty or staff member by emailing a letter of recommendation. Please put “Daisy Nomination” in the subject line of your email and send it to the attention of Susan Wolff at wolff3@uwm.edu. You must submit an actual letter of recommendation to be considered a nomination.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, April 13, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CST.

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At the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (51����) School of Nursing, our DNP program prepares you to become a highly skilled advanced practice clinician and health care leader. With a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practice, systems leadership, and clinical excellence, 51���� graduates are equipped as excellent clinicians who drive meaningful change across health care environments.

51���� DNP Program Highlights

72-Credit DNP Curriculum

51���� offers a 72-credit DNP program designed to build deep clinical expertise, leadership acumen, and scholarly practice. Students develop advanced skills in diagnostics, pharmacology, population health, quality improvement, and health systems leadership.

Guaranteed Clinical Placements

We guarantee clinical placements for every DNP student. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 51���� has never had a student suffer a program delay due to lack of a clinical site. We work hard on academic-practice partnerships to provide clinical placements for our students. 

Unlike many online DNP programs or nurse practitioner schools that require students to find their own preceptors, 51���� fully coordinates clinical placements through established partnerships with:

• Major health systems
• Community clinics
• Specialty practices
• Behavioral health organizations

What this means:

• Timely placement every semester
• Experienced NP and physician preceptors
• High-quality, diverse clinical settings
• No interruptions to progression or graduation

Have willing preceptors? We will work with you! Not sure where to start? No problem. You focus on becoming an excellent provider, we handle the logistics.

Built-In Board Certification Review

51���� integrates a board certification review through Fitzgerald Health and Education Associates directly into the curriculum so you graduate:

• Prepared for NP board exams
• Confident in high-yield content
• Practiced in test-taking strategies
• Ready to pass certification on your first attempt

No need for outside courses. No extra cost. Certification prep is embedded into your education.

Flexible DNP Pathways

We offer:

• Full-time and part-time options
• Fall and Spring start dates
• Support for working nurses, financial aid and scholarships

Nurse Practitioner Specialties at 51����

51���� offers three high-demand nurse practitioner tracks:

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Prepare for primary care across the lifespan. FNPs work in:

• Family practice clinics
• Urgent care or Emergency Department
• Community health centers
• School-based clinics

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG-ACNP)

Train to care for adults with complex and critical conditions in:

• ICUs
• Hospitalist services
• Inpatient surgical services
• Specialty service lines

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)

Prepare to meet the growing mental health crisis by providing:

• Psychiatric assessment
• Medication management
• Therapy across the lifespan
• Care in inpatient & outpatient settings

Lead the Future of Health Care

Nurse practitioners are shaping the future of health care. With a DNP degree from 51����, you graduate with:

• Advanced clinical expertise
• Leadership skills for health systems
• Guaranteed clinical experience
• Built-in board exam preparation
• A competitive edge in the job market

Whether you’re pursuing family practice, acute care, or mental health, 51����’s DNP program prepares you to lead with confidence.

Ready to apply? Explore the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee DNP Program and take the next step in your nursing career.

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This fall, several Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students from the 51���� School of Nursing participated in the I-Corps program, bringing forward projects that address critical gaps in healthcare access and delivery, especially for marginalized populations.

Among the standout projects:

• Expanding Access to Care for the Uninsured: A three-student team is developing strategies to improve rural healthcare access for individuals without insurance, with a focus on community-based solutions and policy advocacy.
• Healthcare Services for Homeless Women Engaged in Sex Work: Another project aims to deliver trauma-informed care and health services to a highly vulnerable population often overlooked in traditional healthcare systems.
• Harm Reduction for Opioid Users: A third student is designing an intervention rooted in harm reduction principles to support individuals struggling with opioid use, with a focus on safety, dignity, and recovery.
• Social Prescribing in Mental Health: A student from the psychiatric/mental nurse practitioner health track is exploring the launch of a clinic that integrates social prescribing—a model that connects patients with non-clinical services, such as community groups, arts programs, and physical activity, to improve mental well-being.
• Device Development for Clinical Use: One student is pursuing the development of a novel healthcare device, applying engineering principles to solve a practical challenge in patient care.

These projects exemplify the spirit of the I-Corps program, which bridges academic research with entrepreneurial thinking to create scalable, impactful solutions. Through the program’s structured bootcamps and mentorship, students learn to validate their ideas, understand market needs, and refine their innovations for broader application.

As these nursing students move through the I-Corps journey, they are not only advancing their individual projects—they are also contributing to a growing culture of innovation in healthcare, one that prioritizes equity, access, and community impact.

This could be YOU! Ready to start your DNP journey? Get more information and apply on the DNP program page.

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Understanding Implicit Bias in Healthcare

Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions. In healthcare, these biases can lead to disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Advanced practice nurses interact with patients from all walks of life. Training in implicit bias helps them:

• Recognize unconscious assumptions
• Improve communication and empathy
• Deliver more equitable and respectful care for all people
• Reflect on how personal and systemic biases affect clinical decisions

Simulation: A Powerful Tool for Bias Awareness

Simulation-based learning (SBL) uses realistic clinical scenarios to teach and assess skills. When combined with implicit bias content, simulations allow nurses to:

• Practice navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Experience diverse patient perspectives.
• Engage in structured debriefing to reflect on biases and behaviors.

Towards Equitable Nursing Practice

Simulation-based implicit bias training is a safe and effective tool toward more inclusive, empathetic, and effective nursing care. By combining clinical realism with reflective learning, nurses can better understand their biases and commit to continuous growth.

As healthcare evolves, so must our approach to education. Nurses deserve the resources to care for every patient with dignity, respect, and equity.

Interested in learning more about this educational approach? Contact Vicki Swaney (swaney@uwm.edu).

Interested in joining a program whose curriculum and faculty provide real tools for real-life clinical practice? Applications are open now for a Fall 2026 start. Get more information and apply on the DNP program page.

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The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to continue its pioneering research into the benefits of creativity-based programming for autistic individuals.  

This latest award supports the next phase of the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship, a cross-disciplinary initiative that explores how art and design can empower autistic individuals for workforce success while fostering more inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly work environments. 

This marks the third NEA grant supporting ABLE, a collaboration among 51����’s Colleges of the Arts & Architecture, and Engineering & Applied Science, and the School of Nursing, in partnership with Milwaukee-based nonprofit Islands of Brilliance. 

The lab’s work began with a $150,000 NEA grant in 2021 to fund a longitudinal study on the impact of a five-week creativity workshop. A second $150,000 renewal expanded the research to include one-day short courses. The current grant will fund a new fellowship program designed to provide transitional support for autistic people entering professional environments. 

“This continued support from the NEA affirms the importance of inclusive, creativity-driven approaches to workforce development,” said Nathaniel Stern, ABLE executive director and 51���� professor of art and design and mechanical engineering. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of research that not only empowers autistic individuals but also transforms workplace culture.” 

The fellowship will offer six months of weekly, one-hour creative arts-based sessions held at partner libraries and art centers. Led by experienced autistic and neurodiverse artists and educators, these sessions will focus on special interest-driven projects that blend art and design with guided discussions. The goal is to build workforce readiness skills, social connections, resilience, advocacy and identity. 

“At ABLE, we’re passionate about empowering autistic young adults to thrive,” said Jeana Holt, ABLE principal investigator and research director and 51���� associate professor of nursing. “This program is all about boosting confidence, building resilience and fostering genuine social acceptance. By equipping them with stress management tools and a strong sense of self-worth, we’re helping them make a successful, fulfilling leap from school into the workforce — and into a brighter future.” 

Participants in the pilot fellowship program shared powerful reflections: 

• On joy: “Meeting other people with autism.” “Being able to share my art.” “I liked networking with new, cool people.” 
• On discovery: “Discovering how my talents and positive traits can benefit my community.” “Our preferences are as unique as we are as people.” “I discovered that I’m not alone in this world.” 

For more information about the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship and 51����’s ongoing research, visit: . 

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The selected projects address a wide range of pressing societal challenges—from cancer diagnostics and clean energy to rehabilitation robotics and tools that promote equity in regulated professions.

Among the recipients is Dr. Christopher Peters, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, whose project, “Decision-Support Algorithm for Nursing Educators,” aims to create a fairer, more consistent process for evaluating student background checks. With support from the Catalyst Grant, Dr. Peters will further develop the tool for use in training and consultation, addressing a critical gap in nursing admissions and clinical placement decisions.

His algorithm is designed to reduce legal and ethical risks while supporting workforce development. Over time, it has the potential to evolve into a scalable, AI-powered platform that could be applied across nursing and other professions where public trust is essential.

Now in its 17th year, the Catalyst Grant program continues to empower 51���� researchers to turn early-stage ideas into impactful, real-world solutions.

Congratulations, Dr. Christopher Peters! .

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The American Academy of Nursing will officially induct its newest cohort during the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, to be held October 16–18, 2025, in Washington, D.C. This year’s class includes exceptional leaders from 42 states, the District of Columbia, and 12 countries, further strengthening the Academy’s mission to improve health and achieve health equity through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.

Dr. Kako and Dr. Wesp’s selection from a historically high number of applicants underscores their outstanding contributions to the nursing field and their commitment to evidence-informed solutions that advance health in communities locally and globally. Their induction brings distinction not only to their individual careers but also to the continued excellence and influence of 51����’s School of Nursing.

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“This endorsement is the result of a true team effort and a labor of love,” said Jessica Rotier, Director of the James and Yvonne Ziemer Clinical Simulation Center. “Our goal has always been to create high quality simulation-based learning experiences that provide students with psychological safety and the opportunity to practice, reflect, and grow. It takes every member of our team, including faculty, staff, and simulation specialists, working together with a shared commitment to preparing students to become safe, thoughtful, and confident nurses and healthcare professionals.”

INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement validates the School of Nursing’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in Prebriefing, Facilitation, Professional Integrity, and Debriefing. It serves as a testament to the organization’s dedication to advancing education, enhancing professional development, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.

Programs that have received this endorsement recognize all varieties of simulation-based experiences, are working to improve healthcare education and patient safety through the practice of high-quality simulation and possess a commitment to innovation.

For more information about the INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards Endorsement , visit .

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