Slate of Candidates
Secretary-Treasurer
Patricia Daly, PhD, FNP-BC, ENP-BC, FAANP
Associate Clinical Professor
University of Arizona College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
Our WIN mission to connect a diverse community of nurses in the West improving health through excellence in research, practice, and education directs us to create an inclusive space for scholarship welcoming the diverse perspectives necessary to create healthcare innovative solutions. WIN’s resilience is evident as we excel in our mission. We did not simply survive the pandemic challenges; we are thriving enabling our members to share their scholarship and expertise.
The synergy of WIN connects nurses with the spirit of mentorship. Witnessing how WIN sparks passion for scholarship, I have mentored twenty-one of my doctorate students to present at our conferences. My commitment to WIN is evidenced by my years of work on our Membership Committee, as an abstract reviewer and poster judge. As an elected board member, I helped make strategic decisions enabling us to emerge financially sound following our Covid-canceled conference.
Informed by my experience as a healthcare chief operating office and employing skills honed with a business minor doctorate, I created a live database from previous static reports allowing for real-time transparent financial reporting. As your Treasurer I will continue to employ my financial acumen as we work towards our shared vision of collaboration and excellence.
Marie Prothero, PhD, RN, FACHE
Assistant Professor
BYU College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
I have always found the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) to be a friendly and supportive community for sharing my research as a graduate student, and now as a nurse researcher in academia. My association with WIN dates back to 1997, when I presented my thesis work. In 2014, I reconnected with WIN and have been an active member ever since. Over the years, I have served on various committees such as the membership committee from 2016-2018, and I am currently the chair of the nominating committee.
With 38 years of experience in nursing and hospital administration, I joined Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, as a full-time assistant professor in the College of Nursing in 2020. I have served on numerous nursing leadership committees at the national and local levels, and I am a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. While pursuing my Ph.D., I was honored as a Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar.
I believe my expertise in healthcare finance and leadership makes me a strong candidate for the role of secretary/treasurer. If elected, I am committed to serving on the Board and providing the necessary support to the Board and WIN members.
Governor-at-Large
Heather Coats, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
I look forward to returning to the WIN Board in the Governor-at-Large Position. I have been a member of WIN since 2006. Early on in my academic career, I saw the value of WIN’s tripartite mission of education, research and practice. During my PhD, I held the elected board position of Governor Representative for Student Members. This role allowed me ample opportunities to see first-hand the WIN mission carried out. Since then, I have served on two committees—the Development Committee and Nominating Committee, both as a member and chair of both of these committees, and supporting the Conducting Research with Latino/a/x Individuals, Families, and Communities Special Interest Group. From this longevity of service to WIN, I was invited by the Board to serve as the interim Governor-at-Large board position for 2023-2024, which I eagerly accepted. My prior service to WIN is the evidence of my commitment to serve WIN. As faculty at a WIN Member Organization, University of Colorado College of Nursing, I am eager to join fellow board members to continue supporting WIN’s bold mission: Connecting a diverse community of nurses in the West to improve health through excellence in research, practice, and education.
Teri Hernandez, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor, Associate Dean for Research
University of Colorado College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
Research and service through leadership are tenets of my significant individual contributions to Nursing. I am honored to apply for consideration for a Governor-at-Large position in the Western Institute of Nursing (WIN), and have much to offer the organization due to my leadership experience in maintaining fiscal stability, development and implementation of a strategic plan; and in facilitating organizational sufficiency. I am the Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship in the CU College of Nursing, and a tenured Professor of Nursing and Medicine. For 10 years I have also served as a Pediatric Nurse Scientist at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Over the last 4 years, I have built research infrastructure in the CU College of Nursing that has increased our funding portfolio by ~$5 million, and I oversee a growing department that includes a large cadre of Assistant Professors who are successfully matriculating on the tenure track. As a Governor-at-Large, I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate within WIN, and help support its mission and fiscal stability.
Helena Morrison, PhD, RN
Associate Professor
University of Arizona College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
I enthusiastically submit my candidacy for the position of Governor-at-Large in the upcoming election. With a profound commitment to advancing the field of nursing and a strong belief in the power of collaboration, I am excited to contribute to WIN's mission. My experience as a dedicated nurse, scientist, and mentor within academia has instilled in me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our profession regarding practice and science. Throughout my career, I have advocated for scholarship, evidence-based practice, and improved patient outcomes. If elected, I will strive to foster a supportive environment for nurses across the Western region. I would like to promote networking, mentorship, and professional development opportunities that enable our members to excel in their roles and make meaningful contributions to science and healthcare at large. I look forward to working with you to strengthen WIN's impact, enhancing its role as a hub for knowledge exchange and innovation. I would like to be part of an organization that will further the growth and influence of nursing in the Western region. I am committed to the values and vision of WIN, and I kindly ask for your support in this important endeavor.
Nominating Committee Position #2
Julio C. Loya, PhD, RN, CMSRN
Assistant Professor
University of Arizona College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
I am a PhD-prepared nurse with over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse and 2 years of experience in academia. As a registered nurse, I have experience caring for diverse populations including trauma and medical surgical patients. Additionally, I have over 13 years of experience in formal nursing leadership positions as manager and associate director of different areas, including inpatient abdominal transplant, intermediate cardiovascular, intermediate trauma, and outpatient clinics. I have also had the opportunity to teach in clinical settings. As a manager and associate director, I had the opportunity to support and help new graduate nurses to develop into caring and compassionate professional nurses. As an assistant professor, I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to graduate nursing students by serving on their committee. I believe that my experience as a nursing professional and a leader will enable me to serve as part of WIN’s Nominating Committee. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the mission of the Western Institute of Nursing.
Schola Matovu, PhD, RN
Assistant Professor
University of Utah College of Nursing
Candidate Statement:
As an evolving nursing leader, I seek out opportunities that enrich my leadership development because I firmly believe that lifelong learning is an essential component of developing into a successful and influential leader. Such opportunities include the valuable experience to participate on national organizational committees to perform duties like those highlighted for the NOMINATING COMMITTEE, POSITION #2 position that I seek. As I evolve, my aim is to serve as a transformational leader who will inspire the next generation of nurses to lead initiatives and develop innovative and inclusive ideas within healthcare systems. For example, I co-founded a nonprofit: Nurse-to-Nurse Global Initiative (NTNGI). Part of NTNGI’s mission is to promote and empower nurse leadership advancement and professional development, especially those in low-resourced settings. My research aspirations are inspired by my grandmother who raised me in rural Uganda. She provided herbal remedies to treat minor ailments and delivered babies, making a difference in a community with no access to healthcare. I wanted to emulate her and pursue a nursing career that would take a holistic approach to caring for and studying individuals at the intersections of their families, communities, and global context. Thank you for considering my nomination for the position.