UT Tyler PhD Student Selected for Jonas Scholars Program

July 29, 2024 | Elizabeth Wingfield

First to receive recognition in UT Tyler history

Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing selected Ryan Schalles, a PhD student at The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing, as a member of the Jonas Scholars program 2024-2026 cohort, making him the first recipient of this recognition in UT Tyler history.

To be selected for the program, students must be nominated by a faculty member. Schalles was nominated by Dr. Barbara McAlister, School of Nursing assistant dean for graduate programs.

“Being named a Jonas Scholar is a remarkable achievement for Ryan Schalles and a significant milestone for the UT Tyler School of Nursing,” said Dr. Barbara K. Haas, School of Nursing dean. “We are immensely proud of him—and grateful to Dr. Barbara McAlister for supporting Ryan. Her dedication to mentoring and guiding our students is invaluable and reflects the commitment typical of the UT Tyler School of Nursing faculty.”

Jonas Nursing and AACN select 63 doctoral nursing students from around the nation for their passion for teaching, academic achievement and research excellence. Each member receives financial support, mentorship and a curriculum designed to educate them to become successful future faculty members. The program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of PhD- and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate future nurse leaders.

“I am incredibly excited—and proud—that Ryan Schalles has been named a Jonas Scholar,” said McAlister. “I look forward to seeing the significant impact Ryan will make in the field of nursing education and leadership.”

Schalles graduated with his Master of Science in Nursing and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He currently serves as an assistant professor and founding faculty member at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. As a Marine Corps and Army veteran, he is deeply committed to improving the lives of American veterans and their families. 

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a Jonas Scholar,” said Schalles. “This recognition not only affirms my commitment to advancing veteran health but also provides a tremendous opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the future of the nursing profession and health care. I am grateful for the support and guidance from the faculty at UT Tyler and excited to represent our university on a national stage.”

With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 10,000 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.