From bold beginning to purpose in practice

Fifteen years ago, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis was built with intention. It began as a small, bold effort focused on leadership, research and system change. Today, it stands as a steadily evolving institution. One that continues to grow with purpose to meet the evolving needs of California’s health care workforce.

That growth did not happen by chance. It reflects sustained leadership, careful planning and a commitment to preparing graduates who can lead in complex and changing care environments.

Growth in Scholarship Support: In 2010, 5 scholarships were given to 8 students. In 2026, 48 scholarships have been given to 59 students. The total donor investment in students as of today is $2.5 million.

In its early years, the school carried the energy of a startup. Faculty built programs from the ground up. Students helped shape the culture. There was a shared understanding that everyone was contributing to something new.

“The environment was driven by curiosity, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose,” explained Ren Bee, a Class of 2012 master’s degree-leadership alumnus. “The school’s growth has been both intentional and inspiring, expanding programs to develop the next generation of health care leaders. It doesn’t just prepare students for today’s workforce. It positions them to lead tomorrow’s transformation.”

As the school matured, so did its structure and reach. Faculty numbers have doubled. Staff roles have expanded and deepened in expertise. Programs have grown to support a wider range of learners and career paths.

Under the leadership of Dean Stephen Cavanagh, who began his second appointment in 2024, the school has continued to build on that momentum. Strategic planning has guided growth with a clear set of principles: inclusive participation, transparency, collaboration and a focus on actionable results.

As health care challenges across California have grown more complex, the school has expanded its academic offerings to respond.

New programs reflect a clear focus on workforce needs. In addition to its entry-level nursing and advanced practice programs, the Doctor of Nursing Practice — Nurse Anesthesia program, the first in the University of California system and one of only a handful in the state, prepares highly skilled clinicians for critical care settings. The school also became home to the UC Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Program, helping address a growing shortage of mental health providers.

“What stands out most is how the school has expanded its footprint locally, nationally and globally while staying grounded in its mission,” explained Clinical Professor Brent Luu, a pharmacist, who has been with the school since 2014. “Our graduates are highly competitive and prepared to deliver care in complex settings, which speaks to the strength of their training. That alignment between growth, education and purpose is what allows us to meet workforce needs while advancing more equitable care.”

These additions build on the school’s original foundation in leadership and research, expanding its ability to prepare providers who can deliver care while also improving systems.

The school’s alumni reflect its evolution. From early graduates who experienced the startup years to recent graduates entering new clinical roles, each class represents a step forward.

“When I look at where the school started and where it is now, I see a place that has grown with purpose. Even during the pandemic in my master’s-degree leadership program, the school adapted quickly and kept us on track, making sure we still received a high level of education while feeling supported and included,” said Gina Finical, a 2021 graduate now a third-year doctoral candidate. “As I continued into the PhD program, that same support helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Now I’m carrying that forward by encouraging others to see what’s possible for themselves.”

Scholarships have played a critical role in the school’s growth, helping attract talented students from across California and beyond. For many, financial support creates the opportunity to focus on their education and step into roles where they are most needed. For the school, scholarships are an investment in the future health care workforce and made possible through donors who help remove barriers and strengthen the pipeline of health care leaders improving care across the state.

Faculty see that same growth every day in the classroom, in research and in partnerships across the state.

“I remember when we were still building — guided by a bold vision and leaders willing to innovate early and take risks,” explained Professor Laura Van Auker, a nurse practitioner who was among the founding faculty. “What’s been most meaningful is seeing that mission come to life in real ways, as our programs and graduates now meet, and often exceed, the outcomes of much more established institutions.”

Today, the school continues to align its growth with a clear vision: preparing a workforce ready to lead, adapt and improve care across California and beyond. What began as a startup has become something more. Today, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing is a steady, evolving institution built to meet the moment and shape what comes next.