Guest Named Abilene Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing

• By Suzanna Cisneros
• February 11, 2025
• Education

Heather Guest, Ph.D., R.N., has been named the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing regional dean in Abilene. TTUHSC School of Nursing Dean Holly Wei, Ph.D., R.N., made the announcement, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

“Dr. Guest demonstrates exceptional leadership by fostering a collaborative environment where students and faculty can thrive and succeed,” Wei said. “She is dedicated to cultivating strong partnerships within Abilene and the surrounding communities while advancing nursing education to develop highly skilled future health care professionals both locally and beyond.”

Guest joined the TTUHSC School of Nursing faculty in 2014 as an instructor in the Traditional Undergraduate Program. She also served as the lead faculty for second-semester nursing students and the curriculum co-coordinator for junior-level courses in the Traditional Undergraduate Program. In 2024, Guest was named interim Abilene regional dean for the TTUHSC School of Nursing. 

“Teaching at the School of Nursing since 2014 has been both professionally and personally rewarding,” Guest said. “It has allowed me to grow by refining my teaching skills, staying current with health care advancements and mentoring the next generation of nurses. There is no greater joy than seeing students enter our program with enthusiasm and passion and graduate ready to serve the community. Watching them succeed and knowing they will make a difference in others’ lives is incredibly fulfilling. The chance to serve as regional dean on the Abilene campus will allow me to further contribute to the community and the institution that has supported me.” 

In addition to her leadership role in academic nursing in the region, Guest continues to teach undergraduate nursing students across TTUHSC. 

“In this new role, I look forward to supporting our nursing programs, students, the Abilene campus and community in even more meaningful ways,” Guest said. “My goal for the nursing program is to cultivate local talent, growing our own nurses who are passionate about giving back to the community. By continuing to provide high-quality education, we can empower our students to stay in the area and help fill the critical gap in the nursing workforce.”

Guest’s journey in nursing spans from earning a Licensed Vocational Nurse degree and Associate Degree in Nursing at local community colleges, to working as an R.N. in the Abilene community and ultimately earning a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler.