TTUHSC School of Nursing Hosts Renowned Nursing Theorist

• By Kate Gollahon
• September 19, 2025
• Education

Internationally recognized nursing leader Jean Watson, Ph.D., RN, presented, “Overview of Caring Science,” on Friday, Sept.12 at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. 

Watson’s presentation was part of a day-long event dedicated to advancing the science and practice of caring in health care hosted by the School of Nursing and sponsored by the Dr. Ken Ketner School of Nursing Faculty Development Endowment.

“We are delighted and honored to welcome Dr. Watson, an internationally recognized nursing theorist, philosopher and scholar, and Dr. Sara Horton-Deutsch, a distinguished leader in Caritas Coaching, to our campus,” Holly Wei, Ph.D., RN, TTUHSC School of Nursing dean, said. “Dr. Watson’s visionary work in Human Caring Theory has profoundly shaped nursing practice worldwide. Their presence with us today reaffirms the timeless truth that caring is at the heart of healing and continues to guide us in sustaining compassion, dignity and humanity in health care.”

Watson is a distinguished professor and dean emerita at the University of Colorado, Denver, College of Nursing, where she held the nation’s first endowed chair in caring science. She is founder and director of the nonprofit Watson Caring Science Institute. Her groundbreaking work in the philosophy and science of human caring has influenced nursing practice, education and research worldwide. In 2013, she was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing, its highest honor.

Sara Horton-Deutsch, Ph.D., RN, is a professor at the University of San Francisco. Over the past 4.5 years, she served as the Jean Watson Caring Science Chair at the University of Colorado, where she advanced the art and science of human caring, knowledge, ethics, and clinical practice in nursing and health sciences. Sara’s work in reflective practice has resulted in multiple published works. Through an appointment at the University of South Africa, she works with partners to extend Caring Science and reflective practice globally.

“This exciting event offers an opportunity to earn Continuing Education credits and engage with one of the most influential voices in nursing today,” said Assistant Dean of Admissions and Enrollment for the School of Nursing Lauren Sullivan, Ed.D., CDP. 

The day included insightful presentations from Watson and Horton-Deutsch as well as opportunities for discussion and reflection on how caring science can be integrated into nursing education, patient care and organizational culture.