UF Nursing launches initiative to elevate care by empowering nurses

The University of Florida College of Nursing is launching a transformative initiative designed to strengthen nurse education, expand workforce readiness and improve access to care across Florida and beyond. This work has been made possible by an $8.6 million gift from DeLuca Philanthropy, the largest in the college’s history.

The Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses initiative advances how nursing students and professional nurses are prepared, supported and retained in the workforce.

“Nurses are the backbone of our health system,” said Elisabeth DeLuca, president of DeLuca Philanthropy. “We chose to invest in Elevating Care by Empowering Nurses because it strengthens nurse education, readiness and retention — where we believe lasting impact begins.”

Leveraging the dual leadership of Shakira Henderson, Ph.D., D.N.P., M.S., M.P.H., MBA, who serves as both the dean of the UF College of Nursing and the system chief nurse executive of UF Health, the initiative bridges academic preparation with real-world clinical practice and strengthens mentorship across the profession.