10 U of A Nursing faculty members named Fab 50 Nurses

Ten University of Arizona College of Nursing faculty members will be honored as Fab 50 Nurses during the 2025 Nurses Week gala hosted by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation. The 24th annual event on May 10 is the city's capstone celebration for National Nurses Week, May 6-12. 

“The Fab 50 award recognizes the heart and soul of nursing — compassion, mentorship and dedication to the profession and the community,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “This year, we are especially proud to celebrate a record-breaking 10 awardees, each of whom has been recognized by their peers for their exceptional leadership, commitment to humanity and service to Tucson and beyond. Their contributions inspire the next generation of nurses and embody the very best of our profession.” 

The awardees were chosen by their peers for being role models and mentors, demonstrating concern for humanity and contributing to the community and the profession of nursing.

The foundation was formed in 1994 by a group of nurses who wanted the city to come together and celebrate local nurses during National Nurses Week. The goals of the foundation and Nurses Week events are to enhance education and research among nurses and to celebrate excellence by recognizing nurses and the role they play in the health of the community.

Below are comments from each of the awardees about their recognition:

Tara Azad, DNP, RN 
Assistant clinical professor

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“It is an honor to be named a Tucson Fab 50 nurse. I am grateful to be recognized by my colleagues as worthy of the award, especially to those who nominated me. I have received incredible support from my colleagues and leadership in pursuing my professional goals. Working at the college has allowed me to gain new skills and insights into enhancing my teaching skills to better prepare future nurses. We have a fantastic community of nurse educators who build each other up and collaborate to meet some amazing goals in nursing education and research. 

“I have always been passionate about nurse education, even as a primary bedside nurse. I firmly believe that great nurses are created by other nurses who help to mentor and educate them throughout their nursing program and into their professional careers. My motivation for nurse education comes from experiences I had as a nursing student. The instructors that took me under their wing to help me during difficult times had an everlasting impact on my view of the nursing profession. I carry forward the hope that I can be that instructor for my students.” 

Karin Blasko, MSN, RN
Senior lecturer

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“I am truly honored to be named to the Tucson Fab 50. As a Tucson native who was educated in local schools and the University of Arizona College of Nursing, this recognition holds deep personal meaning. Throughout my nursing career, I've worked to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. To be acknowledged alongside so many deserving professionals is both humbling and gratifying. This award reflects my commitment to health care and to the Tucson community that has supported me. 

“I have received exceptional mentorship and support from my nursing leaders and peers at the college. The supportive team atmosphere and guidance have challenged me and allowed me to be successful on this journey in nursing education, and I thank them for nominating me.

“My dedication to education is driven by a genuine desire to give back to the community and support emerging nurses in their professional development. It’s amazing to watch the students grow throughout their nursing program and even more incredible to see the students flourish in their careers after graduation.”

Matthew Choate, MSN, RN
Lecturer

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“Being named one of the 2025 Tucson Fab 50 Nurses is an incredible and humbling honor. I’m deeply grateful to Yvette Mathesen, MEd, a senior lecturer at the college and my wonderful lab coordinator, for nominating me and for being a steady source of support and leadership. I also want to recognize the amazing simulation team I’m lucky to be part of. Together, we support our prelicensure nursing students with care, creativity and collaboration as they learn to navigate the complexities of clinical practice.

“The support I’ve received from the College of Nursing and the U of A Health Sciences has been foundational to my growth and success as a simulation nurse. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside colleagues who value innovation, collaboration and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of nurses. There’s a genuine culture of teamwork and mutual respect here, where ideas are welcomed, voices are heard and the mission of preparing exceptional nurses is shared by all.

“What motivates me most is witnessing growth. Those moments when a student connects the dots, finds their confidence or steps into their calling. This work allows me to blend creativity, critical thinking and care — an alignment that keeps me inspired every day.”

Stephanie Gasser, MSN, RN
Senior lecturer

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“Being recognized as a Tucson Fab 50 Nurse is an honor, and I am grateful to Connie Miller, DNP, a clinical professor in the college, for nominating me. I'm proud to be part of a profession that makes such a meaningful impact on health care in Tucson, and this recognition inspires me to continue contributing to nursing excellence.

“The College of Nursing has encouraged my professional growth. The supportive environment has inspired me to pursue further education and continuously improve my teaching methodologies. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary faculty from other Health Sciences programs, inspiring my teaching and continued education. My motivation comes from my students and the enthusiasm they bring to the nursing profession. I do this work because I believe in nursing's power to transform health care delivery and patient outcomes.” 

Deborah Gorombei, DNP 
Assistant clinical professor

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“It is a great honor to have been nominated by Patricia Daly, PhD, an associate clinical professor, as a Tucson Fab 50 Nurse. Nominating a peer takes time, effort and recognition of others’ work. I am inspired by previous awardees who are incredible role models, mentors and noteworthy contributors to nursing and the Tucson community. I am humbled and honored beyond words for being selected as one of the Tucson Fab 50 Nurses. Being in the nursing field, one does not seek formal recognition because we are striving to make a difference through our everyday actions. I aim to continue the tradition of previous awardees by supporting others in their nursing endeavors and advancing the profession and health of communities.

“The College of Nursing and the University of Arizona Health Sciences are on the forefront of health care education, research and patient care services. Success as an instructor cannot be measured separately from the learner nor apart from the support provided to the instructors. When students are engaged, grasp key concepts and exhibit critical behaviors in the clinical setting, this confirms that support provided by the university is key in both teacher and student success as well as program outcomes.

“I have been a continual learner with a passion to share knowledge and spark this same enthusiasm in all students. Seeing learners understand and succeed motivates me. This is why our nursing programs are so successful in developing the next generation of nurses and independent providers who practice in our communities.”

Kathleen Insel, PhD, RN
Professor and associate director for strategy and development for the Arizona Center on Aging

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“Becoming a Tucson Fab 50 Nurse represents a return to my roots. Nursing is the foundation of who I am and who I continually strive to become. It represents honor and nobility — the privilege of being trusted with another person’s life, dignity and hope during their most vulnerable moments. I have many memories of patients and families through my clinical experiences and through my research and service. Every encounter, whether with faculty, students, patients, families or in the community, is a reminder of the sacred responsibility I hold, and that sense of purpose has fueled my dedication.

“I was very fortunate to work for former Dean Ki Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN, for two decades, and her example of empathy and resilience enhanced my deep desire to be of service and to hold high the principles of scientific integrity while enjoying creating, testing and informing others of nursing science. Through nursing, I’ve learned the strength of listening, the power of advocacy and the quiet heroism of being present. I have also been privileged to lead a strategic initiative for the University of Arizona Health Sciences with a focus on older adults and the desire to integrate older adults into this amazing University of Arizona community of ours. I am grateful for the trust of all members of the Health Sciences, and, particularly, I am grateful for Michael D. Dake, MD, who leads Health Sciences with vision and humility. Thank you.

“Curiosity motivates me. Interest in others motivates me. Love for life and the desire for others to have opportunities motivate me.”

Laura Kennicutt, DNP
Clinical assistant professor

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“I am honored to be recognized as a Fab 50 Nurse, and I am thankful to Connie Miller, DNP, a clinical professor in the college, for nominating me. I joined the College of Nursing as a novice instructor in 2022, starting out as a per diem clinical instructor. From the beginning, I have felt welcomed, supported and nurtured as I grew in my teaching practice. My fellow faculty members have helped me develop my skills while also modeling professionalism, caring and a community of continuous learning. 

“This intellectually stimulating environment makes me want to strive for excellence in every student interaction and activity. Additionally, since starting my work with the college, I feel that I have grown so much in my ability to collaborate and communicate, more than in any previous role. The biggest source of my inspiration, however, is always the students and the indescribable joy that comes from seeing them grow and change on their journeys to becoming health care professionals. Every individual student has such potential to impact the community and the world, and I feel honored just to be a part of their story.”

Tarnia Newton, DNP
Assistant clinical professor 

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“Being recognized as a Tucson Fab 50 Nurse is an incredible honor and is deeply meaningful to me. It acknowledges the commitment, care and innovation nurses bring to our communities, both in clinical practice and education. I see this recognition as a personal achievement but also as a reflection of the fantastic colleagues, students and community partners I have the privilege to work alongside. It inspires me to continue advocating for inclusive, community-engaged approaches to nursing education and practice.

“The College of Nursing and the U of A Health Sciences have been pivotal in my journey as an educator, researcher and leader. Their support, particularly through fellowships like the Culturally Responsive Curriculum Development Institute and the Experiential Learning Design Accelerator, has been instrumental in advancing my scholarship of teaching. My role as the educational outreach and engagement coordinator has allowed me to expand community partnerships and experiential learning opportunities. I am deeply grateful for this support, which has enabled me to create learning environments where students can truly thrive and grow into compassionate, culturally responsive healers.

“A deep belief in the transformative power of nursing drives everything I do. Whether at the bedside, in the classroom or within communities, I see the potential for nursing to change lives. My students’ passion, their commitment to “be the change,” and their desire to make a meaningful impact inspire me daily. I’m also deeply moved by the communities I serve, especially those whose stories and needs are too often overlooked. My work is guided by a desire to amplify their voices, foster belonging and create learning spaces where students feel empowered to become compassionate, culturally innovative healers.”

Brooke Swonger, DNP
Assistant clinical professor

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“I am incredibly honored to be selected as a Tucson Fab 50 Nurse for 2025 and am grateful to Connie Miller, DNP, for nominating me. To be recognized for my contributions to the Tucson nursing community and join the many other amazing nurses who have been selected for this honor, past and present, is something that I greatly appreciate and will cherish. 

“The College of Nursing is filled with faculty who are supportive of their peers. Working alongside so many nurses with incredible backgrounds and expertise is inspiring. The commitment to our students and the field of nursing is evident in the Master of Science — Entry into the Profession of Nursing program, and I admire my fellow faculty for their leadership, collaboration and dedication. 

“I have always been extremely proud to be a nurse and thoroughly enjoy mentoring future generations of nurses. I believe that mentorship in nursing is essential to advancing and growing the nursing profession. I also believe that lifelong learning and career fulfillment are important for success. I enjoy sharing my experiences with students and encouraging them to advocate for their learning. I truly love teaching and am motivated by my peers and students.” 

Melanie Welch, MSN, RN
Senior lecturer

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“I am honored to be recognized as a Fab 50 nurse. I have been a nurse since 1992 and have enjoyed being at the bedside, teaching, being involved in nursing organizations and giving back to the community. I am very humbled to receive this award. 

“The College of Nursing has supported my learning by encouraging me to go to conferences so I can be the best nurse and instructor and keep up with best practices and research. We have state-of-the-art simulation space at the college and at the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center.

“I enjoy helping students learn not only knowledge and evidence-based practice, but also how compassionate care can help patients in their recovery.”