Summary
Dr. Tarnia Newton is the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging and an Associate Professor at the Orvis School of Nursing. A board-certified family nurse practitioner, educator and scholar, she brings more than two decades of experience in nursing, academic leadership and community engagement. Her work is grounded in creating environments where students, faculty and staff feel welcomed, respected and supported in their ability to thrive.
In her leadership role, Dr. Newton advances initiatives that promote inclusive excellence, student well-being, faculty development and organizational culture. She collaborates with campus and community partners to integrate belonging-focused practices across the School’s academic, research and community engagement efforts.
Dr. Newton’s scholarship focuses on culturally responsive education, cultural humility, community health and the development of innovative approaches to nursing education. She uses participatory and arts-based methods, including Photovoice and pop-up exhibits, to elevate community voices and translate lived experiences into advocacy, education and improvements in healthcare practice. Her work also explores health equity, experiential learning, simulation innovation and the preparation of nurses to serve diverse communities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Newton has expanded educational opportunities and strengthened pathways into healthcare professions through outreach programs, experiential learning and partnerships with schools, community organizations and healthcare providers.
Research and scholarship
- Culturally responsive pedagogy in health professional education
- Health for all in nursing education
- Cultural humility in health
- Simulation innovation in nursing
- Experiential community engagement
- Photovoice and arts-based research methods
- Photovoice & Pop-up Pedagogy (P3)
Clinical interest
- Geriatrics
- Integrative modalities in primary care
- Wellness in borderland communities
- Diabetes management
- Chronic disease prevention
Recognition and awards
- Suzanne Van Ort Peer Teaching Award, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, 2024
- Buffalo Soldier Make Your Mark Award Nominee, University of Arizona SANKOFA, 2023
- Lydia Kennedy Leadership Award, University of Arizona Health Sciences, 2022
- Daisy Award Nominee, 2021
Selected publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Spurlark, R.S., Akintade, B., Broholm, C., Clark, R., Fyle-Thorpe, O., Gatewood, E., Graves, S., Kuster, A., Mihaly, L., Mitchell, S., Newton, T., Quattrini, V., & Kirkland, T. (2025). Advanced Practice Nursing Education: Strategies to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Journal of Nursing Education, 64(9), 602-606. doi: 10.3928/01484834-20241119-01. PMID: 39932707.
- Bouchard, L., Hinton, J., Retrum, S., Prettyman, A., Thomas, J., & Newton, T. (2024). Collaborative Virtual Observed Structured Clinical Exams with Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse Students. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 20(2), 104874. DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2023.104874
Book chapter
- Bradshaw, M.J., Vitale, R., & Newton, T.* (2020). Lesson 10.2: DNP Project Profile: Use of the IHI Model for Improvement. In The DNP Project Workbook: A Step-by-Step Process for Success. Springer Publishing Company.
*Based on work completed as a doctoral student.
Children's books and activities
- Chai, S., Newton, T., Moreno, V., & Romero, A. (2025). The Nurse I Want to Be. BookBaby Publishing. ISBN: 9798881702762.
- Newton, T., & Moreno, V. (2025). The Nurse I Want to Be: Coloring and Activity Book. AZ Litho.
Education
- Doctor of Nursing Practice, Frontier Nursing University, 2018
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Charles R. Drew University, 2016
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 2014
- Associate of Science in Nursing, Miami Dade College, 2001
- Practical Nursing Certificate, Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, 1999
Professional certifications
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse