Rural Health Association of Utah Recognizes Dr. Selwyn Layton
Published: January 13, 2025 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 2 minutes
The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) has presented the 2024 Rural Faculty of the Year Award to Southern Utah University’s Director of Graduate Nursing Programs, Dr. Selwyn Layton,DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC. This prestigious award recognizes an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to advancing health education. Dr. Layton’s dedication to promoting health literacy and empowering individuals through innovative educational efforts has had a transformative influence, particularly in rural communities.
The Rural Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Layton at the RHAU annual conference by Kasey DeLynn Shakespear, RHAU’s newly appointed full-time executive director, alongside Kurt R. Loveless, RHAU board president, and Dr. J. Tony Oliver, Dean of the Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Health Sciences at SUU.
“I am humbled,” said Layton. “Without the help from SUU Department of Nursing faculty and staff and all the rural facilities of southern Utah that supported SUU nursing in this endeavor, none of this could be possible,”
He also gives his specific thanks to Jon Oliver, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Camille Thomas, SUU Assistant Provost, and Rita Osborn, and her team from the Utah Center of Rural Health.
Dr. Layton served as the nursing department chair from 2022-2024 and now leads the graduate nursing programs at SUU. He has been a driving force behind the development of new and impactful master’s-level nursing programs. Notably, the Master of Science in Leadership and Administration launched in 2023, and the Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program launched in 2024.
Both programs are offered online, enabling current nursing professionals in rural areas and beyond to further their education and skills. These programs are vital for improving healthcare delivery and outcomes in underserved communities. Dr. Layton’s commitment to program and curriculum development, and efforts to secure accreditation for these programs, reflect his dedication to advancing nursing education and improving healthcare across the region.
The fully online Graduate Certificate in Nursing Leadership and Administration program provides comprehensive training in leadership strategies, organizational management, and healthcare policy, equipping graduates to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare environments. The flexible online format allows students to balance their education with professional commitments, making it an ideal choice for those aiming to excel in strategic leadership and higher-level administrative roles within healthcare.
The SUU Department of Nursing provides academic programs that prepare individuals for professional nursing practice at many levels. The programs are built upon the AACN Essentials and expand students' abilities to practice as nurses by offering comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. Through this holistic approach, students develop critical thinking, clinical competence, and a commitment to lifelong learning essential for advancing their nursing careers.
Tags: College of Health Sciences Cedar City Nursing FacStaff Utah Community
Contact Information:
Nikki Koontz
435-586-5400
nikkikoontz@suu.edu