Spotlight Series: Donna Wallis

This fall, a new chapter in healthcare education begins at Palo Alto College as the highly anticipated Nursing program welcomes its inaugural cohort. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge curriculum, and a commitment to community health, this program promises to shape the future of nursing in our region.

Behind this groundbreaking initiative is Donna Wallis, the visionary Executive Director whose dedication and expertise have turned a bold idea into a transformative reality. Under her guidance, the Nursing program has evolved from a concept into a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to excellence in healthcare education.

Donna Wallis is a distinguished nursing professional with over 30 years of experience that spans a remarkable array of specialties and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, and an MBA from Tulane University. Currently, she is pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education, Leadership, and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin.

Her journey into education began somewhat serendipitously after Hurricane Katrina when she was persuaded by a friend to teach a critical care clinical in Louisiana—a course that would have been canceled otherwise. Though she was hesitant, she agreed, saying, “I never want to see a student miss an educational opportunity.” This experience ignited her passion for teaching and solidified her commitment to shaping the future of nursing. Wallis now shares, “Every day brings something new and exciting, and with each day, we move closer to educating the nursing workforce. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in that.”

At PAC, Wallis built and launched the Registered Nursing Program, a full-time, face-to-face initiative designed to prepare the next generation of compassionate, skilled nurses. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Southside Education and Training Center (SETC), this program represents a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals in San Antonio and beyond.

The program gives students a hands-on learning experience with its high-fidelity simulation lab and clinical skills labs. These state-of-the-art facilities use the latest technology to mimic real-life medical scenarios so students can practice and perfect their patient care skills in a safe, controlled environment. This means that when they graduate, they’re ready to jump into nursing practice with real-world skills and confidence.

As part of their studies, students will also participate in clinical rotations at two of San Antonio’s top hospitals, University Health and Methodist Hospital. Here, they’ll get hands-on experience with patient care in various settings, from medical-surgical to maternal and newborn care to mental health. This practical experience helps them build skills in four main areas: being a professional nurse, providing patient-centered care, advocating for patient safety, and working effectively as part of a healthcare team.  

After receiving the Accreditation Committee in Education Nursing (ACEN) Accreditation, Donna hopes to expand the program through increased student clinical experiences, community pop-up clinics, and strategic partnerships with local organizations. These initiatives will enhance students' practical skills while addressing underserved populations' healthcare needs. By integrating these outreach efforts, Donna aims to not only equip students with top-notch nursing skills but also establish the program as a cornerstone of community health and service. 

After a recent orientation at the SETC, Wallis expressed her excitement about the incoming students, stating, “Meeting them in person has been inspiring. They are so excited to get started, and I admire their commitment to take charge of their futures and strengthen our community as a whole.”

As the Palo Alto College Nursing Program prepares to start this fall, Donna Wallis’s efforts in shaping the program, expanding clinical opportunities, and initiating community outreach reflect her dedication to enhancing local healthcare and education. Wallis' vision promises to elevate PAC’s role in community service and nursing excellence, ensuring a lasting, positive impact on students and the region. 

Visit alamo.edu/pac/nursing to learn more about the program, explore its cutting-edge facilities, and discover how to get involved.