Dr. Rebecca J. Burns is a seasoned nurse educator and academic leader whose work bridges clinical excellence, nursing education, and health equity. She currently serves as the Founding Associate Dean and Chair of Undergraduate Education at the University of North Texas Health Science Center’s College of Nursing, where she also holds a faculty appointment as Associate Professor.

With over 20 years of experience in leadership, nursing practice and education, Dr. Burns brings a unique perspective to interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Nursing Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership, a Master of Science in Nursing as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is also certified in Effective Teaching Practices by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE).

Dr. Burns has led and contributed to numerous funded initiatives, including HRSA’s Advanced Nursing Education-SANE program and opioid abatement efforts in Fort Worth. Her research focuses on leadership in nursing, workforce development, and improving clinical reasoning and competence among nursing students and newly licensed nurses.

She is a recognized leader in culturally responsive education, has been designated as a "veteran-friendly" educator, is the 2019 recipient of the University-Level Distinguished Achievement Award for Student Engagement, and her work continues to shape the future of nursing education and practice in North Texas and beyond.