Valerie Tarte, DNP, MSN, RN is a clinical assistant professor who teaches in the prelicensure, RN-BSN, and MSN programs and previously served as the clinical coordinator for the prelicensure program. Dr. Tarte is a registered nurse with a background in emergency nursing, leadership, and informatics. She has experience as a triage nurse, charge nurse, precepting, clinical educator, systems analyst, quality assurance, and manager. Dr. Tarte has over 18-years of experience in nursing informatics.

A student nominator said about Dr. Tarte, “This faculty member is the most caring and relatable, not just within UNCW nursing school, but out of the university as a whole. She has told us since the first day that she wants us to be successful and she wants us to be comfortable around her. Not only did she say that, but she shows it. She strives to build relationships with every single one of us. A professional relationship is much more than looking over my shoulder and judging me. A professional relationship is someone who can look at you as a student, as a person, and as you are.”

Dr. Tarte's motivation and compassion empower not only the students she teaches but also other nurses who see the example of a true leader. In addition, through collaboration, she builds relationships and advances excellence in teaching by remaining true to the SON’s values of integrity, excellence, care, and service. We are proud to congratulate Dr. Tarte on this amazing accomplishment!