The American Correctional Nurses Association has named Patricia Blair, PhD, LLM, JD, MSN, CCHP-RN, CCHP-A, the 2025 Correctional Nurse of the Year, recognizing more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of nursing, law, and correctional health. Dr. Blair is an associate professor in the School of Nursing at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and a health law attorney whose teaching and scholarship have strengthened legal and ethical foundations for nurses in carceral settings. She recently developed and led a correctional nursing certificate course through UTMB to expand education and support for nurses working in corrections.

Her recognition underscores UTMB’s longstanding commitment to advancing high-quality, ethical care for people who are incarcerated.