Sheba Luke, DNP, chair of Graduate Studies at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing, has been named one of the Houston Business Journal’s 2026 Women Who Mean Business honorees.
The annual Women Who Mean Business program recognizes female leaders across the Houston region whose work is shaping their industries and making meaningful contributions to their communities. Honorees are selected based on professional accomplishments, organizational and community impact, civic involvement, and demonstrated leadership.
Luke has dedicated more than a decade to advancing nursing education and graduate nursing programs at UTMB, helping expand educational opportunities and support the development of future nursing leaders. Since joining the university in 2014 as an academic project manager, she has served in a variety of leadership and faculty roles, including assistant professor, associate professor, Master of Student Nursing (MSN) program director, and graduate programs liaison to the health education center.
A board-certified family nurse practitioner and nurse executive, Luke brings experience in clinical practice, nursing leadership, and academic innovation. Before joining UTMB full time, she worked as a registered nurse at Memorial Hermann, a nurse practitioner with MinuteClinic, and an adjunct clinical faculty at UTMB. She also holds a telehealth certification from the American Heart Association and has earned Apple Teacher certification.
Luke earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Science in Nursing as a family nurse practitioner from UTMB, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from UTMB. Her work has focused on preparing the next generation of advanced practice nurses and strengthening graduate nursing education through innovation, technology, and student-centered learning.
This year, the Houston Business Journal selected 76 honorees out of 300 nominees representing nine industry categories, as well as a Women to Watch category. Thirteen honorees were recognized in the healthcare category, while others represented finance, nonprofit organizations, law, hospitality, energy, real estate and construction, and professional services.
“Dr. Luke exemplifies the leadership, vision, and impact recognized by the Women Who Mean Business program,” said School of Nursing Dean Kristen Starnes-Ott, PhD. “Whether advancing graduate nursing education, mentoring future leaders, or contributing to state and national initiatives, she consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence that elevates both our school and the nursing profession.”
The 2026 Women Who Mean Business honorees will be recognized at an awards luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 15. Honorees will also be featured in a special section of the Houston Business Journal's Oct. 16 edition.