Sonya R. Hardin is currently the Patty L. Hawken Nursing Endowed Professor and Dean, School of Nursing at the University of Texas at San Antonio, School of Nursing. She has a PhD from the University of Colorado Health Science Center and has broad experience in nursing school administration and patient care, as well as research, fundraising and collaboration with academia and industry to advance health in her communities. In addition, she is an advanced practice holistic nurse on the inpatient and outpatient sides of health care. Her authoritative research on aging and the management of chronic diseases has been supported by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Dr. Hardin previously held the position of tenured professor and dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Louisville from 2018-2022. Prior to 2018, Dr. Hardin served as professor and associate dean of graduate nursing programs at East Carolina University.

Dr. Hardin has publications in caring science and trauma informed care. Her expertise includes community engagement and the development of partnerships.