IT’S ON US “Champion of Change:” SONHS own, Valerie Halstead, recognized at the White House

The White House has honored 10 student leaders, including the School of Nursing and Health Studies’ own Valerie Halstead, for their efforts to change the culture around sexual assault and dating violence on their campuses.

Halstead, a registered nurse who is pursuing her Ph.D. in nursing at UM, was recognized as one of the nation’s “It’s On Us White House Champions of Change” for her work with the University of Miami President’s Campus Coalition on Sexual Violence and Prevention. She was nominated for the award by coalition leaders.


“This honor recognizes not only my work but the work of the campus coalition,” said Halstead, whose dissertation research is exploring how campus health centers can implement best practices when caring for victims of sexual violence. “It empowered me to keep striving to make a difference in students’ lives.”