Austin, TX, July 31, 2025
News Summary
Dr. Donna G. Rolin, a highly regarded nursing educator and advocate, has passed away at the age of 50 due to complications from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Her contributions to nursing education, particularly in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Texas at Austin, and her commitment to mental health initiatives, including the establishment of the 988 Lifeline, have profoundly impacted many. Remembered for her mentorship and dedication to underserved communities, Dr. Rolin leaves behind a legacy of excellence in nursing education and advocacy.
AUSTIN, TX – Dr. Donna G. Rolin, a respected nursing educator and advocate, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 50 due to complications from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Her death marks a significant loss for the nursing community and many students who benefited from her mentorship.
Dr. Rolin was born on December 27, 1974, in San Antonio, Texas, to Wayne Douglas Rolin and Barbara La Nelle Zerm Rolin. She excelled academically at Judson High School, earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin. She obtained a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002, followed by a PhD in Nursing Research from New York University (NYU) in 2012.
For over 13 years, Dr. Rolin served as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, where she directed the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program renowned for its excellence. Under her leadership, students in the PMHNP program maintained a 100% first-time pass rate on the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) board certification exam from 2011 to the present.
In 2017, she became the Co-Director of the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (IDVSA), focusing on integrating clinical care with education and outreach. Her commitment led to the development of joint seminars across various disciplines at UT, aimed at supporting underserved populations.
Dr. Rolin was also deeply involved in clinical practice, providing care to underserved communities, including domestic violence survivors and individuals facing severe mental illnesses. She actively contributed to the Hope Through Health Medical Home Clinic, which serves at-risk populations.
Her professional impact extended to her role as a Clinical Nurse Expert for the American Psychiatric Association (APA), where she developed widely-used video tutorials on long-acting injectable antipsychotics. Dr. Rolin played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, launching the 988 number for mental health crisis support, which received over five million contacts in its first year.
Dr. Rolin’s academic contributions were significant; she authored and edited numerous nursing textbooks and co-authored around 10 peer-reviewed studies. Her research included investigating school nurse mental health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluating mental health support strategies.
Active in various professional organizations, Dr. Rolin served as an active member of the national Board of Directors of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (PAPNA) and held the position of Treasurer. She was also President of the local Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Austin chapter.
Dr. Rolin is remembered not just for her professional achievements but also for her devotion as a mother. Her pride and joy were her children, Nicolas and Rory. She is survived by her wife, Maria M. Villaronga, her son, Nicolas Henry Rolin, her daughter, Morgan “Rory” Roma Kenny, her mother Barbara, sister Suzan, and brother Wayne.
Services will be held privately, and in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Dr. Rolin’s honor to various mental health organizations.
Key Contributions and Achievements
- Directed the PMHNP program at UT, achieving 100% first-time pass rate on ANCC board certification exam.
- Co-Director of the IDVSA, fostering education and outreach for domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Played a significant role in establishing the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Authored and co-authored numerous academic publications addressing mental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dr. Donna G. Rolin contribute to the nursing field?
Dr. Rolin made significant contributions to the nursing profession through her leadership of the PMHNP program, her involvement in mental health crisis support initiatives, and her extensive research and publications on psychiatric nursing practices.
How did Dr. Rolin support underserved populations?
Dr. Rolin was dedicated to clinical practice that focused on underserved populations, developing programs and clinics aimed at addressing the needs of domestic violence survivors and individuals with severe mental illness.
What can people do in Dr. Rolin’s memory?
The family requests that interested individuals make donations in Dr. Rolin’s honor to various mental health organizations instead of sending flowers.
Chart: Key Features of Dr. Donna G. Rolin’s Career
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Educational Background | PhD in Nursing Research from NYU, MSN from University of Pennsylvania |
| Teaching Position | Clinical Associate Professor at UT Austin for over 13 years |
| Achievements | Directed PMHNP program with a 100% pass rate on ANCC exam |
| Professional Impact | Co-Director of IDVSA, developed 988 Lifeline, significant contributions to mental health research |
| Community Service | Active clinical practice serving domestic violence survivors and underserved populations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Dr. Donna G. Rolin Obituary
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Dignity Memorial: Dr. Donna G. Rolin’s Impact
- Google Search: Mental Health Crisis Support
- Dignity Memorial: Contributions of Dr. Rolin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
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