Nursing’s Lincoln Division named a U.S. Army Nursing Center of Excellence

The Army ROTC program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has designated the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division as a U.S. Army Nursing Center of Excellence, one of only 47 programs to be recognized.

Brandon Lake, enrollment and scholarship officer at UNL Army ROTC, said the college was selected for the quality of its curriculum, students, faculty and staff at the college and its relationship with UNL Army ROTC.

Students who participate in UNL Army ROTC not only earn a nursing degree at UNMC, but also are given priority for ROTC nursing incentives such as scholarships, mentorship and career guidance.

“It’s a pretty significant compliment to UNMC,” Lake said. “It speaks to the quality of faculty and staff and their willingness to produce great nurses and great future army nurses.”

Beginning in August and for each academic year, the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division will offer Army ROTC cadets three guaranteed seats into the bachelor’s degree in nursing program. Currently there are two guaranteed seats.

Amy Fellhoelter, student services coordinator at the UNMC College of Nursing Lincoln Division, said the division will work hand-in-hand with Army ROTC to strengthen the program and help graduate more Army nurses. “Our curriculum is demanding and Army ROTC cadets have additional responsibilities,” she said. “We work together and help students so it does not become overwhelming.”

David Safarik is a UNMC nursing student enrolled in the ROTC program at UNL.
“ROTC and UNMC are the perfect combination for me to reach my goal of becoming an Army officer and nurse,” he said. “I have been extremely blessed to receive the training and unique experiences that I have.”