Dean’s message: Building on momentum in new year

As we step into the Fall 2025 semester, I want to extend a warm welcome back to each of you! I hope you had a rejuvenating summer filled with both rest and inspiration. My tenure of two years has slipped into the past but our future is BRIGHT!

Reflecting on the past year, we have much to celebrate. Our faculty successfully secured several grants that have allowed us to enhance our research initiatives and expand our outreach programs.  We moved up in the Blueridge rankings from 67^th to 31^st.  The implementation of the new competency-based curriculum has enriched our students’ learning experiences, equipping them to be practice ready upon graduation. The expansion of our enrollment cycle to twice-a-year admission in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha (where we’ll welcome our first cohort in spring 2026) provides new options to prospective students.

Moreover, our commitment to quality health care and equity has led to the establishment of several initiatives aimed at expanding our faculty practice model. The college continues its re-organization that will set the stage for future growth. The feedback from students, staff, faculty, alums, community leaders and clinical partners has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s encouraging to see our college community grow stronger together.

As we embark on this new academic year, let’s carry forward the momentum from last year. Together, we can continue to innovate in nursing education and make a meaningful impact in our state and beyond.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling 2025-26 academic year!