Dear Alumni, Colleagues, and Friends,
As we reflect on the 2025–26 academic year and look ahead, this is a fitting time to share several important developments shaping the future of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
Through a collaborative process, our faculty and staff came together to develop a new five-year strategic plan. This plan aligns closely with the university’s priorities and, more importantly, positions us to better support our students, strengthen our research, and continue advancing innovation in both education and clinical practice.
We are also pursuing renewal of our designation as a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. This recognition reflects the quality of our academic programs, our commitment to student success, and the depth of our teaching expertise.
Our academic programs continue to evolve in response to workforce needs and opportunities in health care. Among the most significant developments is the forthcoming launch of our Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia program, which will prepare graduates to deliver high-quality, specialized care in anesthesia practice.
As we look to the future, we also take time to recognize the leadership that has brought us to this point. Dr. Rae Brown, who has served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education since 2018, is retiring after 38 years of dedicated service. Her impact on our students, our programs and the undergraduate experience has been profound, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions.
I also want to thank our Alumni Society Board. These dedicated volunteers strengthen connections across our community and generously offer their time and expertise in support of our students. We are so grateful for their partnership and continued commitment to the college.
This edition of the newsletter highlights additional achievements and opportunities across our community. You will read about our Doctor of Nursing Practice program’s rise in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, recent and upcoming events, and alumni making an impact across the profession, including 2026 Alumni Achievement Award recipient Taylor Criste ’14.
I hope you enjoy this newsletter and find new opportunities within it to stay connected with our community and mission. Thank you for your continued support of the Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing.
Be well,
Laurie Badzek, LLM, JD, MS, RN, FNAP, FAAN
Dean and Professor
Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
