A Message from the Dean – Dr. Richard L. Sowell, PhD, RN, FAAN
This year, 2008, marks the 40th anniversary of the beginning of the WellStar School of Nursing at Kennesaw State University with the establishment of the first nursing program in 1968. Nursing at KSU began as an associate degree in nursing at Kennesaw Junior College, graduating its first class in 1970.
In 1985, in order to meet the growing nursing education needs of our community, a baccalaureate degree in nursing program was added with the first class completing in 1987. In an effort to combat the ever-increasing nursing shortage that plagues our health care system, this program now boasts several study options including a traditional generic baccalaureate degree, an accelerated baccalaureate degree, and an RN-BSN completion baccalaureate degree.
In 1995, changes in health care and new roles for nurses prompted another significant change in the programs offered by the School. The associate degree program was closed, and our first graduate program, the WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program was implemented in order to fulfill the emerging need for midlevel primary care providers. A second graduate program, the MSN in Advanced Care Management and Leadership, was added in 2004. This program is designed to prepare experienced registered professional nurses to serve in leadership positions in both practice and nursing education arenas.
Since its beginnings as an associate degree program and after 40 years, the WellStar School of Nursing continues to achieve the ongoing goal of creating and sustaining exemplary undergraduate and graduate nursing programs that promote academic excellence while preparing our students to become outstanding health care providers. The WellStar School of Nursing offers outstanding opportunities for the preparation of nursing professionals. With over 2800 graduates to date, our programs have served to positively impact the health and well-being of members of our local community, the state of Georgia, and beyond.
In this, our 40th year of excellence in nursing education, we pause to celebrate our legacy while embracing the future. We are proud of our achievements and the achievements of our graduates. Please join us and become a part of this celebration as we anticipate another 40 years of nursing education excellence.
Non Sibi Sed Omnibus
Not Self But Others