Villanova Nursing recognized again as Center of Excellence in Nursing Education

“We are inspired by your commitment to students, your efforts to advance excellence in nursing education and your exemplary leadership in the field,” stated the NLN in its citation.

Villanova, PA, September 29, 2007 — Villanova University College of Nursing proudly announces that it has once again been designated as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing (NLN). The College voluntarily sought and was granted the designation after rigorous review of its application in its selected category “Creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development.” Representatives from the College received the honor at the NLN Education Summit in Phoenix on September 29.

This prestigious designation is a three-year recognition. The College was one of the inaugural three schools of nursing in the country to receive the honor in 2004. It continues to be among a total of 11 schools named Centers of Excellence by the NLN -- the oldest professional nursing organization in the country that has nursing education as its primary concern. “The College of Nursing’s continuing designation as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing is symbolic of the dynamic quality education that our students receive. Equally important, it recognizes the stellar achievements of our graduates who distinguish us through their professional performance,” explains Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor M. Louise Fitzpatrick, Ed.D., R.N., FAAN.

The designation is separate from accreditation and identifies schools of exceptional quality. In pursuing distinction as a Center of Excellence, the College of Nursing successfully met the criteria set forth by the NLN which cited many of the College’s inventive education opportunities as leading to its success. Through international experiences, students develop a global perspective and provide service to diverse cultures and underserved populations. Close mentoring relationships between faculty and students allow both to influence the profession at regional and national levels. Student learning is promoted through innovative, evidence-based teaching-learning experiences, all set in an environment fostering trust and empowerment. The College of Nursing demonstrated high standards and commitment to these ideals across its bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degree and continuing education programs.

The College of Nursing’s core values, strong advising system, faculty practice, research, student leadership cultivation, creative programs, local and international community involvement, service learning, and its distinguished alumni, faculty and students all reflect its more than 50 year commitment to nurturing a creative environment for student development. It continues to do so as its new facility construction is underway on the central campus of Villanova University. By summer 2008, the $32 million, state-of-the-art facility will open in support of the education of the next generation of nurses, demonstrating the University’s commitment to nursing education as part of its institutional and social mission. This new building will support College initiatives including student learning in technology-driven clinical simulation labs and enhance an environment for teaching and scholarship. It will provide an atmosphere that stimulates advancing the future of nursing. Additionally, this environmentally-friendly building will provide space for University events.

For more information about the College of Nursing and its fully accredited programs, visit www.villanova.edu/nursing.