The UNC Greensboro School of Nursing has received $2,420,118 to expand and enroll more nursing students. The funding, allocated from the UNC System Office, is part of the legislature’s efforts to increase nursing degree completions by at least 50 percent.
“We welcome, and appreciate, the opportunity to educate more nurses to meet the needs of North Carolina,” said Chancellor Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr. “Our School of Nursing has long been ranked as a leader in the state and nationally, and this investment in our faculty, clinical partnerships, and facilities will further enhance the student experience as we prepare the next generation of nurses.”
The School of Nursing anticipates expanding enrollment in the bachelor of science nursing program by over 50 percent in two years. In addition to increases in the pre-licensure BSN program, the School’s new prelicensure master’s of science in nursing program is anticipated to welcome another 70 students during that same time. The SON anticipates starting the new program and enrollment in January 2025, pending NC Board of Nursing approval.
“With this anticipated enrollment of new students, the funding will also help us recruit and retain as many as 18 world renowned nursing faculty right here in Greensboro,” said UNCG School of Nursing Dean Debra Barksdale. “Academic advisors, coaches and other student support positions will also be hired to assist these new students earn their degrees in a timely fashion.”
In May 2024, the UNCG School of Nursing graduated 241 undergraduates and 74 graduate-level nursing students.
Photography by Sean Norona and Martin W. Kane, University Communications
