May 3, 2010
For Immediate Release

By Ashley Zsedenyi, staff writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's School of Nursing, which will graduate its third class this year, recently received full approval from the Kentucky Board of Nursing, as well as a special letter of commendation from the KBN for achieving a 100 percent pass rate for 2009, which only seven of the 46 schools in Kentucky achieved.

Bob Wade, dean of the School of Nursing, said the news is “exciting” for CU “because the CU nursing program has become known as one of the best in the state. Our students will be proud to have graduated from one of the best programs.”

“It is also important for the local healthcare facilities who hire our graduates to have a local nursing program of this caliber,” he said.

“The pressure is on now to maintain that approval status and pass rate, but with the quality of students and faculty that we have here it should be something that can be done on an annual basis,” Wade said.

He said the approval status and pass rate also enables the program to seek accreditation with the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), which is the only national accrediting agency for pre-licensure programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

“We have solid plans for future growth and have begun the accreditation process,” Wade said.

He also said the size of the nursing program at CU is growing tremendously, with 90 to 100 students expected by July, which is well above last July's total enrollment of 35 students.

Dr. Frank Cheatham, vice president for academic affairs at CU, said, “The School of Nursing has a great faculty. The members of the faculty work very hard to help students become successful.”

“This hard work and dedication is evident by the 100 percent pass rate for the May 2009 graduating class,” he said.
“I also appreciate the dedication of the students in the School of Nursing,” Cheatham said.

CU's School of Nursing will graduate its third class of nurses during the May 8 commencement. The annual pinning ceremony for graduates will be Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m. in Ransdell Chapel on CU's campus.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 3,006 students who represent 97 Kentucky counties, 30 states and 37 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2010 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 23rd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South, tied for fifth in “most international students” and fourth in “up-and-coming” schools in baccalaureate colleges in the South. CU has been ranked 17 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges® and to G.I. Jobs magazine as a Military Friendly School. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his 11th year as president.

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