The National League for Nursing, the top organization for nursing educators in the US, has named Wagner's Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing a 2012–16 Center of Excellence in Nursing Education.
Only 17 collegiate nursing programs in the nation are currently designated as NLN Centers of Excellence.
“There are a thousand or more nursing programs in the United States, a number of which are attached to major research universities,” says President Guarasci. “This places the Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing in the top tier of collegiate nursing programs.”
The Spiro School of Nursing was awarded this high distinction in the category of “creating environments that enhance student learning and professional development,” based on the school's ability to demonstrate, in measurable terms, sustained excellence in these areas, as well as its commitment to continuous quality improvement.
“The NLN relies on its Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education to be standard bearers of excellence, role models whose faculty, deans, and staff are available to share expertise, insight, knowledge, and experience to lift the entire nursing community to a higher level of achievement,” notes NLN President Judith A. Halstead.
Wagner's nursing program was founded in 1943, in response to the critical wartime need for nurses, under the leadership of visionary educator Mary Burr. It was granted full accreditation as a baccalaureate program by the NLN in 1951. With a focus on “community-based nursing” and a blend of the liberal arts and intensive nursing coursework, it continues its pursuit of excellence today through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Second Degree 15-month Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse Program, Master of Science in Nursing, and Post-Master's Advanced Certificate Program.
