On Monday afternoon, leadership from the University of Tennessee, along with community partners, dedicated a new home for the College of Nursing. Through an extended partnership with UT Medical Center, the new building was officially named the UT Medical Nursing Building.
This partnership allows for the continuation and expansion of the Nurse Scholars Initiative, supporting both the accelerated and traditional BSN programs. Over 140 traditional BSN students are receiving scholarships this year through this partnership, according to Dr. Keith Gray, the president and chief executive officer of UTMC.
Groundbreaking on the new building began in 2022, with the promise of being ready to open by fall of 2025. Although the college has faced logistical challenges over the last few years, this new building stands proudly at five stories and 117,000 square feet and pioneers a bright future — in a dedicated space — for the College of Nursing.
“This is more than just a building,” said Lisa Reed, the College of Nursing Advisory Board Chair. “It is a promise to our students, our state and our profession. It’s a home for innovation. It’s a home for excellence and training for compassionate care, and it’s a catalyst for the continued advancement of the College of Nursing.”
Before scissors were in hand and ribbons were cut, the College of Nursing had several announcements to celebrate.
Among these was the establishment of the Lisa and Greg Reed Endowed Dean Chair. This donation will fund student travel to international destinations, health policy conferences, the National Student Nurses Association and other initiatives at the dean’s discretion.
Through the existing partnership with UTMC, the College of Nursing has been able to provide two long-standing BSN practice partnership programs: the accelerated and traditional programs.
Now, that number has grown to three through the launch of a third pipeline program: an RN to BSN program focused on helping nurses graduating with associate degrees from community colleges.
Dr. Sandy Leake, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at UTMC, called upon the nation’s nursing shortage, emphasizing the urgency for educated professionals in the field.
“High-quality education has to be the foundation of the nursing profession,” Leake said. “The advent of new technologies and therapeutics mean that nurses must receive high-quality initial education and training and become lifelong learners.”
Over 80% of UTMC nurses hold baccalaureate degrees or higher. The goal of this program is to help associate degree nurses progress into their baccalaureate program faster and more easily.
Beginning her own career as an associate degree nurse, Leake recalled how challenging it was to work in a hospital while funding her baccalaureate education. She hopes that this program will change that reality for a new generation of vol nurses.
“We are going to be the university known for our unparalleled student experience, both in and out of the classroom,” Chancellor Donde Plowman said. “We will be the university that everyone turns to in Tennessee to prepare the future workforce and the leaders of tomorrow. We will be where industry, government and community leaders turn to help solve problems that make a difference for the people of this state.”
