Wichita State UniversityThe Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Wichita State University has moved from WSU South to the main campus, bringing all the School of Nursing programs together in the same building. The program is now located on the third floor of Ahlberg Hall, occupying the Physician Assistant program's previous space after their move to WSU Old Town.
The program, Kansas' only accelerated nursing program at a state university, has been located at WSU South since its inception in 2008. This is the first time the entire School of Nursing has been in the same facility.
Brandy Jackson, director of undergraduate nursing programs, says the move is beneficial because all students and faculty are now in the same location, interacting and learning together.
“We value our students and faculty having a voice and active representation in the School of Nursing,” says Jackson. “Now they can be more easily involved in campus committees and organizations.”
The move also gives students more convenient access to the Applied Learning Center, which means no more driving back and forth between locations for simulations and lab time.
Associate Professor Debie Pile and her granddaughter welcomed the students to Ahlberg Hall on the first day of classes by decorating the classroom and lockers with nursing items, welcome messages and homemade name plates. They also stocked the area with supplies and stress relievers such as squeeze balls and bubbles. She says having all the programs together under one roof promotes a more collaborative environment and encourages community among students, faculty and staff.
“We appreciate all the support and advocacy in bringing the accelerated nursing students to the main campus,” she says. “Having everyone in the same building is an exciting step for us and makes the School of Nursing more unified.”