The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has once again been named a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
The designation is bestowed upon institutions that are known for the teaching expertise of faculty members, for promoting student learning and professional development and for advancing the science of nursing education.
Thirteen nursing education programs from across the country were selected overall, and UL Lafayette was one of three selected for promoting the pedagogical expertise of faculty.
“The award we received highlights how our expert faculty bring their unique experiences, knowledge and skills to the program to educate a diverse array of students,” said Dr. Jennifer Lemoine, associate dean of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. “We have faculty who are health policy experts, cardiovascular experts and psychiatric mental health experts. We pool them together to make the program what it is.”
The University was awarded the same designation in 2020, but colleges must reapply every four years. The process of reapplying can be difficult and with the continued growth and intensified emphasis on health sciences education at UL Lafayette, it was like filling out a brand new application, Lemoine said.
The LHC Group • Myers School of Nursing was recognized earlier this fall during the NLN Education Summit Honors Convocation in San Antonio.
“Achieving the NLN Center of Excellence designation elevates the School of Nursing’s reputation, enhances students’ learning experiences and boosts the University’s national standing,” Lemoine said. “It benefits the health care community by producing well-prepared, compassionate nurses who provide outstanding care, shaping the future of nursing for years to come.”
The league offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 40,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members. It was founded in 1893.
Photo caption: Nursing students participate in a simulation lab. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette