Click on the photos below to learn more about each major milestone in our history.
The University of Wisconsin establishes in Madison the first collegiate nursing program in the state.Helen Denne Schulte served as director of the School of Nursing from 1924-1937.The Nurses’ Dormitory opens at 1402 University Avenue. Dorm space limits class enrollment.The school awards nursing certificates to its first graduating class of 11 students.Christina Murray is appointed director and serves until 1948.The school participates in the U.S. Cadet Corps program during World War II.Margery MacLachlan is appointed director of the School and serves until 1959.The degree granted changes from BS (Hygiene) to BS (Nursing).Canary Girardeau receives nursing certificate, making her the first African-American student to graduate from the school.UW Extension offers nursing courses jointly with the School of Nursing, providing statewide opportunities.The four-year nursing degree is instituted at the School.Helen Bunge is appointed as the first dean of the School.The first male students are admitted to the School of Nursing.The first graduate nursing program in the UW System is introduced through an MS degree in pediatric nursing.Valencia Prock is appointed dean.The School of Nursing initiates Wisconsin’s first nurse practitioner (NP) program in geriatrics.Vivian Littlefield is appointed dean; she leads the school through a time of substantial progress in academics and research.The PhD program is established—a joint program in nursing and psychology. Secondary concentration areas are added in 1991.The Collaborative Nursing Program, allows practicing nurses to complete a BS in nursing. The program was renamed BSN@Home in 2006.In 1997 Signe Skott Cooper made the first commitment to the School of Nursing’s new building. Cooper later donated her sister’s estate to develop a historical suite in the new building. Before she made Cooper Hall possible, Cooper developed one of the first distance-delivered courses at the UW, broadcasting lectures from Radio Hall on the Madison campus to more than 600 nurses across the state.Inducted into the American Nursing Association’s Hall of Fame in 2000, Signe Skott Cooper was named a “Living Legend” by the American Academy of Nursing in 2003. Shown here during the groundbreaking celebration for Cooper Hall.Katharyn May is appointed dean. She leads the school through the realization of the new building.MS/MPH Dual Degree Program is offered jointly with the School of Medicine and Public Health.The Doctor of Nursing Practice is launched with post-BS and post-MS options.In 2012, the UW Board of Regents approved the naming of the new School of Nursing building as Signe Skott Cooper Hall in recognition of Cooper’s lifelong commitment to the university, school, and profession. Construction begins on May 24, 2012 at 701 Highland Avenue. Signe Skott Cooper Hall officially opens in August, 2014.Linda D. Scott is appointed dean.“The need to impact health disparities and social determinants of health is at emergency levels and the perspective of nursing is needed in all related spheres of influence.” Jessica Kendall ’14, 2019 recipient, Outstanding Badger Nursing AwardMay 2021: Badger Nurses Change Lives Campaign LaunchedA transfer agreement between Madison College and the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing was forged to help address nursing workforce needs by creating greater access to nursing education. In addition, it supports the need for more Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) prepared nurses in health care and improve public health in the state of Wisconsin.In 2024, we celebrated 100 years with numerous events throughout the year, culminating with an all-School reunion at Signe Skott Cooper Hall.In 2025, we transition into our next century of impact.
