There is an old saying, "Like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one." For graduates of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, they become a branch on a great big family tree that anchors itself with roots that were established when the first 11 graduates of the School earned their degrees in 1927.
In 2024, a celebration of innovation, excellence, and care is on the horizon for the School of Nursing. 100 years ago, it would have been hard to imagine this impressive growth when the Board of Regents successfully established the collegiate program in 1924. Fast forward 100 years, and the School of Nursing consistently ranks among the best public nursing schools in the country, known for its innovative programming and partnerships, the career readiness of its graduates, and a commitment to a diverse workforce that reflects the populations it serves.
It is an honor to lead the UW–Madison School of Nursing at this special time in our history as we approach our centennial year, 2024. This milestone is an opportunity to celebrate the impact that our students, faculty, staff, and alumni have had on the health of populations by developing knowledge, providing care, informing policy, and on advancing the nursing profession itself.