This September marks the 90th anniversary for the Florida A&M University School of Nursing.
FAMU’s nursing program is ranked 89 nationally, 39 out of 88 nursing schools in the state of Florida, and is in the top 10 of all HBCU nursing programs. FAMU’s nursing program has also stood the test of time as the oldest continuing baccalaureate nursing program in the United States at an HBCU.
Dr. Shannon B. Smith, dean of the school, is honored to lead the school during such a transformative time, as the school boasts a 93 percent passage rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) while also graduating its largest class of 26 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students last fall.
“I can’t tell you how many students I see struggle when they come in, but then, all of a sudden, that light bulb comes on, they graduate and go on and do great things,” Dean Smith stated.
The School of Nursing celebrated 90 years with a welcome mixer, tours of the campus and the nursing building, and the anniversary gala on Saturday, September 19th.
Many students who graduated from the program credit their experience to the intentional and empathetic impact left by both deans and professors who displayed care in their instruction while also keeping students on track.
“During [my] time, Dr. Margaret Lewis was the dean here. We were a big family, and she made sure that we were on task with our studies and made sure that we were dressed properly to go out into the world. I had some wonderful instructors,” shared Lottie Cuthbertson, a class of 1990 graduate.
“I love that they still focus on the basics of what it is to be a nurse, and that’s the caring part and how to just care for the patients face-to-face,” shared Alexis Williams, a class of 2013 graduate.
Graduates of the nursing program lead in the field of nursing, specializing in sectors of cellular therapy, psychology, and entrepreneurship. The culture of discipline and professionalism training is especially appreciated by alumnae like Michelle Sapp, a class of 1996 graduate and a member of the first master’s degree cohort.
“I like the structure that we had; there was no question about where you are, what you’re doing, and the expectations … they helped me to get to my goal, which was to graduate on time,” said Sapp.
Dean Smith hopes to grow financial opportunities for students, as many nursing students work while they attend school in order to afford tuition. Dean Smith is on a mission to match those hours with scholarship funds that will allow students to focus on their course material and relieve financial burdens that can impede on students’ progress and completion of the nursing program.
“Yes, we have more to do, a lot more to do. But I know that standing on such strong shoulders and such an amazing legacy, my responsibility is huge,” Dean Smith says. “I can’t let it fall on my watch. And so I have to do everything within my power to not only provide that education for the students but also have a healthy school of nursing: faculty, staff, as well as making sure they have the resources to do their job.”
