Quarterly Letter from Dean Valerie Howard — Fall 2024

Dear Friends,

This is truly a transformative time at Carolina Nursing.

Just as our new grads have turned their tassels, so are we looking forward to the future. In this edition of Carolina Nursing Quarterly, I’m excited to bring you stories of strong growth and innovation as we remain, more than ever, motivated in our mission to advance health for all — and strongly positioned to lead the way toward it.

In keeping with our traditions of exceptional teaching, research, practice and service, we aim to be a catalyst for a better world for all communities and for those who light the way through nursing and nursing education. New grant funding, historic scholarship support and a new building are all critical investments in that dream.

And, we hope you’ll join us to celebrate! You’re invited to the groundbreaking of our new Nursing Education Building on October 25, and we’d be delighted to see you there. It’s a celebration of everything so many have worked for and the promise of what lies ahead: expansions in space, enrollment, curriculum and a new ambition for what nursing can be not only to students, but to all of North Carolina.

Over the past year, we’ve also made remarkable progress on our new Strategic Plan, Leading with Light. This fall, we’re implementing a new organizational structure that embodies our vision of One SON — a school without silos, where faculty, staff and students teach, work, learn and collaborate across programs, and where wellness and welcome are prioritized for all. I’m eager to share more about these exciting changes and introduce our new leaders in the upcoming issue.

As such valued members of our Carolina Nursing community, you are the reason we’ve come so far and have the momentum for everything that comes next. As each year stands on the shoulders of those before, the future of nursing belongs to all of us. We are ever so grateful to have you by our side as we do the work together.

Warmly,

Val Howard
EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN
Dean and Professor