Quarterly Letter from Dean Valerie Howard — Spring 2024

Dear Friends,

Since Carolina Nursing was established nearly 75 years ago, our faculty have worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in nursing education with an eye toward innovation and nimble modes of delivery as we experience rapid changes in technology and health care.

In this edition of Carolina Nursing Quarterly, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on a few of our latest advances in nursing education, including our top-ranked online graduate degree in Health Care Leadership and Administration; recent distinction as an Apple Distinguished School; pioneering virtual reality simulation pilot program; and Collaborative Online International Learning faculty who are partnering with international peers to broaden students’ perspectives on nursing, patient care and public health across the globe.

Our commitment to excellence in nursing education extends far beyond these remarkable initiatives, and our new state-of-the-art Nursing Education Building will provide new opportunities for innovation and interprofessional collaboration we have only dreamed possible. While the construction project is still in the early phase of demolition and abatement, we’re excited to announce that this fall we will host a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the new facility — and you’re all invited! We will be sharing more event details in the coming months, and I hope you will consider joining us on campus or tuning in virtually on Thursday, October 24 at 5:00 p.m.

I also want to take a moment to remind you to mark your calendars for GiveUNC on Tuesday, March 26. GiveUNC is Carolina’s campus-wide annual day of giving. Year after year, the Carolina Nursing community continues to astound us with its generosity and enthusiasm. Your contributions play a pivotal role in supporting our students, faculty and initiatives, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.

These pages reflect Carolina Nursing’s steadfast commitment to research, teaching, practice and service, all of which improve the lives of patients living in and beyond North Carolina. As always, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each member of our Carolina NursingCommunity for your unwavering support, passion and dedication to leading the nursing profession and advancing health for all.

Warmly,

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