Scorpions Abroad to document group’s travel and coursework this June
By Mandi Enger
Fourteen students and one faculty advisor from Nevada State College (NSC) will participate in the college’s first study abroad program at the Marino Institute of Education (MIE) in Dublin, Ireland June 8 through 22. To share their experiences and encourage future participation in the program, the initial cohort has created a group blog titled Scorpions Abroad.
We’re pleased to be able to share timely updates about our travels and coursework in Ireland, said Roberta Kaufman, assistant professor of education at NSC and faculty advisor for the program. The group plans to blog throughout our trip in order for current and future students to recognize the unique opportunities available to them at NSC.
The blog was launched by the group in late May with Kaufman and students outlining the program schedule for the three-credit language learning course. Taught by MIE professors, classes will meet five-days a week with the curriculum focusing on historical, political, and social factors related to second language acquisition.
Course content will also cover instructional considerations for second language learning in grades K-12. Students will visit local schools as part of the learning experience.
I am looking forward to experiencing another culture and spending time in a classroom setting abroad with my fellow NSC classmates, commented Deuvall Dorsey, a student participating in the program and blog. I am also excited to work with young Irish students as part of our class requirements.
Evenings and weekends will be open for the group to study and explore Dublin. Dorsey and other students in the program plan to visit local villages, museums, and government buildings while sharing their travels through blog posts and photos.
We will be in Dublin during Bloomsday, a major Irish holiday, and I look forward to enjoying Irish poetry and literature readings at that time, Dorsey added. During my free time I also plan to run a 10k and a marathon.
Studying abroad can be life changing and help shape students values, beliefs, and view of the world, said Kaufman. We look forward to sharing our experiences.
The study abroad program was announced to students in early January with applications open to students of any major. In coming years, NSC plans to offer the study abroad program over the summer with various course offerings.
To subscribe or view the group’s latest blog entry, visit http://ireland.nevadastateblog.org/.
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Nevada State College and Truckee Meadows Community College form nursing articulation agreement
Collaborative program to help meet demand for baccalaureate prepared nurses
By Mandi Enger
Providing an efficient and seamless pathway for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students to also complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, Nevada State College (NSC) and Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) have partnered to form a collaborative nursing program. With the completion of a new articulation agreement, the program will admit its first students during the fall 2013 semester.
We are pleased to work with TMCC in order to provide quality educational opportunities for our students and future nurses, said NSC President Bart Patterson. Together, we will develop a highly-educated nursing workforce in Nevada to meet the State’s focus on building and expanding the healthcare sector.
The development of the program is in response to the recommendation by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) for registered nurses (RNs) across the nation to complete their bachelor’s degree within 10 years of receiving their ADN. The Future of Nursing report released by IOM in 2010 also encourages 80 percent of nurses to become baccalaureate prepared by 2020.
According to the IOM report, approximately 50 percent of nurses across the nation have completed their BSN and in Nevada, that percentage is closer to 42, said Sherrilyn Coffman, interim dean of the NSC School of Nursing. Additionally, it is estimated that Nevada will be 30 percent short of the projected RN demand by 2020.
After successfully completing their first semester in the ADN program, TMCC students will be eligible to apply for provisional admission into the NSC RN to BSN program. Accepted students will then be required to complete at least one general education course at NSC each year while working on their two-year degree. Students will also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) prior to full admission to NSC.
The RN to BSN program at NSC began in 2004. All post-licensure nursing courses are offered online with content designed for current RNs. Over 150 students were enrolled in the program during the 2012-2013 year. With the addition of the TMCC articulation agreement, enrollment is projected to increase to 425 by 2021.
Our partnership with NSC will not only benefit students but will meet the emerging needs of the healthcare industry, said TMCC President Maria C. Sheehan. Together, we look forward to the growth and success of the program.
Students in the TMCC Maxine S. Jacobs Nursing Program may contact the NSC Transfer Coordinator for additional program details by emailing erin.hall@nsc.edu or by calling 702-992-2118.
College celebrates accomplishments of graduates during spring commencement ceremony
By Mandi Enger
Nevada State College (NSC) was proud to celebrate its spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at 10 a.m., at the Henderson Pavilion. Approximately 315 students participated in the ceremony joined by administrators, faculty, staff, Nevada Board of Regents members, NSC Foundation Board of Trustees representatives, other elected officials, friends, and family.
During the ceremony, NSC President Bart Patterson addressed the class of 2013, Graduates, you have made your family and Nevada State College proud. I hope you will always take pride in Nevada State College and visit often to watch Your NSC grow as an institution, knowing that you continue to play a part in that growth.
Top degree programs represented by the 2013 class include Bachelor of Science in Nursing (37 percent), Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (15 percent), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (12 percent), Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (9.5 percent), and Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology (5 percent). The class is 81 percent female, 19 percent male, with over half of the population between the ages of 22 and 34.
Two President’s Medal Awards were presented during the ceremony. Recipients included Rod A. Davis, Senior Vice President, Dignity Health and President/CEO, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, Siena Campus; and Dr. Linda E. Young, Clark County School Board of Trustees. Each year the award is bestowed upon distinguished local leaders and philanthropists who have shown extraordinary commitment to the mission of NSC.
Continuing a tradition that began in 2012, the college recognized several students from each school by sharing their individual success stories with attendees.
Melina Arriaza, a student from the School of Education was in the spotlight for her enthusiasm for her coursework, involvement in Kappa Delta Pi and the Student Council for Exceptional Children, as well as her participation in a NASA science program for future educators.
From the School of Nursing, Rachel Woolard was acknowledged for her achievements as a member of the National Guard, a nursing student, student lab assistant, and a mother.
Stephanie Fisher, a first-generation college student and History major was congratulated for her dedication to her studies and role as the founding President of the NSC History Society.
The Physical and Life Sciences department recognized Delceta Morgan, an Environmental and Resource Science student for her passion towards photography, web and graphic design as well as her contributions to the community. Raised on Navajo tribal lands in New Mexico, Morgan recently presented on the impact of mining on the health of the Navajo Nation.
From Business Administration, Patricia Schrader was honored for her commitment to her studies as she worked towards a 4-year degree with the goal to advance her career opportunities as a county employee.
Psychology major James Wood was highlighted for his work with the Andson Foundation to study the effectiveness of their financial literacy program for students at a local elementary school. Wood will be continuing his education at UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law with a full scholarship.
We must never forget the opportunity that Nevada State College gave to us on our path to greatness, student speaker and 2013 graduate Corey Womble shared with his class, reminding them of the courage and strength of NSC that is represented through its history as well as its individual students and graduates. Congratulations Class of 2013, we have arrived.
