A Summer to Celebrate

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The last few months have been filled with exciting news, meaningful connection and joyful celebration! Here are just a few highlights:

• We’re feeling 22! US News & World Report has named MUSC College of Nursing No. 22 in the nation (No. 14 among public universities) and No. 1 in SC for Best Nursing Schools - Doctor of Nursing Practice! As a leader in nursing education, not only in South Carolina but also nationwide, we are graduating students who are meaningfully impacting nursing practice, nursing science, implementation science, health care delivery and patient outcomes. This outstanding ranking is a direct reflection of both MUSC’s stellar reputation and our faculty’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders. I am so proud of their incredible work!
• Student innovators Lauren Figura and Erin Grimsley presented as finalists of the university-wide Student Pitch Competition during MUSC’s annual Innovation Week. As Accelerated BSN students, they each envisioned creative, memorable ideas to help fellow nursing students learn rigorous course material. Named the winner of the entire competition, Lauren received seed money from MUSC’s Office of Innovation to help make her “Pharm Phriends” flashcards a reality. We can’t wait to see these ideas take flight!
• Our first-floor renovation is proceeding according to schedule, and in March the CON community was invited to commemorate the structural steel installation phase with a beam signing in the newly expanded space. This little slice of history making is the first of many as we build this new era of CON.
• The annual Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research report is out, and MUSC College of Nursing is now ranked in the top 50 for NIH research funding nationally among colleges of nursing, and, when looking at only public institutions, we are among the top 35! We’re proud of all who’ve contributed to these rankings and the high-quality research being done at our college.
• The inaugural Alumni Weekend was a great success and welcomed over 500 alumni from all six colleges back to campus. It was wonderful to host our College of Nursing alumni for several special events, and plans are already in the works for next year! Save the date for Alumni Weekend 2025 (February 27-March 1) and check out the photo gallery from this year.
• In May, we hosted a fun-filled Nurses Week for our faculty and student nurses and proudly celebrated our new graduates during Convocation. Both of these meaningful events provided opportunities to reflect on the importance of the nursing profession and the part we all play in investing in the next generation of nurses.

I find it so inspiring when I get the chance to meet our alumni and supporters and hope to see you at one of our upcoming events soon. Thank you for your partnership and support of our College.

Have a fantastic summer,

Cathy