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CMH gives lead gift for program
BOLIVAR, Mo. — Southwest Baptist University is working toward offering a nursing degree on the University’s main campus in Bolivar, and Citizens Memorial Hospital/Citizens Memorial Health Care Foundation has made a lead gift of $600,000 toward funding startup costs for the program.
“We are extremely grateful for Citizens Memorial’s support as we work together to prepare more nurses for the local workforce,” said Dr. C. Pat Taylor, SBU president. “SBU has a strong history of nursing education on our Springfield campus, but that campus is designed for non-traditional students. The Bolivar campus program is more ideal for students who want to major in nursing while also participating in the traditional campus experience.”
Through the pre-licensure program, which is pending approval by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, students will earn a bachelor’s degree and preparation for taking the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse. Students will benefit from SBU’s liberal arts curriculum that enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
“A BSN-prepared nurse with a liberal arts education from SBU will be an outstanding nurse who is well-prepared for the daily demands of the nursing profession and will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles,” Dr. Taylor said. “We look forward to working with CMH to provide students with an outstanding education and help fill nursing positions.”
The program will provide CMH with recruiting opportunities to help fill a need for more nurses throughout the CMH system.
“CMH and SBU have a wonderful longstanding relationship in the Bolivar community. We have collaborated on several programs including physical therapy and sports medicine, and provide numerous training opportunities for students pursuing health-related careers. CMH is delighted to be involved in SBU’s nursing program on the Bolivar campus,” said Donald J. Babb, chief executive officer/executive director of CMH.
In recognition of Don Babb’s leadership at CMH and in the Bolivar community, the nursing program will be named the Don and Carrie Babb Department of Nursing.
“It is quite appropriate to name the department after Don Babb in honor of the significant contributions he has made to healthcare not only in Bolivar but throughout southwest Missouri,” Dr. Taylor said.
CMH will provide clinical placements for students in the Bolivar BSN program. SBU’s current agreement with Mercy Hospital in Springfield remains unchanged.
Startup costs include renovation of space in the Jester Learning and Performance Center and equipment for a state-of-the-art simulation lab and learning resource center.
“We have one of the best simulation labs in the state on our Springfield campus,” Dr. Taylor said. “This lab will include the same technology.”
SBU’s petition to the Missouri State Board of Nursing was accepted in May, and the University is submitting its full proposal to the State Board this fall for approval to begin the program.
Students who are interested in enrolling in the program can begin taking prerequisite courses now. For more information, contact Nancy Delmont, chair of the Don and Carrie Babb Department of Nursing, at (417) 328-1553 or ndelmont@SBUniv.edu.
* Published 8-16-17
