The Rush University College of Nursing was recently honored with the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence recognition. The designation is granted for a period of five years.
This distinction places the College of Nursing among a select group of NLN institutional members. Of the more than 1,000 NLN members, fewer than 10 percent have earned Center of Excellence recognition.
The College of Nursing earned recognition in the category of Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development.
“This honor reflects Rush University College of Nursing’s enduring commitment to innovative, inclusive and supportive learning environments where students thrive and develop as future nursing leaders,” says Julie Hoff, PhD, MPH, RN, FAAN, provost, Rush University and interim dean, College of Nursing. “Through this work, Rush graduates are prepared to advance healthcare, drive innovation and make meaningful contributions to communities locally, nationally, and globally.”
A legacy of innovation and professional formation beyond the classroom
For nearly 140 years, Rush University College of Nursing has been preparing nurses who lead, innovate and transform healthcare. Founded on the pioneering Rush Model of Nursing, which intentionally integrated education, practice, research and service, the college embraces the belief that outstanding nursing education must extend beyond the classroom.
The College of Nursing educates more than 1,100 students across MSN, DNP, PhD and certificate programs. It remains deeply connected to the communities it serves through faculty practice, community partnerships, scholarly engagement, and an unwavering commitment to health equity.
The college’s mission extends beyond preparing students for licensure or certification examinations. Faculty are dedicated to helping students become compassionate, ethical and socially accountable professionals.
Students engage in leadership opportunities through student governance, curriculum committees, diversity initiatives, student groups, affinity organizations and community partnerships. Faculty mentorship is woven throughout the student experience, helping learners discover not only what nurses do, but who nurses are called to become.
Excellence in teaching and learning
This award also recognizes faculty who continually reimagine nursing education through evidence-based teaching practices and innovative curricular design.
Programs have incorporated immersive simulation, interprofessional learning, telehealth experiences, disaster preparedness exercises, humanities-based learning, and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Students consistently report high levels of preparedness in critical thinking, evidence-based practice, leadership and advanced clinical decision-making. NCLEX and specialty certification pass rates continue to exceed national benchmarks, demonstrating that innovation and rigor can thrive together.
The designation also recognizes the college’s investment in future scholars and researchers.
PhD students participate in faculty-led research teams, teaching assistantships, grant writing, publications, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Students leave the program prepared to contribute to the advancement of nursing science while maintaining strong connections to the communities their research seeks to serve.
Preparing the next generation of nursing leaders
The NLN Center of Excellence designation acknowledges that when nurses are educated in an environment defined by innovation, compassion, equity and excellence, the impact extends far beyond the university and into the communities they serve every day.
“This recognition affirms that the college has created a culture where excellence is expected, innovation is encouraged, and every student has opportunities to grow as a leader, scholar, clinician and advocate,” says Frank Hicks, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean for academic programs. “It validates decades of commitment to integrating education, practice, scholarship and service, and recognizes the collective efforts of an entire community dedicated to improving health and advancing the nursing profession.”