MILESTONES IN OUR HISTORY
The UNCG School of Nursing has a rich history of innovation and excellence, evolving to meet the needs of the healthcare industry and the community it serves.
For a period following World War II, The Woman’s College of The University North Carolina (UNCG’s name from 1931-1963), offered female WWII veterans who had completed diploma degrees in nursing the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing. UNCG and the School of Nursing celebrate these women and many other UNCG alumnae through the Women Veterans Memorial Collection in the Jackson Library Archives and Special Collections.
In February 1957, the Woman’s College of the University of North Carolina established the Department of Nursing to prepare qualified young women for registered nurse responsibilities in 2 years. In collaboration with Moses Cone Memorial Hospital, the University developed the “associate degree” program in response to the growing nurse shortage throughout the nation, and especially in Greensboro. This program was the first of its kind in North Carolina and pioneered the future establishment of associate degree programs in the state’s community colleges. The program, unlike diploma degree programs which were apprentice-type programs and hospital service oriented, was a “college controlled program in nursing education.”
In 1964, the North Carolina legislature passed the “New Nurse Practice Act” and made the UNCG associate degree program in nursing legal and opened the door for other programs of this kind to be opened in the state. The new Nurse Practice Act of 1964 laid the groundwork for the establishment of the baccalaureate in nursing degree at UNCG. Alice Boehret, a faculty member in the Associate Degree Program, wrote, “Because we had become, in essence, the demonstration program of associate degree nursing in North Carolina, we were anxious that this legislation be enacted and that the University assume its rightful role and have a baccalaureate program in nursing.”
Governor Dan K. Moore, chair of the University of North Carolina Board of Trustees, announced the appropriation of funds for a four-year program in nursing on the Greensboro campus.
UNCG faculty unanimously approved the inauguration of the Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing.
Dr. Eloise R. Lewis was appointed as the first Dean of the proposed School of Nursing. She served until her retirement in 1985.
An architect was selected to design and build the School of Nursing, later known as the Margaet C. Moore Building.
Dean Eloise R. Lewis began planning the curriculum and recruiting faculty for the UNCG School of Nursing.
The North Carolina State Board of Higher Education approved the proposal for the Baccalaureate Degree Program in Nursing at UNC Greensboro.
The first six faculty members arrive: Billie Boette (Psychiatric Nursing); Shelley Jones (Public Health Nursing); Margaret Klemmer (Maternal-Child Nursing); Margaret C. Moore (Medical-Surgical Nursing); Sandra Reed (Maternal Child Nursing); and Ernestine Small (Medical-Surgical Nursing).
The North Carolina Board of Nursing granted full approval to the School of Nursing.
The School of Nursing building was occupied and later dedicated on October 5, 1969.
The School of Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing.
The first class of eighteen students completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree. All graduates passed the State Board Examinations and were licensed to practice as registered nurses.
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors approved the Master of Science in Nursing degree program.
The Gamma Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, the honor society of nursing, was installed. The School of Nursing Building is named after Margaret C. Moore, a faculty member from 1967 until her death on November 30, 1975.
The Master’s Program received initial accreditation by the National League for Nursing.
Dr. Patricia Chamings served as Dean at the School of Nursing from 1985 to 1990.
Dr. Lynne Goodykoontz Pearcey was named Interim Dean of the School of Nursing, then named Dean in 1991. Dr. Pearcey served as Dean until her retirement in 2013.
The Doctor of Philosophy program is approved by the UNC Office of the President and the Board of Governors.
The first class was admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program.
The UNC Office of the President and the UNC Board of Governors approved the DNP degree with tracks for nurse anesthesia and the Adult/Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Robin Remsburg began service as Dean of the School of Nursing, serving until her passing in 2020.
The School of Nursing moved into the Nursing and Instructional Building, a 180,000-square-foot facility located only a short walk from the Moore Building on UNCG’s campus.
Dr. Heidi Krowchuk appointed Interim Dean of the School of Nursing.
Dr. Debra Barksdale began service as Dean of the School of Nursing.
The UNCG School of Nursing expanded its graduate program offerings with the introduction of two new Master of Science in Nursing concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP), to meet the growing demand for nursing leaders and advanced practice nurses.
The SON launched the first Direct Admission initiative within the UNC System for its high-demand BSN program.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on the rich history and significant milestones of the UNCG School of Nursing, we are equally excited about the future. Our commitment to innovation, excellence, and leadership in nursing education continues to drive us forward. The ever-evolving healthcare landscape presents new challenges and opportunities, and the UNCG School of Nursing is poised to meet them with resilience and vision.
Possibilities and Growth
Our future is bright with possibilities. We are dedicated to expanding our academic programs, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that will enhance our educational offerings and research initiatives.
Advancing the Field
We envision a future where our graduates continue to lead and innovate in the healthcare industry. By emphasizing a student-centered approach, robust mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we prepare our students to excel in diverse healthcare settings and to drive positive change in their communities.
Commitment to Excellence
Our unwavering commitment to excellence will guide our journey forward. We will continue to attract and support top-tier faculty and staff, invest in state-of-the-art facilities and technology, and nurture a culture of care and inclusivity. As we grow, we remain dedicated to our mission of improving health outcomes and advancing the field of nursing through education, research, and community engagement.
Join Us on Our Journey
The future of the UNCG School of Nursing is filled with promise. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey, whether as a student, faculty member, alumni, or community partner. Together, we will continue to shape the future of healthcare and make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities we serve.