Dean's Welcome

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing (CON). For over 40 years, the CON has been dedicated to preparing caring and scholarly nurse leaders.

The College graduates baccalaureate and master's prepared nurses to meet the health care needs of Wisconsin, the nation and the world. In 2010, the CON received full accreditation for ten years from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530,Washington, DC 20036 (202) 887-6791 our accrediting body.

The national and worldwide demand for well-educated nurses has never been greater and employment opportunities are predicted to continue to grow. Whether you are considering nursing for the first time or you are a nurse seeking to advance your education, I hope you consider UW Oshkosh College of Nursing as your first choice.

Our innovative programs such as the 12-month Accelerated Online BSN program and the graduate level Clinical Nurse Leader program, as well as our traditional programs, help graduates keep pace with the changing demands of nursing and the health care industry. Our Center for Nursing innovation is a think tank producing new programs for nursing education and practice. 

The knowledge base for all health care professions is growing at an extraordinary pace. Scientific advances and new technologies continue to revolutionize the health care industry. As a result, nursing practice is increasingly complex and challenging. Evidence-based practice, cultural competence and simulation training are incorporated throughout the baccalaureate and graduate curricula.

Students are prepared with expert knowledge, clinical practice skills and critical thinking ability to meet the challenges of a diverse and global society. In addition, students are empowered with a philosophy of lifelong learning that assures their ability to meet the rigor and challenge of clinical nursing practice both today and into the future. 

In the state-of-the-art learning lab, students practice their clinical skills prior to actual experiences with patients and their families. Clinical learning opportunities occur in a multitude of clinical sites throughout Wisconsin. A unique clinical site includes the Living Healthy Community Clinic that serves the uninsured of Winnebago County. This clinic is administered by UW Oshkosh CON along with several major community partners.   

As dean, my goal is to preserve the rich traditions and values that make us unique while preparing nurses for a dynamic and futuristic health care society. I am proud that with the teamwork of our students, faculty and staff, our college is making headway in achieving our strategic vision and goals. I highly encourage you to explore our Web site to learn more about our academic programs, faculty, students, areas of practice and strategic goals.

Rosemary Smith, PhD, RN, APNP
Dean