2009 Fall Cornerstone Proof -- News Nursing Page 2

Wever Brings Experience to Nursing Division Veteran health care professional and educator Jo Ann M. Wever was named the first chair of Lindsey Wilson College’s nascent nursing division. Wever comes to Lindsey Wilson with more than 40 years of experience in the medical profession. In addition to directing the new bachelor’s of science program in nursing – which began this fall with pre-nurs-

“I think Lindsey Wilson’s nursing program can be the best in the state.” – Jo Ann M. Wever, nursing division chair

ing students – Wever also teaches several courses. “I’m excited Jo Ann has joined the Lindsey Wilson community because she brings a great deal of knowledge and expertise that will benefit our students,” said LWC Vice President of Academic Affairs Bettie Starr. “We were very fortunate to find Jo Ann Wever, who has years of experience as a practicing nurse and

teaching students how to be nurses. She will start what I think will be an outstanding nursing program.” Wever said she is excited to help start a four-year nursing program. This will be the second nursing program she has started in Kentucky. Earlier this decade, she helped Campbellsville (Ky.) University establish a twoyear nursing degree. “I think Lindsey Wilson’s nursing program can be the best in the state,” Wever said. “This program has a lot of potential because it is fresh and not tied to a certain way of doing things. It also has a very experienced person leading it.” Wever said she has been impressed with Lindsey Wilson’s commitment to nursing education. “There is a great sense of collegiality here at Lindsey Wilson, and the college has a top-notch science building for students,” she said. Wever said LWC has already built several solid relationships with nursing professionals. “I’ve been very encouraged by the support we have

LWC Vice President of Academic Affairs Bettie Starr (left) hired Jo Ann M. Wever to direct the college’s bachelor of science program in nursing.

received from the directors of nursing where we will have clinical sites,” Starr said. “There are a lot of resources in the region for our students.” Wever said the ideal candidate for the Lindsey Wilson nursing program will be a “hard-working, dedicated, detail-oriented and compassionate person.”

Prospective students should prepare for the program in high school by taking plenty of courses in mathematics, science and English. “Nursing is not for the faint of heart,” she said. “It’s a very challenging major, but it offers students who succeed a very rewarding career.”

Nursing Program Becomes LWC’s 21st Undergraduate Major Continued from Previous Page

Faculty members Emiley Button (left), Kerry Robertson and Tabitha Ellis compose the “NOW! The Health Learning Community,” which prepares freshmen for the nursing program.

Responding to “a critical shortage” of nurses in Southcentral Kentucky, Lindsey Wilson College has started a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The college was approved in April by the Kentucky Board of Nursing to offer a bachelor of science degree in nursing. The program is the 21st undergraduate program offered at LWC. The program was started in response to “a critical shortage of nurses in our region,” said Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr. “Since its founding in 1903, Lindsey Wilson has a history of meeting the needs of Southcentral Kentucky,” Luckey said. “A nursing program will allow citizens of Southcentral Kentucky who want to earn a four-year nurs-