Change is the heartbeat of progress, and nowhere more evident than in education. The College of Nursing begins a journey from tradition to innovation. It stands at an important crossroads, bidding farewell to an established curriculum while ushering in a bold, student-focused approach. This transformation is more than a procedural update — it’s a celebration of collaboration, vision, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education.
The College of Nursing began admitting students to the new curriculum in the spring of 2024. The first cohort of graduates from the new curriculum will graduate in December of 2025.
“We are retiring our previous curriculum and will be fully implementing a new one as of this fall semester,” said Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs, at a celebration to retire the old curriculum. She thanked Dean Newschwander for supporting this celebration and for affirming that the curriculum belongs to the faculty. “The Dean’s involvement included reviewing our work, asking insightful questions about our direction, and providing key feedback, while ultimately allowing the faculty to lead the development,” she added. “Although small group meetings may be concluding, the journey has been meaningful for everyone involved.”
According to Hunt, the previous curriculum was designed for implementation 2011, when only six current faculty or staff members were present. “This highlighted the need for an updated curriculum that better reflects the perspectives of today’s faculty and students,” said Hunt. “The 2011 curriculum was crafted by a small faculty committee with representatives from AU and AU-Montgomery campuses, during the period when both schools shared a dean. This collaboration fostered joint development between the institutions,” she stated.
In 2011, there were 686 undergraduate students enrolled, including pre-nursing and nursing, with 15 faculty members (14 full-time, 1 part-time). Between 2013 and 2025, over 2,000 students graduated under this curriculum, making significant contributions to their fields. AUCON’s faculty numbers have risen from 15 to 39, with new members joining soon. Staff numbers have increased from six in 2011 to 27 today, marking not just numerical growth but also increased capability and knowledge. Recent discussions between colleagues have highlighted how priorities have shifted over time.
Planning for the new curriculum began on March 9, 2022 — a significant milestone for the team. Many staff members joined in 2022 and 2023 during the early stages of this major transition, facing challenges and opportunities. For several, this was their first experience in curriculum development; only five had participated in similar processes before. According to Hunt, developing the new curriculum involved numerous meetings. In addition to main sessions, a dedicated group of faculty gathered regularly to plan curriculum details. “Together, as a relatively new group, we have accomplished something truly special,” she added.
What stands out in this process is the collective involvement of faculty and staff. Unlike previous instances where a small group developed material and the broader faculty simply reviewed and approved it, this time everyone collaborated from the beginning. “Despite potential challenges in moving a large group forward efficiently, the team worked seamlessly. Our staff have also been consistently engaged and supportive, a rare and valued quality,” Hunt said.
Thanking faculty and staff for their enduring sense of community, Hunt expressed that significant progress was made through numerous meetings from March 2022 to January 2024. The first courses, offered in the spring of sophomore year for newly admitted nursing students began in January of 2024, followed by the clinical courses in summer of 2024.
Faculty and staff acknowledged the value of the student-centric approach and the confidence placed in the team. Several individuals noted that defining curricular outcomes was particularly meaningful, providing greater clarity and motivation for their work. The group observed that engaging in difficult discussions and navigating periods of uncertainty contributed to personal development and strengthened team cohesion. Chris Martin, associate clinical professor, remarked, “The revised four-semester program is greatly appreciated, as it addresses concerns regarding parental payments for a fifth semester.” Martin also recognized the collaborative agreement to integrate courses throughout the curriculum. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to current students, whose active participation reinforced the underlying purpose of these changes. Claire Thompson, associate clinical professor, appreciated the dosage calculation check offs each semester, and reflected on the “non-rushed” development of the program over two years. Erin Thornton, assistant clinical professor, was excited about “more pediatric clinicals, now offered four days instead of one.”
Other comments included, “joining at the start of this process was invaluable for professional growth,” “appreciation to have the freedom to reevaluate content and the opportunity to teach entire classes about topics previously discussed only with individuals, highlights the opportunity for students to pursue passions through specialty courses and for faculty to share subjects they care about.”
As the College of Nursing embraces its new curriculum, faculty, staff, and students alike are united in a spirit of innovation and reflection. The transition represents not just a change in coursework, but a dedicated pursuit to nurture future nurses equipped for a dynamic and demanding world. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, the college strides forward — empowered by teamwork and driven by a shared purpose to make a lasting impact on healthcare and education.
