New nursing students welcomed

A reception for the inaugural Class of 2013 of the new Longwood University Nursing Program was hosted recently by Centra Southside Community Hospital (CSCH) at the Farmville Train Station.  Dr. Gwen Eddleman, CEO of CSCH told the students "This is an exciting time to be in nursing - there are so many opportunities for you in your future." Eddleman also stated that over half of the new nursing students had already signed on to be volunteers at Centra Southside Community Hospital.

Dr. Patricia Cormier, President of Longwood University, was recognized for her visionary guidance and commitment to the program's development.  Dr. Cormier added, "We are very grateful to Centra Southside Community Hospital for sponsoring this event today, and I want to thank everyone for their efforts to make our students feel welcome. The addition of the nursing program  has excited the campus, excited prospective students, and excited the region.  I am looking forward to a wonderful collaboration with Centra Southside Community Hospital and I know that the success of the program will make a difference in Southside Virginia and beyond." 

Also in attendance at this special welcome were Mr. George Dawson, Longwood BoV member and President/CEO of Centra Health;  Claudia Meinhard, Chief Nursing Officer of CSCH; and  Dr. Stephen Keith,  Chair of the CSCH Board of Directors.   Receiving special recognition was, Dr. Edward Gordon, who recently donated $1,000,000 to fund the Nursing Department Clinical Simulation Learning Center.

The a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN program was approved last January and will be administered by the Cook-Cole College of Arts and Sciences.  The inaugural class  includes 36 students.