Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Youtube
Instagram

Glen Cornwall named Dean of Tampa Bay Campus
We are pleased to announce that Glen Cornwall, MSN, RN has been named Dean of Galen College of Nursing’s Tampa Bay campus, effective July 6, 2020.
Glen was appointed to serve as Interim Dean in December 2018; since then, Glen has been a dedicated leader and team player, which has contributed to the continued success of the Tampa Bay campus. Glen started at Galen in 2013 as a faculty member and has proved to be a valuable asset as he has developed as a nurse educator and leader.
Before coming to Galen, Glen held various roles in nursing education, nursing practice, and emergency medical services, both in the Florida community and abroad in Antigua. Additionally, he served as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy. Glen’s varied experiences and skills are of great value and benefit to his role at Galen.
Glen is currently awaiting to defend his dissertation in order to complete a Ph.D. in Nursing from Barry University. We look forward to celebrating his success with him in the very near future!
Please join us in congratulating Glen on this promotion!

Dr. Tracy Ortelli Announced as the Newly Elected President of The New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN)
Executive Vice President Tracy Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF to Lead New Jersey League of Nursing as New President
June 18, 2020 – Louisville, KY – The New Jersey League for Nursing (NJLN), an affiliate of the National League for Nursing proudly announced their newly elected President, Tracy Ortelli, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF. Dr. Ortelli, Executive Vice President Postlicensure Nursing Education at Galen College of Nursing, will serve a two-year term through spring of 2022.
“As a college dedicated to expanding access to quality nursing education, we are proud and honored that Dr. Ortelli extends her commitment to nursing education beyond our walls to support the nursing profession and quality care in our country,” said Mark Vogt, CEO Galen College of Nursing. “Dr. Ortelli brings not only professional excellence, but passion for nursing and nursing education to all she does. She will serve the NLJN with the same dedication and remarkable leadership.”
The New Jersey League of Nursing is a state constituent league of the National League of Nursing, with membership open to and representing all levels of nursing from practicing nurses, students, and retirees, as well those who provide health care services, schools and consumers. The NJLN is responsible for shaping nursing education and providing resources and scholarships for the Nurses of New Jersey.
Dr. Ortelli served as a board member, Treasurer, then President-Elect prior to her new role. “I am honored to move in to my role as President with the New Jersey League of Nursing as we celebrate 105 years of support and dedication to the nursing profession,” said Ortelli. “As an organization dedicated to promoting the advancement of nursing education, we look forward to continuing to build a community of support for nurses at all levels and to recognize those who have made a difference. Now more than ever, it is imperative to build relationships in the healthcare community, and to expand our reach to strengthen our ability to impact the lives of those who dedicate themselves to nursing and healthcare in our country.”
The New Jersey League for Nursing supports and implements the mission of the National League for Nursing to promote excellence in nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the nation’s health at the constituent level. The NJLN is a premier nursing Organization in the State, with more than 105 Years of promoting the positive image of nursing. The New Jersey League for Nursing believes in the professional advancement of nursing education and practice through programs, scholarships, and opportunities that address the needs of diverse students, faculty and practicing nurses in a rapidly changing healthcare environment while promoting collaboration and forming partnerships. For further information on the NJLN, or to become a member, please visit www.njln.org.
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded 30 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education and a mission to expand access to nursing education, the College offers master’s, baccalaureate and associate degree education and practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN) programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Tx., Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Oh., and Online. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Honoring David Jones Sr., Co-founder of Humana
Much has been written this past week about the legacy David Jones Sr. has left to our community and to health care in general. However, there is another that will affect thousands of people, both regionally and nationally. Thirty years ago, David Jones Sr. initiated a strategy to provide nurses with consistent skills to deliver quality, compassionate care to patients in Humana hospitals. Humana Health Institutes opened its doors in 1989, in Louisville, San Antonio, and Tampa Bay.
Today, those schools are known as Galen College of Nursing, the largest educator of nurses in Kentucky and the largest nursing educator in the South. The College continues a dedication to the initial commitments since its founding–expanding access to nursing education and a culture of care and continuous improvement. The College also continues to be dedicated solely to nursing education.
Today, the once small school on Fourth and Chestnut Streets in Louisville, and its sister locations, is proud of almost 20,000 graduates, began its first Master’s degree program this month, and offers nursing education to students all over the country.
David Jones Sr. and Wendell Cherry were early to recognize the critical nature of nursing to achieve better outcomes for Humana hospital patients. David’s vision to create a program of nursing education has impacted thousands of lives and influenced thousands of nurses, as well as the people for whom they care. This contribution should be recognized as an important part of his legacy that will continue to change lives and shape the future of nursing.
Kathryn M. Mershon, MSN, RN, FAAN
Board of Directors Chair
Galen College of Nursing
Photo courtesy of the Courier-Journal
Galen College of Nursing Appoints Dr. John Lundeen as MSN Program Director
LOUISVILLE, KY – MAY 27, 2019 – Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE, as the Program Director for the online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). In his new role, Lundeen will initially provide engaged leadership in the development and implementation of the MSN Nurse Educator track, drawing from his extensive experience in nursing education. Dr. Lundeen will ensure the curriculum prepares graduates to teach in academic settings through scholarly inquiry and leadership, and help transform nursing education and development in clinical settings, as well as support and direct faculty development.
“John’s dedication will support our mission to prepare nurses to teach in academia and lead in clinical education,” said Academic President Joan Frey. “His drive and proven experience align with Galen’s commitment to quality nursing education and he will be instrumental to our students’ success.”
Prior to his appointment at Galen, Dr. Lundeen was an associate professor and nurse anesthesia simulation coordinator in the Ida Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, where he was on faculty for 11 years. At Samford, Dr. Lundeen had the opportunity to teach in the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs. Most recently, Dr. Lundeen taught in the DNP program and served as chair of the school’s Faculty Development Committee and co-chair of the university’s ad hoc Committee on Faculty Assessment.
In addition to his faculty role, Dr. Lundeen has served at the national level as a Governor-at-Large on the National League for Nursing’s (NLN) Board of Governors since 2014. Previously, he served as a member of the CNE Certification Commission and as chair of the CNE Test Development Committee. As a scholar, he has published articles on evaluation and certification. Most recently, Dr. Lundeen contributed a chapter to the NLN’s Clinical Nurse Educator Competencies: Creating an Evidence-Based Practice for Academic Clinical Nurse Educators.
“Having worked with John on NLN’s Board of Governors, I have seen his longstanding commitment to the continuous growth and professional development of nursing firsthand,” Galen’s CEO Mark Vogt said. “He is a tremendous asset, and I look forward to the energy and expertise he will bring to Galen.”
Dr. Lundeen’s educational background includes an ASN degree from the University of West Alabama, an MSN degree in Nursing Education from Samford University, and an EdD degree in Instructional Leadership in Nursing Education from The University of Alabama. He is also credentialed as a Certified Online Instructor (COI) and a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE).
“We are excited to have John as part of our MSN team. He is highly regarded within the nursing profession,” said Tracy Ortelli, Galen’s Executive Vice President, Post-Licensure Nursing. “I look forward to John’s leadership as we continue to develop our graduate nursing programs. John’s experience and shared commitment to excellence will help position Galen as a leader in the preparation of nurses who seek advanced roles in areas such as academe and healthcare.”
Founded 30 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate, baccalaureate and master degree nursing programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.
San Antonio Campus Will Host A Spring Career Fair
Galen College of Nursing will hold a Spring Career Fair from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20 in the Student Resource Center, 8th floor, 7411 John Smith Drive.
Current students and alumni are encouraged to network and interview with the medical providers and vendors in the San Antonio area.
For more information, contact Student Resource Center Coordinator Ana Ibarra, 210-485-2240 or aibarra@galencollege.dev

Galen College’s Hazard Campus Graduates First Class
October 12, 2018 – Hazard, KY – Galen College of Nursing’s mission is to expand access to nursing education. The Hazard campus, a partnership between Galen and Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) in Hazard, Kentucky, embodies this mission.
In February 2017, Galen announced plans to open an associate degree program at a new location based in the ARH System Center building in Hazard. Galen and ARH joined together to offer additional nursing education opportunities in response to the continued and growing nursing shortage in the region. The program supports the development of the local nursing workforce and addresses the need throughout Eastern Kentucky.
Galen offers two programs at the campus: a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a 15-18 month Bridge program for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to continue their education in pursuit of their associate degree and subsequently their RN. The inaugural class started March 30, 2017.
“It is with great pride that Galen celebrates the first graduates from the Hazard campus, and we’re honored to share this auspicious occasion with ARH and leadership from the region,” said Mark A. Vogt, CEO of Galen College. “We look to our Hazard campus for inspiration for future partnerships to increase high-quality nursing education opportunities.”
The first three graduates of the Hazard program are Courtney Banks, Eric Seth Jones, and Allyson Tufts, all of whom are graduating with their ADN through Galen’s LPN to ADN Bridge program.
Allyson and Courtney went to school together to earn their Licensed Practical Nursing diploma and decided to enroll at Galen to pursue their RN. According to Allyson, who is from Melvin, Kentucky, her Galen experience offered “a really great education.” Because her class is small, “it felt like a family – everybody was super nice.” It was Allyson’s mother who originally convinced her to try nursing, and now with Allyson’s graduation, her mother is “a proud mom. She talks about it all the time.”
Galen is already looking forward to the next graduating classes, as students from the 2-year ADN program begin to complete their program.
The first graduation ceremony will be held on Friday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hal Rogers Center, and will feature speakers Chris Fugate, Kentucky State Representative; Sandy Dunahoo, Commissioner for Local Government; and Scott Alexander, Perry County Judge Executive.
The ceremony includes the Nursing Pledge, recited during the Ceremony of Lights, as one flame is passed to another to signify the passing of knowledge, the acceptance of responsibilities, and the rights and the obligations of the nursing profession. Graduates also will receive the nursing pin, a 1,000-year old symbol of service to others.
“Nursing is a profession that is steeped in honor and tradition,” said Dr. Connie Cooper, Dean of Galen’s Hazard campus. “And while graduation from our nursing programs is a momentous occasion, and a chance for all of us in nursing to reflect on our commitment to the profession, we also expect to have a lot of fun and a joyful celebration.”
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers a practical/vocational nursing diploma, and associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.
# # #

GALEN CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF A BRAND NEW TAMPA BAY CAMPUS
Galen College of Nursing recently hosted a Grand Opening to officially welcome community leaders, students and alumni to the new campus in Tampa Bay, Florida.
As a symbol of our ongoing commitment to the region and our students, the new campus is one of the largest campuses in Southwest Florida dedicated solely to nursing education. Faculty and staff were on hand to usher in special guests and provide tours of the new state-of-the-art facility, which encompasses nearly 70,000 square feet.
Visitors to the new campus are first greeted by an impressive 3-story atrium with large windows overlooking the front plaza. The open area and lots of natural light make the building entrance immediately inviting. Another bright focal point of the new campus is the “Why Wall” on the second floor, where students are encouraged to write on a glass wall about their inspiration for becoming a nurse.
The classrooms are well-equipped with advanced educational technology and there are lots of colorful and comfortable student areas for studying and collaborating. The new campus also includes the Ruth Corcoran Simulation Hospital, which offers an ER, ICI, Pediatric and OB Units, as well as a studio apartment setting for students to practice transition and home care techniques. In addition, there are several clinical learning labs that each feature 6 – 8 beds and mannequins for the teaching of essential skills.
Early feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. One student exclaimed, “Look, I have actual goosebumps” while another student declared she was “Speechless – it’s breathtaking!” Faculty is equally impressed. Interim Dean Audria Denker said, “Now our students have all the resources they need in one place so that they can focus on what’s really important: learning to be a great nurse.”
As part of the Grand Opening festivities, we were also pleased to dedicate the Sharon A. Roberts Library in honor of the 40-year career and legacy of Tampa Bay’s first and founding Dean. Ms. Roberts served as Dean from Tampa Bay’s beginning in 1989 through her retirement in 2013. CEO Mark A. Vogt and Kathryn M. Mershon, Chair of Galen’s Board of Directors, provided warm remarks about Ms. Roberts before unveiling a beautiful commemorative plaque.
The September 25th Grand Opening was an exciting and emotional event, as staff from Galen’s other campuses around the country came to wish their Tampa Bay colleagues well. The atmosphere for the whole evening was spirited and supportive.
“We’re humbled by the reception we’ve received from the community and honored that our students trust their future to us,” said Vogt. “Their dedication to nursing, and Tampa Bay’s dedication to higher education, have allowed us to grow into the college we are today.”
Galen College of Nursing Joins with American Nurses Association to Offer Human Trafficking Intervention Course for Nurses
Galen College of Nursing has joined with the American Nurses Association (ANA) to offer a new continuing nursing education (CNE) course on “Human Trafficking: Recognition & Intervention.”
Designed to help nurses in the important role they play in recognizing and responding to this growing humanitarian issue, the course will provide an introduction to the emergent nursing care of victims of human trafficking. Included is an overview about types of human trafficking, methods of coercion, and recognition of human trafficking victims. Nurses will explore screening tools, available resources, and nursing interventions that facilitate interdisciplinary, victim-centered care.
Nurses are ethically required to report suspected human trafficking. The Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements states that the nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person. The course is offered as part of a new collaboration between Galen College and ANA.
ANA has teamed up with colleges and universities to offer an innovative solution to nurses who are considering advancing their professional education and wish to explore quality nursing programs. By collaborating with higher education organizations such as Galen College of Nursing, ANA is creating additional channels for nurses to advance their education.
“We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Galen College to bring this course to nurses across the country, so that they are better prepared to recognize and provide care to victims of human trafficking,” said ANA Enterprise Chief Nursing Officer Debbie Hatmaker, RN, PhD, FAAN.
Created by Dr. Kathy Burlingame, Dean of Galen College’s Online RN to BSN program, and Galen’s Online Technology and Instructional Design team, the course will help nurses recognize victims of human trafficking in diverse healthcare settings.
“Human trafficking is a complex, national, and global healthcare problem,” said Burlingame. “Research has shown that up to 87.8% of sex trafficked survivors had at least one interaction with a healthcare provider while being trafficked. Because victims are unlikely to ask directly for help, nurses need to be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking and implement a victim-centered, multidisciplinary approach.”
The online continuing nursing education course is available to all nurses with a discount offered to ANA members. Nurses who complete the course are eligible for a $500 tuition discount at Galen’s CCNE accredited Online RN to BSN program.
Galen College of Nursing is a single-purpose nursing college with 5 campuses in 4 states and online. With a mission to expand access to quality nursing education, Galen emphasizes continuing education for all levels of practice and a dedication to lifelong learning. Galen specializes in online course development with an in-house team of advanced multi-media specialists and subject matter experts who create all of Galen’s online course material for over 5,000 nursing students. All courses within Galen’s Online RN to BSN are Quality Matters™ certified.
For more information about the course, visit https://www.nursingworld.org/continuing-education/online-courses/human-trafficking.
For information about Galen College’s Online RN to BSN, go to https://galencollege.edu/american-nurses-association.
About Galen College of Nursing
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing, associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu
About ANA and the ANA Enterprise
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation’s 4 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. The ANA Enterprise is the organizing platform of the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Nurses Foundation. The ANA Enterprise leverages the combined strength of each to drive excellence in practice and ensure nurses’ voice and vision are recognized by policy leaders, industry influencers and employers. From professional development and advocacy, credentialing and grants, and products and services, the ANA Enterprise is the leading resource for nurses to arm themselves with the tools, information, and network they need to excel in their individual practices. In helping individual nurses succeed—across all practices and specialties, and at each stage of their careers—the ANA Enterprise is lighting the way for the entire profession to succeed. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.
Galen College of Nursing Executive Vice President Audria Denker Appointed to Kentucky Board of Nursing
June 15, 2018 — Louisville, KY — Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce that Dr. Audria Denker has been appointed by Governor Matt Bevin to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN). Denker currently serves as Executive Vice President of Prelicensure Nursing for the college where she leads day-to-day prelicensure program operations, including staffing and workload, clinical operations, simulation, and student support across all campuses.
Dr. Denker will be able to apply her extensive leadership experience in clinical practice, healthcare management and nursing education to the appointment as a KBN member. Her appointment begins July 1, 2018.
“This is a tremendous honor for Dr. Denker, and also highlights the high caliber of faculty and staff who continuously propel Galen College forward,” said Mark Vogt, Chief Executive Officer for Galen College of Nursing. “We couldn’t be more proud that she is a part of Galen’s mission and congratulate her on this latest achievement within an already noteworthy career.”
The Board of Nursing is composed of 16 gubernatorial appointees representing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, nursing education, long-term care, and the public at large. The Board approves programs of nursing, and regulates and controls the licensing and conduct of nurses within the Commonwealth.
“With my experience as both a practitioner and an educator, I look forward to bringing a broad perspective on the strengths and opportunities in healthcare throughout the state,” Denker said. “I am proud to serve with the distinguished team of experts comprising the Board, and excited to help Kentucky provide an effective and competent nursing workforce to its citizens.”
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing schools in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Galen College of Nursing Celebrates National Nurses Week
Galen College of Nursing is honoring its faculty, students, and alumni during National Nurses Week 2018. This year’s celebration focuses on how nurses “Inspire, Innovate, and Influence” to highlight the diverse and impactful roles they play in health care.
National Nurses Week kicks off Sunday, May 6, which is also National Nurses Day. The final day of National Nurses Week is Saturday, May 12, to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing. May 12 is also International Nurses Day.
Every year, National Nurses Week recognizes nurses for the vital work they do and the care they provide. While traditionally the week highlights the accomplishments of licensed nurses, Galen College heartily extends thanks to today’s students who are preparing for the future of healthcare.
“We’re reminded each day not only of the value of nurses but equally important to the future of healthcare – nurse educators,” said Mark Vogt, CEO at Galen College. “While we celebrate this specific week for all those who have devoted their time and talents to nursing, we are proud to honor our nursing faculty and staff and our amazing nursing students throughout the year.”
The need for nurses continues to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent by 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Similarly, employment of licensed practical and vocational nurses is expected to grow 12 percent.
Galen College of Nursing is dedicated to expanding access to quality nursing education. Programs are designed to foster excellence and compassion in nursing through an educational approach immersed in innovation, technology, and student support.
Since Galen’s founding in 1989, more than 25,000 nursing students have graduated from the college, which encompasses an Online Campus and five instructional sites in Louisville, Ky.; Hazard, Ky.; San Antonio, Texas.; Tampa Bay, Fla.; and Cincinnati, Ohio.
For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.
Founded over 25 years ago, Galen College of Nursing is one of the largest private nursing colleges in the United States. With a focus solely on nursing education, the College offers practical/vocational nursing (PN/VN), associate and on-ground/online baccalaureate degree nursing programs to over 5,000 students on its campuses in Louisville, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Fla., Cincinnati, Ohio, Hazard, Ky., along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.