Employees, Officials Help Galen College of Nursing Break Ground on New Louisville Campus

August 30, 2019 – Louisville, KY — Galen College of Nursing employees and officials gathered under sunny skies for the College’s groundbreaking ceremony Friday morning. The new 132,000 square-foot campus will be located at Terra Crossing Boulevard, off the Old Henry exit at the Gene Snyder Freeway. As the largest educator of nurses in the south, the new building will include both the Louisville Campus and the College’s national headquarters and will be completed winter of 2020.

Michael Nemes, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Education Workforce and Development Cabinet, was among the officials who praised Galen College for its mission to help students pursue a rewarding career in nursing.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer honored one of the College’s founders Kathy Mershon, who was an attendee at the event and is Galen’s board chairperson. “Kathy is a tremendous role model for so many people, and I just want to say thank you for being such a great citizen of our city.”

Fischer also commended Galen CEO Mark Vogt for his vision and leadership for the College.

“I really appreciate the commitment that you make each and every day to both your students, the profession of healthcare, and to our city,” Fischer said. “I love the energy that you bring to this college and to our city.”

Vogt thanked the partnership with BHDP Architecture, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, for its development of the new building. He also recognized the employees who have played an integral role in the College’s expansion.

“Galen is never about standing still. We are always looking ahead to where we want to go,” he said. “We have assembled the most caring employees that really drive our vision. When we finish our building, we are going to have the most advanced college of nursing, not only in this region, but I believe, in this country.”

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’s degree nursing programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Florida, Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Galen College of Nursing to Create Region’s Largest Nursing Education Facility

August 7, 2019 –Louisville, KY — Galen College of Nursing announced today the construction of a new Louisville Campus at Terra Crossing Boulevard, off the Old Henry exit at the Gene Snyder Freeway. The new campus, which will house both the Louisville Campus and the College’s national administrative headquarters, will be complete winter of 2020.

As the largest educator of nurses in the south, Galen’s vision is to elevate the student experience and inspire students and employees alike. “We will have the area’s largest and most unique education facility dedicated solely to nursing. This new Louisville campus represents our commitment to nursing education and healthcare in our region, as we continue to build a vibrant community of students, educators, and staff, dedicated solely to the cornerstone of patient care – nursing. We have designed an advanced, one-of-a-kind new space to provide our students the tools they need to deliver excellent patient care and outcomes, advance nursing practice, and pursue their professional goals,” said Mark Vogt, CEO Galen College of Nursing.

“We’re thrilled for Galen College of Nursing to expand its national headquarters and remain in Louisville,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “By teaching excellence in compassion and nursing, Galen is leading the way in addressing our nation’s nursing shortage. I look forward to helping break ground on its new state-of-the-art educational campus that will ensure Galen’s success in shaping the best caregivers in the country.”

A strategic design partnership was formed with BHDP Architecture, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, to help create a strong, forward-thinking experience for the College. Said Vogt, “We want the physical space to support the quality and innovation of the education delivered and we couldn’t be more excited about the new space they have created.”

Galen will be moving from its main Zorn Avenue campus, along with a satellite River Road location, to one location of 132,000 square feet on 11 acres of land owned and developed by Jefferson Development Group. Jefferson Development Group will retain ownership and management of the facility and has hired Whittenberg Construction Company and Louisville Paving as its contractors. David Hardy of CBRE was the real estate advisor on the transaction, bringing together Jefferson Development Group and Galen.

The new campus will house interactive learning experience classrooms, clinical learning labs and a simulation hospital where students practice clinical and decision-making skills through varied real-life situational experiences without compromising patient well-being. The heart of the new campus is the collaborative learning spaces for today’s learner. With an emphasis on student support, the new campus will feature a student resource center and library, private and group study rooms, and a variety of study spaces and casual seating, promoting engagement and collaboration, to ensure the success of its diverse student population.

Said Dean Connie Cooper, EdD, RN, CNE, “We are excited to be able to offer this kind of facility not only for our students, but our faculty and staff. They are among the most dedicated with whom I’ve had the honor to work. Our students come first, and the exceptional team we have in place to support them is what makes the difference in helping thousands of nursing students graduate and make a difference in the lives of others. Our new campus and the people in it will have a supportive synergy that will benefit our students, and the learning taking place, on a daily basis.”

The work is a culmination of years of strategic planning and behind the scenes support to make this exciting project come to life. “Our coordinated approach to economic and community development has once again allowed Louisville to retain a corporate headquarters and secure new development for our city,” said Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, chief of Louisville Forward. “We appreciate the commitment that the executive team of Galen has shown to continue to grow in our community. This new strategic location will be a perfect fit for providing education for nursing students and ties into the expansion and growth of medical centers along the Northeast parts of our city.”

Now in its 30th year, Galen’s Louisville campus graduates over 700 nursing students a year with a 96% licensure pass rate. Said Vogt, “Galen’s mission is centered around expanding access to quality nursing education and helping to change lives by providing opportunity and opening doors. These doors will be opened wide.”

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, 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, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Galen College of Nursing Announces Nancy Bellucci as Program Director of Online RN to BSN Program

 JULY 30, 2019 – Louisville, KY  — Galen College of Nursing is excited to announce that Dr. Nancy Bellucci Ph.D., MSN-Ed, RN, CNOR has been appointed the Program Director for the Online RN to BSN Nursing program.

Dr. Bellucci has been a member of Galen’s faculty since November 2016.  Before becoming program director, Bellucci served as course lead faculty and chair of the RN to BSN Program Evaluation Committee.

“Nancy is an innovative leader and passionate advocate for higher education,” said Dean of Online RN to BSN Kathy Burlingame EdD, MSN. “Nancy brings a wealth of experience and talent in curriculum development and nursing research. She embraces Galen’s commitment to excellence in nursing education. We are thrilled to have her leadership in our Online RN to BSN program.”

Prior to arriving at Galen, Dr. Bellucci served as adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University. She has also published articles about the healthcare environment, interprofessional education, and higher education.  Most recently, her article “Doctoral Persistence and Balancing Competing Roles: Learn Strategies for Completing your Doctorate” was published in American Nurse Today.  She is a peer reviewer for the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and has presented at Sigma Theta Tau and the National League for Nursing.

Dr. Bellucci’s educational background includes an ASN degree from the Atlantic Cape Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Nursing Education from Thomas Edison State College, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Capella University. Dr. Bellucci is certified as a perioperative nurse (CNOR).

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 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 Expands Footprint at Appalachian Regional Healthcare Campus

July 22, 2019 – Hazard, KY – As part of their commitment to nursing education and the future of healthcare, Galen College of Nursing announces the expansion of its Hazard campus at the ARH System Center in Hazard, Kentucky. These exciting renovations will almost double the size of the campus today.

Over 10,000 square feet will be added to provide advanced simulation labs, a second clinical learning lab, and a student resource center with a variety of inviting seating and study rooms, ideal for students to spend time working and studying.

“This expansion not only reinforces our commitment to increasing educational opportunities and supporting healthcare in this region, but to supporting learning outcomes and student success,” said Audria Denker, RN, DNP, EVP Prelicensure Nursing Education at Galen.  “We are building our academic and clinical learning environments to foster our students’ connectivity and academic success.”

In 2017, Galen College and ARH joined together to offer additional nursing education in support of both the local nursing workforce and the need for nurses throughout Eastern Kentucky. Renovations are set to be completed by the fall of 2019.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the expansion,” said Joe Grossman, President, and CEO of ARH. “Galen’s nursing program is supporting the critical need for nurses in this region, and we are excited for the potential to grow, and to support the additional investment and commitment to this community.”

Galen College CEO Mark Vogt added: “The relationship with ARH has been extremely beneficial for our students. These improvements are emblematic of our mission to provide a culture of academic excellence for our students and expand access to quality nursing education.”

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’s degree nursing programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Ky., San Antonio, Texas, Tampa Bay, Florida, Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

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Galen College of Nursing Expands Campus to Northside Hospital

June 25, 2019  — Tampa Bay, FL. — Galen College of Nursing announced today the expansion of its main Tampa Bay campus at Northside Hospital, an HCA Healthcare facility located in St. Petersburg, Florida.  The first class of students attending the Galen campus at Northside Hospital will start July 8.

As the largest educator of nurses in the region, Galen is proud to continue to expand access to quality nursing education in support of healthcare in the community.  “The integration of a campus at a hospital provides our students with more exposure to clinical practice, enhancing their learning and expertise,” said Mark Vogt, Galen’s Chief Executive Officer.  “The new Northside Hospital location will allow students an up-close look at real-world nursing, which is invaluable to their education.”

Nursing students at the new campus will have unique opportunities to engage more closely with healthcare providers on campus, participate in educational and training events offered to nursing colleagues, and see first-hand practices and measures in place that enhance the quality of care at Northside Hospital.

“We are excited not only to expand our ability to support the need for more nurses so vital to the nursing workforce, but to offer this kind of integration into our programs, increasing the confidence of students and advancing their preparation for practice,” said Interim Dean Glen Cornwall, MSN, RN.

“Northside Hospital has a strong tradition of supporting nursing education, from working with area nursing schools to our StaRN Nurse Residency program and encouraging nurses to strive for advance certifications and degrees,” said Valerie Powell-Stafford, MHSA, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Northside Hospital. “We’re excited to welcome Galen to our campus, because we know that skilled and compassionate nurses are critical to our mission, which is the care and improvement of human life.”

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, 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 Dean Tara Dailey Elected President-Elect of Texas League for Nursing

 SAN ANTONIO – JUNE 3, 2019 – Galen College of Nursing is pleased to announce that San Antonio campus Dean Tara Dailey has recently been elected to serve as the president-elect of the Texas League for Nursing (TxLN). Dailey will hold the leadership position for the 2019-2021 term.

In June 2010, the TxLN was organized to support the mission of the National League for Nursing (NLN) on a state level. In addition to strengthening the relationship of Texas nurse educators to the NLN, a key goal of the TxLN is to provide a network for the state’s nurses and other professional groups to highlight local and national nursing education.

“It is an honor to serve as president-elect of the TxLN. I have been a part of this constituent league for two years, and I look forward to growing and collaborating with our membership,” Dailey said. “We will continue to promote excellence in nursing education and create support systems for nurse educators in the great state of Texas.”

Prior to her role as the Dean of Galen’s San Antonio campus, Dailey was a nurse educator at Northern Kentucky University and Dean of Academic Affairs at Brown Mackie College. Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Nursing from Southern University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northern Kentucky University.

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’s degree nursing programs to over 6,000 students on its campuses in Louisville and Hazard, Kentucky; San Antonio, Texas; Tampa Bay, Florida; and Cincinnati, Ohio, along with an Online Campus. Galen is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. For more information about Galen College of Nursing, visit galencollege.edu.

Local Church Helps Ensure Education Continues at Galen College of Nursing During Flooding

February 14, 2019 – Louisville, KY – Galen College of Nursing educates over 1,400 nursing students at its Zorn and River Road campuses.  When the Ohio River hits 27 feet, however, its geography, along with rising waters, affect campus access.

So, what do they do to keep students from missing crucial class time?  They rely on the kindness of the community and the amazing faculty, staff, and students willing to pick up and move operations to make sure that learning continues.

For the second year in a row, Galen has been forced to pack up its classes and operations, and relocate. “We planned for this,” said Kathy Dwyer, Senior Director of College Operations at Galen.  “We went through this last year and had gone through similar events in the past, so we were familiar with watching the river gauges and knowing at exactly what stage to initiate contingency plans.”

Galen students arrived at the Northeast Christian Church, starting at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, and were directed by staff and faculty to their temporary classrooms at the church. Twenty-six classrooms have been set up in the church.  Staff have also been set up so that operations continue as normal. “Our admissions teams are still meeting with prospective students wishing to get started in our next term; financial aid and registrars are still working with enrolling students. Even employees who don’t work directly with students are here wanting to help, just to support their co-workers and our students.  It’s pretty amazing to see,” said Dwyer.

According to the National Weather Service, the Ohio River was nearing 28 feet as of noon Wednesday.  But, Galen faculty and staff knew exactly what to do, said Dr. Connie Cooper, Dean of Louisville and Hazard, Kentucky, campuses.

“The second time around is easier, and this church and its members are so welcoming,” Cooper said. “We couldn’t have done this without Northeast, and we can’t thank them enough. The students have been very complimentary, and we provide lunches, snacks, and drinks every day. It has been very smooth.”

Northeast’s receptionist Beverly Gillespie might be considered a life preserver for Galen. After she was contacted by a Galen employee and fellow church member who needed her assistance during last year’s flooding, she has continued to be instrumental in working with the operations team and church leadership to accommodate Galen’s staff, faculty, and students. Over the years, Northeast also has been the site for several of the school’s graduations. Gillespie said the church officials were more than happy to open its doors to be Galen’s temporary home again.

“We have a really good team here. Our motto here at Northeast Christian Church is ‘Love the Ville’ and this is our opportunity,” she said. “God has blessed us with a nice campus, and it’s our desire to share it with the community.”

Galen students said their studies have not missed a beat, and the school has helped them to make a smooth transition despite the flooding. LPN student Liz Wolz was among the students who were in the building last year when they had to vacate and was pleased with the communication efforts to direct students to the “quiet and laid-back” church.

“They have been very thorough with communication,” she said. “I think I got two phone calls, three text messages, and an email. If you got here at the wrong time, it’s your fault,” she said laughing. “They have communicated with us very well.”

Clinical Learning Lab Coordinator Dashanda Stanton said the temporary setting has been good for Galen’s students.  “In nursing, not every day is going to be textbook,” she said. “As a nurse, you have to be prepared for different scenarios whether it’s who you are working with or your environment. It’s good for them to see the bigger picture.”

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 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, 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.