(view the link)

 

Provost Workman stated that this program represented a milestone in the development of the University. In order to meet the needs of the State of Florida, it was recognized that UNF must grow fairly significantly. This institution’s current niche was that of a small institution but the demographics of the state suggested that UNF must grow in size to meet the range of educational needs of its students and of the community.

 

Provost Workman stated that in order to accommodate the growth of UNF, we needed to add programs consistent with our mission. The nursing program being brought forward for consideration met that qualification.

 

Dean Chally stated that it was important to consider why the University was in a position to make this program successful. She stated that this program would meet two major needs of the community – the need for more nursing faculty and higher qualified nurses. This degree would provide a much needed mechanism to educate faculty and increase the size of the program to add more nursing students; thus, upgrading healthcare throughout the community.

 

Dean Chally spoke about the desire to offer a doctoral degree that was high quality. She stated that nursing was UNF’s first flagship program – which suggested that the President and other people who made this recommendation believed the School of Nursing was a high-quality program with the potential for even greater quality.

 

Dean Chally stated that there were several fundamental needs required to support this program – space, funding, faculty and staff. The Brooks College of Health was supported by the J. Brooks Brown Foundation which recently endowed $5 million to the College. This endowment had generated significant interest in the program. There were also plans for additional space to be added to house the nursing programs.

 

Dean Chally concluded by stating that the University was well-poised to add this program and the groundwork was already in place. The program would also fit with the institution’s mission.

 

Chair Hicks asked if the program would be designated as a research program. Dean Chally stated that the program’s emphasis would not be on research but would focus on clinical degrees.

 

Provost Workman stated that the program would focus on clinical degrees because these were the needs of the community. He stated that there were institutions around the state that had much more to offer in terms of research.

 

Vice President Stone asked about employing faculty for the program – with other institutions offering similar programs, wouldn’t this be difficult. Dean Chally stated that the flagship status of the program would help, as well as higher salaries and connections throughout the country. Provost Workman stated that our ability to employ faculty would increase with a doctoral status for the program – many qualified faculty would like to teach at this level.

 

Provost Workman stated that this program was consistent with UNF’s mission – serving the needs of the region. He stated that UNF did not aspire to be a research university but should acknowledge that the University did value research. Students accepted into this program would be capable of research but the program would be practice-based.

 

Trustee Klostermeyer asked about external funding – would this inhibit other programs already in place. Dean Chally stated that the College of Health was heavily supported by organizations within the community. The program would help local hospitals and other healthcare organizations meet their missions. Trustee Klostermeyer suggested that there be dialogue with other colleges that might teach similar courses. Dean Chally stated that this would be considered.

 

Vice President Serwatka stated that, unlike other programs, doctoral programs required Board of Governor’s approval. Provost Workman stated that if this committee approved this program, it would be presented to the full Board, the Board of Governors and then to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), sequentially rather than concurrent.

 

Trustee Coggin spoke about area hospitals – their expansions and acquisitions. He offered his support of this program, stating that the program should be built as quickly as possible.

 

Trustee Gonzalez stated that, in keeping with the designation of flagship status, this program would certainly add status to this designation.

 

Chair Hicks asked for a motion to approve the Doctorate of Nursing Practice Program. This motion was offered, seconded and approved.