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2014_sum_Dean_Rosemary_Smith_150Since 1977, it has been an honor and an incredible professional journey to serve students, faculty members, staff and the citizens of Wisconsin and beyond. Arriving in Oshkosh in the summer of 1977 with my Chicago perspective, I had much room for growth. Now, after 37 years, there is so much to be proud of! (And, yes, I do follow the Packers and Brewers with enthusiasm … but that took some time.)

One of my most important lessons learned: cooperation, collaboration and teamwork leads to synergistic outcomes beyond expectation. You do not need to go it alone. Some of the most satisfying work occurs when cooperating.

Our College of Nursing is known for collaborations throughout the state of Wisconsin, especially with local healthcare agencies. These partnerships lead to the powerful learning opportunities for our students. The generosity of preceptors who share their clinical expertise is our most important donation.

Also, approaching community members to mutually explore local nursing educational needs leading to increased numbers of BSN-prepared nurses in Janesville, Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Stevens Point, Wausau and many other locations.

Outcomes for our CON students are strong. Our students are highly successful on the NCLEX exam, graduate level certification exams and in finding meaningful employment.

Our international clinical learning opportunities in India, Nicaragua and Peru continue to blossom and grow. Numbers of new doctoral-prepared faculty members are increasing, offering hope for continued stellar outcomes from all our programs. We have plans to move the CON into newly remodeled space in the Clow complex of buildings in January 2016.

As I retire in January 2015 on a “high note,” I am optimistic the pride we share in UWO’s College of Nursing will continue into the future. I am grateful to have played a role in our points of pride. Your new dean and other future leaders will build upon our tradition of preparing caring and scholarly nurse leaders for contemporary and future healthcare.