It takes a village to raise a child is an African proverb. The concept applies to nursing education. It takes many experts to guide the development of a nurse. Nursing is a practice discipline, and we use our understanding of anatomy, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nutrition, ethics and education to care for individuals and groups.

Education alone in an academic setting is not enough to prepare nurses for the future. We must apply this knowledge in the practice setting.

In the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s College of Nursing (CON), we work with many clinical agencies to provide the best experiences for students, giving them opportunities to apply knowledge. This blending of knowledge and skills occurs in a variety of clinical settings. Many individuals are involved in the development of a nurse, and some of those experts are in clinical settings.

In this issue, you will find information on the variety of clinical partners that support the CON. Without their willingness to help develop the nurses of the future, we could not produce successful graduates. Our thanks to the clinical partners that help us prepare the nurses of the future and our thanks to you, the alumni working in those clinical settings, who help with the education of students. It truly does take a village.

Best regards, Judith Westphal Interim Dean