BRYAN COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Lloyd leads Bryan and Hastings colleges, announces dual degree with Concordia University
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wo major developments occurred this fall that are impacting students at three colleges in Nebraska. Bryan College of Health Sciences President Rich Lloyd, PhD, became executive president of Hastings College in September, and later announced a new partnership with Concordia University Nebraska. Dr. Lloyd is an alumni of Hastings College, where he served two decades as an English professor, vice president of academic affairs and vice president of college initiatives. “As a graduate, it truly is a special honor to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater in this way,” Dr. Lloyd says. He’s been president of Bryan College of Health Sciences since 2016. During this time, the college has set record enrollments, and students continue to exceed state and national board pass rate averages. “Often, we see colleges competing against one another,” he notes. “In this case, two amazing private colleges are modeling
innovative ways to work together.” He says Bryan and Hastings College are focused on meeting the needs of students and the future workforce in Nebraska’s communities. They will open a second Bryan College of Health Sciences location in Hastings, with a goal of holding the first classes by fall of 2022. “My role is as connector, supporting and meeting the mission of both institutions and keeping conversations going,” Dr. Lloyd adds. “One goal is clear — to create educational and career pathways of benefit to both campuses and the communities we serve.” Bryan’s college and Concordia have partnered so that students can receive both a Bachelor of Arts in biology and a Bachelor of Science in nursing while adding only a semester to their college time lines. “This partnership with Concordia builds on our focus to help more students achieve their BSN,” says the president. How will this work? Students will begin at Concordia, then
become dual-enrolled at Bryan College of Health Sciences in their second semester. They will be able to receive financial aid, live on Concordia’s Seward campus and participate in co-curricular activities as they earn a bachelor’s in biology. When students begin Bryan classes, they will be classified as both a Concordia and Bryan student while they pursue a BSN at one of the top nursing programs in the state. “Nursing already is Concordia’s principle pre-health program,” Concordia provost Dr. Tim Preuss points out. “This partnership will provide access to a well-established, highquality nursing program, streamline the process for our students and provide them flexibility to pursue vocations in nursing or natural sciences as they receive a degree from each institution.” n For more information about programs and degrees at Bryan College of Health Sciences, go to www.bryanhealthcollege. edu/bcohs/about. To learn how you can support the work of Bryan Health, please call 402-481-8605.
The Rev. Russ Sommerfeld, interim president of Concordia, (left) and Bryan College of Health Sciences President Rich Lloyd sign a partnership agreement establishing a dual degree in biology and nursing.
Bryan Journeys 31
