SLU's 60th Annual Nursing Gala — November 1, 2024

Story by Betsy O'Leary

Dr. Ann Carruth, Dean of Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and Lindsay Domiano, Department Head of the School of Nursing, share their excitement over the upcoming Nursing Gala.

This year’s Diamond Jubilee celebration focuses on the 60th Anniversary of Southeastern Louisiana University’s School of Nursing. The gala will be held on November 1 from 6-10 p.m. at the Student Union Grand Ballroom. The theme, “Building a Legacy of Nursing Excellence,” pays tribute to the traditions that began nearly 60 years ago.

The Many Paths to a Nursing Degree

There is no one way to attain a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Southeastern. While there is the traditional 4-year path to a BS Nursing degree, nurses with an Associate’s Degree can return online for their BSN degree. The most recent innovative path to a BSN is the new EDGE (Early Decision Guaranteed Entry), where high school seniors who maintain a 3.7 GPA and score at least 25 on the ACT are directly admitted into the nursing program.

A dedicated few established the College of Nursing in a small building near Strawberry Stadium. The first students were admitted in 1964 after the Board of Nursing approved Southeastern’s program. The first graduating class was in 1968, with three outstanding students.

SLU Nursing Program’s Long History in the Community

During its 60 years, there have only been four Deans of the College of Nursing & Health Sciences. The first of which was Dr. Ellienne Tate. After Dr. Tate retired in 1998, her colleagues established the “Dean Ellienne Tate Endowed Scholarship in Nursing,” which is awarded to a student majoring in nursing.

The second Dean was Donnie Booth, also a part of the second graduating class of SLU nurses. Barbara Moffett followed her, who held the position until Dr. Ann Carruth assumed the mantle in 2011.

Program Challenges for Success

The School of Nursing partners with significant Healthcare Systems along I-12 and I-10, from Slidell to Baton Rouge and Gonzales to Zachary. Community outreach to rural areas is a substantial initiative to improve health care for vulnerable populations. Domiano says, “The rigorous and challenging nursing program at SLU is very competitive. It attracts top students who are intuitive, as well as critical thinkers who are dedicated to success in the nursing profession.”

The communities in Southeast Louisiana partner with local agencies to offer clinical training for students from Slidell to Prairieville and on up to Zachary, Baker, and Bogalusa. Students also train at Lallie Kemp in Independence.

The Future’s Looking Bright

Students from the Northshore region can soon comple te all five clinical semesters here on the Northshore, while st udents from the Capital City area can fulfill the nursing program r equirements in Baton Rouge.

The University is expanding its Ambulatory Care clinical experiences and developing initiatives with Telehealth nursing. They received a grant for virtual nursing, which simulates remote nursing care in an ICU acute care facility. This prepares students for hands-on training. For more information about the 60th Diamond Jubilee or to purchase tickets, please scan the QR code.