New Degree Program at LeTourneau University

LONGVIEW — The Texas Board of Nursing has approved LeTourneau University to begin offering a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. It will start this fall at its main campus in Longview. The new program is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. “This decision today by the Texas Board of Nursing to authorize LETU to award the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree follows many months of extensive planning by the university, endorsements by regional hospitals and health care providers and a comprehensive evaluation by the Texas Board of Nursing,” said School President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “LETU has built an esteemed reputation for excellence in our science and technical academic programs. The addition of nursing will further advance our STEM programs and give students the opportunity to learn nursing practice in a Christian context. It’s a great day for LETU and for the quality of health care in East Texas.”

LETU’s new nursing program is designed to be delivered through face-to-face courses with online enhancements and supervised, hands-on clinical experiences in a variety of health care settings. LETU’s new Dean of Nursing is Dr. Kimberly Quiett who brings 24 years of nursing experience to lead the new school. Two faculty members, Dr. Kristina Ibitayo and Jennifer Bray, bring nursing clinical and educational experience to LETU.

LETU’s new School of Nursing has already secured clinical affiliation agreements with 19 local health care and community agencies to ensure students gain a wide range of clinical learning experiences. The goal is for LETU nursing students to work in multiple settings, with a variety of cultures, age groups, socio-economic variations, and an array of clinical issues and problems. Through these experiences, LETU nursing graduates will be prepared to work in a variety of health care situations and will be equipped to lead improvements in health care, according to Dr. Quiett.