Cussen named chair of Manchester's growing Nursing Program

Indiana needs to graduate 1,300 additional nurses per year until 2030 to meet health care needs

FORT WAYNE, IN (06/28/2023) — Samantha Cussen is the new chair of Manchester University's growing Nursing Program.

Manchester offers a four-year traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Second Degree for those who already have a bachelor's degree in another area.

"Dr. Cussen has demonstrated she possesses the knowledge and skills to effectively lead the department and further elevate the quality of the Nursing Program," said W. Thomas Smith, dean of health sciences and pharmacy at Manchester. "I look forward to supporting her in her work and continuing to work closely with her."

Cussen joined Manchester as an associate professor in 2022 and was named interim nursing chair in May 2023. Smith said it was immediately clear she was the right person to become permanent chair.

Full online press release. https://www.manchester.edu/about-manchester/Manchester-University-News/MU-news-page/news/2023/06/28/cussen-named-chair-of-manchester-university-nursing-program

MU is in the process of adding 32,000 square feet of space at Manchester University Fort Wayne, 10627 Diebold Road, that will include state-of-the-art lab, research and classroom spaces, as well as a nursing simulation and skills laboratory.

Learn more about nursing at Manchester. https://www.manchester.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-pharmacy-natural-health-sciences/academic-programs/nursing-1/nursing

The Indiana Hospital Association estimates the state would need to graduate 1,300 additional nurses per year until 2030 to meet the state's current health care needs.

For the media

Dr. Cussen can be reached at sbcussen@manchester.edu.

Dr. Smith can be reached at wtsmith@manchester.edu.

Indiana nursing shortage: https://www.ihaconnect.org/member/newsroom/Pages/nursingindiana.aspx

Manchester University, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester.

Our mission: Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction that draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

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