With my next GEM Award, I would like to recognize several faculty members from GPNA and the School of Natural and Social Sciences for their hard work in developing Texas Wesleyan's new Bachelor of Science in Health Science (BSHS) degree program.

This new program, which launches in the fall, puts us in a great position to compete with area colleges and universities that already offer affordable, streamlined nursing and health science programs. Our unique program will prepare associate-degreed nurses for graduate school admission or promotion in a number of high-demand medical and public health fields.

It is a bachelor's degree alternative to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The Biology Concentration prepares students for direct admissions into GPNA, and the Social Sciences Concentration prepares students for entry or advancement in a number of high-demand health science careers.

Marcel Satsky Kerr, Ph.D., Dean, School of Natural and Social Sciences, led a faculty committee of 10 to development the degree plan:

GPNA

• Debra Maloy, MHS
• Ricardo Rodriguez, Ph.D.
• Dion Gabaldon, DHA
• Terri Kane, MSN, MHS
• Tito Tubog, DNAP, MSNA

School of Natural & Social Sciences

• Bruce Benz, Ph.D.
• Chitra Chandrasekaran, Ph.D.
• Phillip Pelphrey, Ph.D.
• Marilyn Pugh, Ph.D.

The healthcare field is growing rapidly. This new degree plan builds on our reputation of providing an affordable, high-quality education that is dedicated to preparing students for professional careers.

Fred

Frederick G. Slabach

President

Texas Wesleyan University