The Dane G. Hansen Foundation has announced a $250,000 grant toward Kansas Wesleyan’s project to establish a new Nursing Education Center. The grant boosts the total received during the campaign to just over $3.75 million, under a million dollars shy of the amount needed to complete the project.
“We are extremely honored and grateful for the support of the Dane G. Hansen Foundation. This grant comes at a crucial time in our drive to complete fundraising for the new Nursing Center. The timing is perfect, and this is a wonderful blessing to Kansas Wesleyan University,” said Ken Oliver, senior director of development.
Plans are well underway for the renovation of the building at 135 E. Claflin Avenue. The 13,400-square-foot building will be the first new instructional facility on campus in 50 years.
Of the last two classes of KWU Nursing Education students, 100% passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and are currently working as nurses in Salina. The Nursing program at KWU was established in January 1988 after the Asbury Hospital program was moved to the university.
The Department of Nursing Education initiated an Associate Degree in Nursing in 1989, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program in 1990. In 2017, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was converted to a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing degree so that new curriculum ideas could be implemented. KWU also offers an online RN to BS Nursing degree program for students who are licensed RNs wanting to pursue a bachelor’s degree. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Logan, Kan. was established as a charitable organization in 1965, with the primary goal of making the communities of Northwest Kansas better places to live. Established through a generous estate donation from Dane G. Hansen, the Foundation awards grants and scholarships every year to qualified recipients in Northwest Kansas who demonstrate a strong desire for community improvement.
