| Caring for our Students, Faculty and Community
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News from the Dean
Happy Spring Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Friends and Supporters of the Tanner Health School of Nursing!
We are so proud of all of the work happening at both Carrollton and Newnan this semester!
I am happy to report that we have multiple students sharing that they are passing boards from our December 2025 Newnan cohort! This is always a time to celebrate as these young nurses cross this major milestone. I am happy to report that this past December we gave each student a new THSON pin at our pinning ceremony. It felt very special and I am happy that we are able to provide a token of school pride to be worn by our graduates. At this past graduation we also had a large EdD graduating cohort and RN-BSN cohort as well.
Supporters for the school are welcome to join our pinning ceremony this Spring on May 14th at 6pm. Please be on the lookout for an RSVP email. Also, the commencement ceremonies for nursing will take place on May 15th at 5pm and all are welcome to join!
Great things are happening within the Tanner Health School of Nursing and I hope you connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook to see our exciting announcements!
Go Wolves and Go Nursing!
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Innovative New BSN Pathway to Start Fall 2026
We have more exciting news. The proposal to transition both Carrollton and Newnan to a 4-semester program passed all requirements and will go live Fall 2026!
We are moving from either a six- or eight-semester program to the more traditional four semesters. Not only will this make us more competitive but also saves the students on the lower end about $5,000 in university fees and offers a more streamlined pathway to becoming a nurse.
We’ve updated our program maps and prerequisites to also give students the ability to explore other topics with electives. These changes are more student friendly, and we’ll have two points in both Fall and Spring for admissions and admitting twice a year with a cohort size of around 60, the students will have a more intimate cohort size.
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Student Success at Its Best
Affordable Learning and HRSA Grants
Not only have faculty secured a variety of grants, but one that is especially meaningful to students is the Affordable Learning Grant offered through USG that Dr. Susie Jonassen was awarded.
The grant will help us transition to Open Educational Resources (OERs) and save students $4500 over the course of their program in book and resource fees.
Another awesome opportunity for students includes the HRSA grant from Drs. Dyar and Yarbrough. They have identified their first cohort of trainees from both UWG and West Georgia Technical College through their HRSA grant to expose students to long term and geriatric care. These traineeships offer students tuition support.
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Online Applications and Information Sessions
We are happy to be opening our Spring application cycle utilizing software by Slate Technologies to enhance the process. Students will apply online and it will streamline the process for everyone—Applications are open now through May 1. Both the traditional BSN and RN-BSN programs are included. Information sessions for all three programs, BSN, RN-BSN and Graduate Program are also being held online. For more information and to apply, visit the Nursing website.
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USG and UWG Highlights with the Department of Community Health Funds
USG Inaugural Train-the-Trainer at THSON
Other exciting initiatives include working with our Associate Vice Chancellor for Healthcare at the USG office to execute funds related to clinical faculty orientation for the system and offering summer camps at UWG at little cost for high school students.
The UWG THSON has been selected to host the first-ever University System of Georgia (USG) Train-the-Trainer Clinical Faculty Orientation. The initiative is being led and hosted by Dr. Susie Jonassen, Assistant Dean of Pre-Licensure Nursing at UWG THSON.
This inaugural event will bring nursing educators from across the state together to prepare faculty leaders to implement standardized clinical faculty orientation at their home institutions. The program is designed to strengthen clinical teaching, support adjunct and part-time clinical instructors, and promote consistent expectations for student learning experiences in clinical settings. By leading this statewide initiative, UWG THSON continues its commitment to collaboration, faculty development, and excellence in nursing education across Georgia. More information about the Train-the-Trainer will be forthcoming, including dates.
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From RN to BSN: Advance Your Degree. Expand Your Impact
by Dr. Denise Morris, Assistant Dean for RN-BSN program
The Tanner Health School of Nursing proudly offers registered nurses an exceptional opportunity to elevate their careers through its dynamic RN-BSN program. Under the leadership of Dr. Denise Morris, PhD, RN, Assistant Dean of the RN-BSN program, the school is thrilled to welcome a new cohort beginning Fall 2026. Designed with working professionals in mind, this four-semester program is delivered in a 100% asynchronous online format, providing the flexibility nurses need without putting their careers on hold.
Registered nurses who hold an active RN license by July 2026 are invited to advance their expertise in holistic, compassionate care while strengthening critical thinking and leadership skills. The application window is open now and closes May 1st, with admission decisions released by the end of May.
Now is the time to expand your impact, elevate your practice, and lead with confidence through a BSN degree. Share this opportunity with nurses ready to take the next step.
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Meet Nursing’s Academic Success Coordinator
Success has many definitions, but for undergraduate students in the Tanner Health School of Nursing, one key measure is graduating fully prepared to pass the *NCLEX. Gina Barthelemy‑Morton, M.Ed., LPC, NCC, the Academic Success Coordinator for the UWG Tanner Health School of Nursing, plays an essential role in helping students achieve that goal.
In her position, the Academic Success Coordinator advocates for students and creates opportunities that support their academic progress. She provides a structured system of academic support designed to strengthen retention, persistence, and overall graduation outcomes.
Since joining THSON in early November 2025, Gina has been actively engaging with students by visiting classrooms, introducing herself, and building rapport. She has also been studying an existing student success resource at UWG—EAB Navigate, a student success management system that connects administrators, advisors, faculty, staff, and students in a coordinated care network. This platform helps institutions proactively support student achievement and track progress across multiple touchpoints. Gina emphasizes to both faculty and students that she serves as a liaison, strengthening communication and ensuring students receive the guidance they need.
Students who would like to meet with Gina can set up at an appointment at
Book time to meet with me
*The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is a mandatory standardized exam for nursing graduates to become licensed as an RN.
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U.S. News & World Report ranked UWG Tanner Health School of Nursing Online Master’s in Nursing Program #22 and #1 in Georgia
UWG Tanner Health School of Nursing MSN Program ranked 22nd in Best Online Master’s in Nursing Program from U.S. News & World Report.This ranking makes the MSN Program #1 in the State of Georgia.
“I am incredibly proud of our Tanner Health School of Nursing MSN program for earning the distinction of 22nd in the nation and #1 in the State of Georgia in this year’s U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings. This achievement reflects the dedication of our faculty, the perseverance of our students, and our unwavering commitment to advancing excellence in graduate nursing education. We will continue to push forward, innovate, and elevate the standards of online nursing education—not just for our university, but for the communities and patients our graduates serve.” —Dr Pam Dunagan Interim Graduate Program Director, University of West Georgia School of Nursing.
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Nursing Student Scholarship Applications Now Online
The Nursing Student Scholarship portal is now open. All nursing students are encouraged to apply, including past recipients, who must submit a new application each year. The recommended application deadline is May 30.
If applicable, complete the Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) through the Financial Aid Office or online before applying. For information on financial aid—including campus scholarships and loan options—contact the UWG Office of Financial Aid.
In 2025-2026 the Tanner Health School of Nursing awarded $458,141 in scholarships to students!
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Faculty attend GANE
The Tanner Health School of Nursing shined at the recent Georgia Association of Nurse Educators (GANE) 2026 Annual Conference. Both faculty, alumni, and current students presented at the conference this year. We had some exciting sessions including podium and poster sessions; listed here. Kudos to all, GO WOLVES!
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| 678-839-6552 westga.edu/nursing
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