Ruston, LA – Louisiana Tech University marked a historic achievement during its Fall 2024 Commencement, awarding its first-ever Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees to 11 graduates. The milestone signifies the culmination of years of effort to establish the program and sets the stage for enhanced contributions to the healthcare industry by Louisiana Tech alumni.
“The College of Applied and Natural Sciences is excited to see its first BSN students graduate,” said Dr. Gary Kennedy, Dean of the College. “Given the nationwide shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, we are pleased to expand our capacity to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals.”
A Program Years in the Making
Louisiana Tech’s RN to BSN program received final approval in Spring 2024. The inaugural cohort, fondly referred to as “early adopters,” transitioned from their Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degrees to the BSN program. These graduates were recognized during a special pre-commencement ceremony, where they received their stoles from Dr. Sherry Peveto, Director of the Division of Nursing.
“I am proud to honor these first Louisiana Tech BSN graduates,” Peveto said. “They embraced this opportunity as soon as it was available. They will continue to represent the Division of Nursing with excellence.”
Building on a Legacy of Excellence
Since its inception in 1975, Louisiana Tech’s nursing program has been widely recognized for its exceptional preparation of registered nurses. The new RN to BSN program, offered through Tech Online, builds on this legacy, providing advanced coursework and clinical experiences designed to prepare graduates for expanded roles in healthcare and future graduate studies.
“We are so proud of the excellent work produced by our students as they complete their BSN courses while working as registered nurses in ICUs, emergency departments, labor and delivery units, and other healthcare settings across Louisiana,” said Dr. Donna Hood, Associate Dean and Professor of Nursing. “This milestone is a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our faculty.”
A Regional Impact
University President Jim Henderson emphasized the program’s significance for the region. “For decades, Louisiana Tech’s nursing program has been lauded as the finest associate’s degree program in the state,” Henderson said. “With our newly established BSN, these graduates will be among the most prepared and sought-after nurses in the region, helping to alleviate the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Louisiana.”
Honoring the Graduates
In recognition of their achievement, BSN graduates Ysabella Warren and Wesley Wilkerson-Spence joined the official stage party during the commencement ceremony.
The Fall 2024 BSN graduates are:
- Jordan Clayton
- Tristan Duvall
- Blake Everett
- Katherine Haas
- Abigail Hanks Blue
- Kara Hodges
- Brennan Roberts
- Hannah Robinson
- Kasey Roddy
- Ysabella Warren
- Wesley Wilkerson-Spence
These graduates were among 299 students who received degrees during the Fall 2024 ceremony, bringing Louisiana Tech’s total alumni to 115,433 worldwide.
As the program grows, Louisiana Tech remains committed to addressing the healthcare needs of the state by equipping its graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in an ever-evolving industry.