HOUSTON, Texas– The Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing has been awarded a $3 million grant by the Houston Endowment to address the state’s nursing shortage. The funds will be used to establish a Nursing Ph.D. program and a research center.

“This endowment will no doubt prove beneficial in the education and training of outstanding nurses within Texas,” said Dr. George C. Wright, president of Prairie View A&M University. “We are honored to receive this endowment and look forward to continuing with the university’s commitment to excellence in nursing.”

As the population growth and demographic shift in Texas continues to escalate, there is an evident need for diverse nurses of various socio-economic backgrounds. The College plans to educate nurses on a Ph.D. level who desire to become nursing educators. With over 100 students enrolled in the College’s Masters of Science Degree in Nursing, projections outline that a third of those students are interested in pursuing studies at the Ph.D. level.

“The benefits of doctoral education are clear and necessary for the progression and dynamic response to societies, and to strive for improvement in the human condition,” said Dr. Betty N. Adams, dean of the College of Nursing said.

The Research Center for Virtual Interface for Teaching and Learning will study the effects of the virtual simulation technology pedagogy on nursing education. Similar to the use of simulation software used in aviation, the interface will enable students to practice critical thinking skills vital to nursing. Students are allowed to study their craft in a controlled environment that will eliminate harm to real patients. The simulation teaching pedagogy has been used as a strategy in the College since 2003. Over 2,000 nursing students have utilized the simulation in their studies. The establishment of the research center will contribute in the development in testing theory and creating new science in using technology in the direction and training if professional nurses. 

The endowment is the largest grant ever awarded to the university.

About PVAMU College of Nursing:

Established in 1918, the College of Nursing first acted as a two year nursing program for students of color in Texas. The first four-year degrees granted by the university were in nursing and in 1928 the program was expanded to three years. In 1930, the nursing program was the first off campus affiliation from the university and became a professional baccalaureate program in 1952. The first baccalaureate degrees were awarded in 1956 and in 1968 the college developed an upper (professional) and lower division (liberal arts) curriculum. Currently, the college awards both baccalaureate and masters degree programs and is accredited by the Texas Board of Nursing, and holds two national accreditations from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).