Cardinal Nurse Quarterly Dean’s Message: Fall 2026

As the seasons begin to change, one of my favorite traditions at the University of Louisville School of Nursing is reconnecting with our alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. This time of year reminds us that while our community spans generations and locations across Kentucky and beyond, we are united by a shared commitment to nursing, leadership and service.

One of the highlights of the season is our upcoming Alumni Fellow celebration, where we will honor Dale Pike as the University of Louisville School of Nursing's 2026 Alumni Fellow. This recognition celebrates alumni whose professional accomplishments, leadership, and service reflect the very best of our School. We look forward to recognizing Dale's contributions to the nursing profession while reconnecting with many members of our Cardinal Nurse family during this special occasion.

This has already been an exciting year for our School. In August, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the first cohort from our Nurse Anesthesia Program, a milestone that reflects years of planning, partnership and commitment to addressing healthcare workforce needs. Watching these graduates embark on the next chapter of their careers was a powerful reminder of why our mission matters.

Our momentum continues with record enrollment across our academic programs. More students than ever are choosing the University of Louisville School of Nursing as the place to begin or advance their nursing careers. Their enthusiasm, talent and determination inspire us every day, and we remain committed to providing the innovative, high-quality education that prepares them to lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.

We are also excited about the transformation taking place within our own building. Construction continues on the first-floor renovation project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. This new space will create additional opportunities for collaboration, learning and engagement, while enhancing the experience of everyone who walks through our doors. We look forward to sharing more as the project progresses and welcoming our community into this reimagined space.

As we move through the fall semester, I am reminded that our greatest strength is our people. Whether you are a student beginning your journey, an alumnus making a difference in your community, a faculty or staff member shaping the future of healthcare, or a friend supporting our mission, you are an important part of the Cardinal Nurse family.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement with the School of Nursing. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead as we celebrate our accomplishments and continue building an even brighter future together.

Go Cards!

Whitney Nash, PhD, NP-BC, FAANP, FAAN