Fort Valley State University’s (FVSU) Department of Nursing has achieved a historic milestone: its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has received official accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This recognition is poised to significantly strengthen the pipeline of qualified nurses serving rural and underserved communities across Georgia and the nation.
The program successfully completed its initial accreditation site visit between February 11–13, 2025, meeting all standards set by the accrediting body. ACEN specifically highlighted the program’s innovative collaboration with the FVSU Cooperative Extension and Mobile Health Unit. This partnership gives students unique, non-traditional clinical and service opportunities in rural communities, offering a broader perspective on healthcare disparities and better preparing them for meaningful careers in underserved areas.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Eyualem Abebe, emphasized the importance of the achievement. “This accreditation not only validates the quality of our program, but it also fulfills a promise to our students and our community,” Dr. Abebe said. “By producing highly skilled nurses, we are addressing Georgia’s critical nursing shortage, while opening new doors of opportunity for our students. I am incredibly proud of Dr. Greene and her team for achieving this milestone.”
The BSN program was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in 2021 and welcomed its inaugural class in Fall 2023. It is housed in the newly renovated Meyers Hall, which features state-of-the-art simulation rooms, skills labs, and modern classroom spaces. Furthermore, key investments from partners like Atrium Health Navicent, Phoebe Putney Health System, and Kaiser Permanente have bolstered the program by expanding clinical training, simulation access, and career pathways for graduates.
Dr. Lawanda Greene, founding director of the nursing program, acknowledged the effort required to reach this goal. “Achieving accreditation is the result of hard work, perseverance and faith,” Dr. Greene noted. “This recognition affirms our commitment to preparing competent, compassionate nurses who will transform healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved communities.”
Interest in the program continues to climb, with 49 students currently enrolled in the BSN program and over 328 students pursuing pre-nursing coursework, reflecting the strong demand for nursing education at FVSU. Applications for the program are now open, with a deadline of January 31, 2026.
For more information, visit www.FVSU.edu/Nursing.
