LFCC and Shepherd University sign nursing transfer agreement

LFCC and Shepherd University have signed a new 2+2 (two years at LFCC and two years at Shepherd) R.N.-B.S.N. agreement that will provide a seamless pathway for nursing students from LFCC to earn their bachelor’s degree at Shepherd.

Under the agreement, LFCC students who earn an associate of applied science degree in nursing, have a minimum grade point average of 2.7, and who have not matriculated at any other institution of higher education will be guaranteed transfer admission to Shepherd to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing.

“We now more than ever need healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Scott Beard, Shepherd provost, during a July 30 virtual signing ceremony. “We’re in an area with vulnerable populations where there is a lack of access to healthcare, and there’s a critical shortage of nurses and advance practice nurses nationwide, so this initial pathway from the R.N. to the B.S.N. is just one step in those students’ journeys.”

Dr. Anne Davis, LFCC vice president of academic and student affairs, called the agreement a win-win for students.

“This feels like it’s a great fit for our students because they’re accustomed to an environment with that personal touch and small class size,” Davis said. “I think Shepherd is a place where LFCC students will find a home, somewhere where they’ll be valued for who they are as a person. It’s an exciting opportunity. It’s pivotal for healthcare in the environment that we’re in now, so we thank Shepherd for opening its doors to our students and giving them this pathway.”

“We’re just thrilled to receive Lord Fairfax students,” said Dr. Sharon Mailey, dean, College of Nursing, Education, and Health Sciences, and director, School of Nursing at Shepherd. “They’re motivated, they’re excellent academically, we just really enjoy having them here, and we want to make this their home. We also want them to keep the connectivity with Lord Fairfax. They don’t lose their identity; they just take on a new mantle of being a B.S.N. from Shepherd University.”

Learn more about LFCC’s nursing program at lfcc.edu/nursing.

Pictured (top row, l. to r.) are Dr. Virginia Hicks, assistant provost, Shepherd Academic Community Outreach; Kathryn Tagnesi, interim director, Lord Fairfax Health Professions; Dr. Scott Beard, Shepherd provost; second row, Dr. James Gillispie, dean, Lord Fairfax Humanities, Social Sciences, and Student Development; Dr. Craig Santicola, dean, Lord Fairfax Professional Programs; Dr. Sharon Mailey, dean, Shepherd College of Nursing, Education, and Health Sciences, and director, School of Nursing; third row, Dr. Michael Groves, coordinator, Shepherd R.N. to B.S.N. Program; Dr. Richard Stevens, dean, Shepherd School of Graduate and Professional Studies; and Dr. Anne Davis, vice president, Lord Fairfax Academic and Student Affairs.