Dickinson State University (DSU) and Mayville State University (MSU) are pleased to announce a collaborative agreement aimed at supporting the nursing program at DSU. This partnership, initiated through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), will involve sharing nursing administration to ensure the continuation and enhancement of DSU’s nursing programs, addressing the critical needs of North Dakota’s healthcare workforce.
In response to the urgent situation currently facing DSU’s nursing program, MSU has committed to providing shared nurse administrators to support DSU’s efforts in maintaining its nursing accreditation. This collaboration will allow DSU students to continue their education in accredited programs, ensuring their progress and future success.
MSU currently operates two fully online nursing programs: a post-licensure Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing program. In contrast, DSU offers two licensure-based programs: an associate in applied science for practical nursing (LPN) and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The distinct nature of these programs ensures that this collaboration is non-competitive and mutually beneficial.
While the institutions plan to share nursing administrators between their programs, they will be recognized faculty members for their respective programs. Therefore, while overseeing the nursing programs at DSU, they will be DSU faculty members and have the rights and privileges associated with those roles. This ensures that the faculty members act in the best interest of the programs they serve.
This agreement will commence on July 22, 2024, and is set to conclude on May 20, 2025. The collaboration will ensure that DSU’s nursing program continues to meet educational standards and student needs while supporting North Dakota’s critical demand for licensed and registered nurses. However, it is the aspiration for both institutions to continue to collaborate after this year and well into the future.
Dr. Holly Gruhlke, DSU Vice President, was optimistic about this relationship: “We are grateful for MSU’s continued collaboration. Anytime we can work together for our students, we are stronger together. This is what a system is truly all about.”
MSU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Brian Huschle, also shared his enthusiasm, “Our joint effort with DSU represents a significant step in ensuring that nursing education in North Dakota remains robust and responsive to the needs of our students and the healthcare sector. We are confident that this partnership will yield positive outcomes for both institutions and the communities we serve.”
DSU Provost Dr. Huijian Dong echoed sentiments about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration with MSU underscores our commitment to providing high-quality nursing education and addressing the healthcare needs of our community. We are grateful for MSU’s support and look forward to a successful partnership.”
MSU nursing Administrators Dr. Carey Haugen and Ms. Collette Christoffers wanted to provide reassurance to DSU nursing students, “The students who are currently enrolled in nursing programs at Dickinson State University are navigating uncharted territory as they move through the changes that are occurring. It is scary not to know what the next steps might be in their education. These are nurses and future nurses who are vital to the community and the healthcare workforce. We are willing to help the current program maintain its accreditation status and students achieve the education they were seeking- we are here for the students.”
Information regarding DSU’s and MSU’s nursing programs is available on their websites at dickinsonstate.edu and mayvillestate.edu.