Jefferson Appoints Newberry Chief

Gateway to add nursing program

Community College Week
December 8, 2003

Jefferson Appoints Newberry Chief

Jefferson Community College in Louisville, Ky., has picked Dr. Anthony L. Newberry as its third president. Newberry comes from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, where he served as chancellor. He earned his bachelor's degree from Emory & Henry College, and his master's degree and doctorate from Ohio University.

The Kentucky Post
December 10, 2003

Gateway to add nursing program

A new nursing education program offering associate degrees could be up and running next fall at Gateway Community and Technical College, filling a gap left when Northern Kentucky University dropped a similar program last spring.

Educators view the new program as a key step is addressing a regional shortage of nurses, which has left hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and outpatient surgery centers competing for talent.

"There is a critical shortage of nurses in our area, and Gateway is now positioned to expand our allied health-care offerings and provide education to our community members,'' Gateway President G. Edward Hughes said.

The new program would be on Gateway's Edgewood campus, next to St. Elizabeth Medical Center South. The hospital plans to partner with the college to provide students with on-the-job training.

"This new associate program will be another great option for educating more nurses and is needed in our community,'' said Jane Swaim, vice president of nursing at St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

"We at St. Elizabeth look forward to working with Gateway to provide clinical experiences for their students as well as employment opportunities."

To launch its nursing program, Gateway needs approval from some oversight bodies. Part of that came last week. The Kentucky Community and Technical College System board of regents approved the program Friday.

The next step is expected in February, when the Kentucky Board of Nursing is scheduled to decide whether to endorse the new program. Assuming approval, Gateway would begin taking applications this spring.

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern about the rising cost of health care and recently listed a $10 million expansion at Gateway's Edgewood campus as one of its highest priorities.

"What we think is significant about (Gateway's proposed associate degree in nursing) is the fact that from all the reports, we have heard there is a nursing shortage in the region, and this not only affects the delivery of health-care services, but it also affects costs," said Steve Stevens, the chamber's senior vice president of public affairs.

"So we're pleased that Gateway is able to address this work force need.''

Gateway already offers programs for licensed practical nurses and nurse's aides. The new associate degree would be part of the continuing regional collaboration among Gateway, NKU and Thomas More College.

NKU discontinued its associate degree in nursing program in the spring to concentrate on bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing. Thomas More offers a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Registered nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination and graduate from either a two-year associate degree program or a four-year bachelor degree program. Associate degrees focus more on technical skills than theory, and often are stepping stones to bachelor's degrees, which an increasing number of nursing jobs require.

Licensed practical nurses, in contrast, train for one year at a vocational technical school, community college or hospital. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse, and their responsibilities are limited.

Interest in Gateway's planned program already is evident from potential students. More than 200 people already have left their names on a list for information about it.

Information about how and when to register will be posted on Gateway's Web site -- www.gateway.kctcs.edu -- and released to the media.

About 2,800 students attend Gateway, a two-year college that offers diplomas and certificates in addition to associate degrees in 28 different programs at campuses in Edgewood, Covington and Highland Heights.

A fourth campus is scheduled to open next fall off Mount Zion Road in Boone County.