July 28, 2025
The National League for Nursing has again named Ursuline a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for enhanced student learning and professional development. Ursuline is the only private higher education institution in Ohio with this designation.
“Since the College was first named an NLN Center of Excellence in 2021,” said Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, dean of Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, “we’ve pioneered a unique corporate partnership to develop an online doctoral-level nurse anesthesia program, launched the state’s first Emergency Nurse Practitioner and led the way in adopting innovative technologies like HoloLens and Resuscitation Quality Improvement for CPR training.”
Sharpnack added, “Our students receive more than a cutting-edge nursing education--they become part of the next generation of nurse leaders that are shaping the future of healthcare.”
Ursuline College President David A. King, EdD, expressed gratitude for the NLN’s continued recognition. “This honor affirms that you don’t need to be the biggest school to deliver exceptional nursing education. Key ingredients are passionate, dedicated faculty and staff and strong leadership—qualities we are proud to have in Dr. Sharpnack and her team.”
Among Ursuline’s standout faculty is Dr. Caitlin Yeager, Director of the Health Resources and Simulation Center, who was recently named a Fellow of the NLN Academy of Nursing Education—the highest honor for a nurse educator. “We are fortunate to have nationally recognized professors like Dr. Yeager,” said Sharpnack. “Their expertise and mentorship are vital to our students' success.”
Ursuline College and Dr. Yeager will be formally recognized at the 2025 NLN Education Summit Honors Convocation on Friday, September 19, in Orlando, Florida. The National League for Nursing, the premier organization for nurse faculty and nursing education leaders, represents nearly 45,000 individuals and 1,000 institutions across the country.
