As the 6th Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Kentucky, I want to offer a Big Blue Nursing Nation welcome from the College and the horse capital of the world!

You will find no better place to live, learn and engage than the University of Kentucky. From our DNP program ranked 4th in the nation, to the first PhD program in the state and a 98% NCLEX pass rate for our BSN graduates, we have much to offer and a uniqueness you will find no where else.

Our under graduates have an on-campus experience that includes strong community and engagement. Many of our BSN students are part of the Honors program as well.  We are exploring increasing study abroad opportunities, working with the equine industry and expanding our already varied clinical opportunities.

We have a wonderful partnership with University of Kentucky Healthcare, where many of our graduates’ work and thrive. Partnerships with the Colleges of Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, Agriculture and others allow our students to have interprofessional experiences that translate to real-world learning. With two simulation labs and a third state of the art simulation center in the design phase, we are well positioned to support our students with the latest technology.

DNP students and PhD students have close relationships with the nationally acclaimed faculty who guide them in scholarship at the doctoral level to outcomes that are outstanding. We have been fortunate to offer advanced practice nursing certificates with focuses in psychiatric-mental health, pediatrics, family medicine and adult gerontology acute care. We also offer an MSN program, and are preparing to promote our educator certificate for value added to your career.

We exist on a vibrant health sciences campus in central Kentucky. This has allowed our research enterprise to thrive. Ranked 14th in the nation for our research, we lead the surrounding SEC schools in research productivity. Our PhD students have the opportunity to apply for funding, study in two well established labs and work in our research office. In the BSN program, our Honors program supports undergraduate student research. We also have outstanding clinical rotations working with premier health care systems that are on the cutting edge of health care delivery.

Our students will one day call themselves University of Kentucky alumni, joining thousands before them who are well respected across the nation.

Come explore our campus and see why we call the BBNN home!

Best wishes,

Rosalie Mainous, PhD, APRN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN

UK College of Nursing Dean and Warwick Professor