Featured Stories
VCU School of Dentistry and Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Announce Largest Cash Gift in School History
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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VCU School of Dentistry and Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation announce largest cash gift in school history
The gift is dedicated to supporting construction of the new building that will house VCU School of Dentistry.
By Vernon Freeman, School of Dentistry
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry announced a historic $5 million dollar gift from the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, marking the largest contribution in the organization's history and the largest cash donation ever
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 22 -- Virginia Commonwealth University issued the following news:
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VCU School of Dentistry and Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation announce largest cash gift in school history
The gift is dedicated to supporting construction of the new building that will house VCU School of Dentistry.
By Vernon Freeman, School of Dentistry
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry announced a historic $5 million dollar gift from the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, marking the largest contribution in the organization's history and the largest cash donation everreceived by the school. Dedicated to the construction of VCU's new dental school building, this transformational investment will expand clinical capacity, enhance training for future dentists and strengthen patient care for generations to come.
To celebrate the moment, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., joined Jeff Johnson, D.M.D., Ed.D., interim dean of the School of Dentistry; Frank Lucia, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Virginia and chair of the foundation; and Virginia Sen. Todd Pillion for a celebratory check presentation today.
"As Virginia's only dental school and primary safety-net clinic, VCU is proud to lead a purpose to extend care to every region of the commonwealth," Rao said. "Collaborations with community clinics and dedicated volunteer missions in rural regions, like Southwest Virginia and so many others, help to ensure essential, compassionate care that reaches communities where access is most limited. This historic gift from the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation strengthens our shared commitment to provide all Virginians with the high-quality care they deserve."
Johnson said VCU was honored to recognize the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation for its extraordinary generosity and vision.
"This gift is a transformational investment in our students, our faculty and staff, and the patients we serve," he said. "Today's celebration is more than a check presentation -- it is a moment of gratitude, partnership and shared purpose. We are deeply grateful for the leadership that made this moment possible, and we look forward to the lasting impact this gift will have on our school and the communities we serve, advancing our mission for years to come."
The gift advances a once in a generation project that will reshape dental education and patient care in Virginia. With state funding already approved for construction of the new VCU School of Dentistry building, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation's contribution reinforces its long standing partnership with the school and provides critical support for a facility designed to improve access to care, strengthen the health care workforce and serve communities across the commonwealth.
"We know that oral health is essential to overall health and expanding access to dental care begins with a strong, well-supported workforce," Lucia said. "Virginia's current shortage of oral health professionals requires lasting, collaborative solutions. This gift reflects our confidence in VCU School of Dentistry's ability to educate the next generation and help ensure that more Virginians, in every community, can access the quality oral health care they deserve."
As the only dental school in Virginia and the state's primary dental safety-net clinic -- accommodating more than 100,000 patient visits each year -- the School of Dentistry plays a vital role in providing comprehensive care, including services for adults with special needs and Virginians insured by Medicaid. This investment strengthens that mission, enabling increased patient capacity, enhanced clinical innovation and a world-class environment for students, faculty and staff.
"There are unique community collaborations developing in every region of the commonwealth with the common goal of curbing the oral health workforce crisis that we are currently facing," said Polly Raible, executive director of the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation. "Those partnerships, combined with historic investments to expand educational capacity and career pathways into dentistry, will have a lasting impact on generations of Virginia residents."
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Original text here: https://news.vcu.edu/article/vcu-school-of-dentistry-and-delta-dental-of-virginia-foundation-announce-gift
University of Windsor: Career Centre and Co-op Office Adopt New Shared Name - Co-op, Career & Experiential Education
WINDSOR, Ontario, Aug. 22 -- University of Windsor issued the following news:
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Career Centre and co-op office adopt new shared name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education
By Victor Romao
The University of Windsor's Career Centre and co-operative education office are now operating under a single name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education.
The new name reflects the integration of the Office of Experiential Learning, Co-op & Workplace Partnerships and Career Development & Experiential Learning, also known as the Career Centre.
The unit continues to include two departments, Co-operative
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WINDSOR, Ontario, Aug. 22 -- University of Windsor issued the following news:
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Career Centre and co-op office adopt new shared name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education
By Victor Romao
The University of Windsor's Career Centre and co-operative education office are now operating under a single name: Co-op, Career & Experiential Education.
The new name reflects the integration of the Office of Experiential Learning, Co-op & Workplace Partnerships and Career Development & Experiential Learning, also known as the Career Centre.
The unit continues to include two departments, Co-operativeEducation and Career Education, working collaboratively under one brand identity to provide a more connected experience.
The change reflects the growth and evolution of these services over time and their increasingly interconnected role in helping students connect their academic experiences with career exploration, experiential learning and professional development.
"The new identity reflects the evolution of our work and our commitment to providing students with a more integrated and seamless experience as they explore careers, gain practical experience and prepare for their futures," said Kristen Morris, director of the Office of Experiential Learning.
Morris said the new structure better reflects the interconnected nature of the University's career development, experiential learning and co-operative education services, supporting students from career exploration to career readiness.
The name change is accompanied by a physical move. The Career Centre team has moved from its current space in JEC 100 to the co-op office in JEC 132, creating a shared space for both teams. The relocation is intended to strengthen collaboration among staff and improve coordination of services across the unit.
"Co-locating our teams is an important step toward strengthening collaboration, improving service coordination and making it easier for students, faculty, employers and community partners to access our expertise through a single, integrated unit," said Morris.
The consolidation will also support operational efficiencies while helping students navigate services more easily. The move aligns with the institution's broader vision of developing the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre as a comprehensive Student Services Hub, bringing complementary supports together in a centralized location.
Although the unit's name is changing, existing services and programs will remain the same. Students will continue to work with the same co-op and work-integrated learning coordinators, and program requirements, recruitment processes and support services continue as usual.
In addition to co-op opportunities and experiential learning initiatives, students can now access career development programming, professional skills training and employment preparation services through a single office.
Employer partners continue working with the same contacts and recruitment processes, and existing partnerships and agreements remain in place.
Over the coming months, the Co-op, Career & Experiential Education name will be introduced across University websites, signage, social media channels and other communications materials.
Students with questions can contact Co-op, Career & Experiential Education at 519-253-3000 ext. 3900 or visit its website (https://www.uwindsor.ca/cces/).
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Original text here: https://www.uwindsor.ca/news/2026-08-21/career-centre-and-co-op-office-adopt-new-shared-name-co-op-career-experiential-education
Two Mount Allison Research Projects Receive $339,466 in Funding From Canada Foundation for Innovation
SACKVILLE, New Brunswick, Aug. 22 -- Mount Allison University issued the following news:
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Two Mount Allison research projects receive $339,466 in funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will fund state-of-the-art equipment and expanded research on appetite and metabolism and the development of recyclable and non-toxic metal catalysts
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Mount Allison biology and chemistry researchers will be able to expand their research with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to $339,466 in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), announced by
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SACKVILLE, New Brunswick, Aug. 22 -- Mount Allison University issued the following news:
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Two Mount Allison research projects receive $339,466 in funding from Canada Foundation for Innovation
Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) will fund state-of-the-art equipment and expanded research on appetite and metabolism and the development of recyclable and non-toxic metal catalysts
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Mount Allison biology and chemistry researchers will be able to expand their research with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to $339,466 in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), announced bythe Government of Canada on August 20.
The investments are made through CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) program, which enables universities to attract and retain world-class research talent by providing the state-of-the-art infrastructure researchers need to succeed.
"These projects reflect the breadth and impact of research taking place at Mount Allison," says Mount Allison Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research Dr. Richard Isnor. "This funding will give Dr. Rourke, Dr. Crosby, and Dr. Griffin access to the specialized equipment and facilities they need to advance their research. We're grateful for the funding support received and I look forward to seeing how these investments help our researchers build on their important work."
Canada Research Chair in Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Dr. Jill Rourke and Associate Professor in Biology Dr. Karen Crosby were awarded $199,466 through the JELF program.
The funding will be used to develop a new surgical and metabolic research suite that will allow Rourke and Crosby to study how stressors in food and the environment affect food intake and energy balance in rodents, with important implications for chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes in humans.
Equipment to be purchased includes state-of-the-art metabolic cages used for non-invasive physiological, metabolic, and behavioural measurements in rodents, as well as instruments to build a new surgical suite. The grant will also help cover renovations to expand Mount Allison's capacity for rodent metabolic studies.
This funding will allow Rourke and Crosby to advance the understanding of the metabolic, gastrointestinal, and neural mechanisms underlying chronic diseases such as obesity.
Dr. Samuel Griffin, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, received $140,000 through the JELF program to support research through the Centre for Organometallic Materials for Engineered Technologies (COMET) at Mount Allison.
Chemical reactions promoted by metal catalysts have had an immense and enduring impact on society, with applications in industries spanning pharmaceuticals, detergents, agriculture, plastics, electronics, and more. However, industrially useful catalysts often rely on precious metals or generate harmful waste. The development of abundant, inexpensive, recyclable, and non-toxic metal catalysts for use in industry is highly desirable.
To support this work, the Centre for Organometallic Materials for Engineered Technologies (COMET) requires state-of-the-art tools for handling air-sensitive materials and characterizing their physical and chemical properties.
Soon, COMET will be outfitted with a new inert atmosphere glovebox workstation for working with reactive compounds under a nitrogen atmosphere and a powder X-ray diffractometer for analyzing and understanding the properties of promising new catalytic materials.
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Original text here: https://mta.ca/about/news/two-mount-allison-research-projects-receive-339466-funding-canada-foundation-innovation
Syracuse University: Drones, Rovers and Submersibles - Orange Works Fuels the Next Generation of Engineers
SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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Drones, Rovers and Submersibles: Orange Works Fuels the Next Generation of Engineers
A summer STEM program gives high schoolers experience building autonomous vehicles, developing a pipeline into the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
John Boccacino
The classroom spaces in the Center for Science and Technology buzz with activity as high school students build and learn how to code autonomous vehicles on land, in the air and underwater.
A black and white quadcopter drone hovers a few feet above ground,
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SYRACUSE, New York, Aug. 22 -- Syracuse University issued the following news:
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Drones, Rovers and Submersibles: Orange Works Fuels the Next Generation of Engineers
A summer STEM program gives high schoolers experience building autonomous vehicles, developing a pipeline into the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
John Boccacino
The classroom spaces in the Center for Science and Technology buzz with activity as high school students build and learn how to code autonomous vehicles on land, in the air and underwater.
A black and white quadcopter drone hovers a few feet above ground,precisely navigating a test flight.
On the ground, black robotic rovers navigate a racecourse consisting of varying terrains, mapped out in blue and orange masking tape.
Below the surface, twin submersibles glide through the water, responding to commands from students on the pool deck relayed through a tethered topside control unit.
Orange Works is a summer STEM program that ran June 29 through July 28 in the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), meant to develop a pipeline of high school students interested in working with autonomous vehicles. As part of the program, 23 high school students from the greater Syracuse area built and operated different autonomous systems using video game-style controllers.
Students also worked on UAS-SAR (Unmanned Air System--Synthetic Aperture Radar), exploring radar imaging by building and flying a radar on a small drone and using it to capture images of different objects. Throughout the program, students also got a foundational look at the batteries driving these systems, discussing how factors like weight, capacity and charge time shape the performance of vehicles operating on land, in the air and underwater.
"It's important to get high schoolers into engineering and the STEM fields," says Connor Sumner '25, G'27, a current teaching assistant who earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and will complete a master's degree in May. "Seeing a drone fly by, watching the submarine glide across the water and learning how to build the race car is definitely one of the biggest factors that hook kids on these activities."
From Curious Scholar to Confident Coder
Coen Fierke '29 enjoyed the engineering lessons he learned three years ago as a student scholar at Orange Works so much that he enrolled as an electrical engineering major in ECS.
"This program is amazing, and it's so helpful for students to come to Syracuse and get these opportunities to be introduced to these skills," Fierke says. "I was motivated to attend Syracuse University after doing Orange Works because I could see myself doing electrical engineering. The program made me want to come here."
Like many of the participants, Fierke came into the program with minimal coding experience, but after taking an introductory Python programming course each evening, Fierke says he soon felt comfortable navigating the coding required to program the different vehicles.
"These students will live in a world full of autonomous systems where, starting today, they will have the tools to help shape the future," says Anthony Terrinoni, the associate director of academic programs in mechanical and aerospace engineering who also directs Orange Works.
A Slice of Life on Campus
In its fourth year, Orange Works falls under the mechanical and aerospace engineering department in ECS and is funded jointly by the Center for Advanced Systems and Engineering (CASE) at Syracuse University, and the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. Led by Binghamton University, the Engine brings together premier research and development universities, educational institutions, industry, economic development and community organizations and government agencies to grow the battery ecosystem in Upstate New York driving national and regional impact.
"Programs like Orange Works are only possible because of strong partnerships and support," says Quinn Qiao, professor and chair of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. "We're grateful to CASE and the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York for their financial support, which allows us to give these students hands-on experiences with battery integration and autonomous systems while helping build the next generation of engineers here in Central New York."
"Orange Works is a great entry point into the Energy Storage Scholars Initiative, our effort to build a talent pipeline for this industry from high school through college and beyond," says Tim Thomas, chief workforce development officer for the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. "Building a strong energy storage ecosystem in New York State requires a steady supply of skilled engineers, and programs like this one are essential to giving more students across our region access to engineering degrees at institutions like Syracuse's College of Engineering and Computer Science."
Students eat in the dining halls and visit campus spots like the Schine Student Center, the Barnes Center at The Arch and the Gaming and Esports Center, activities that Fierke says "help connect students with Syracuse and show them what life is like as a Syracuse University student."
Orange Works participants also learn from ECS faculty and current students, building up their engineering skills while gaining the confidence to turn their passion for autonomous vehicles into a potential career path.
"Orange Works gives high school students the chance to work in teams and design, build and program a real autonomous system alongside our faculty and current students," says Julie Hasenwinkel, interim ECS dean and associate provost for academic programs. "This unique and engaging experience helps them build the skills and confidence to pursue engineering and computer science degrees in college and become the innovators of the future."
Putting Skills to the Test at MIT
The highlight of Orange Works was putting the students' skills to the test on a challenging course as part of an international autonomous-vehicle competition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Beaver Works Summer Institute, held July 30 through Aug. 2.
Leading up to the competition, students spend hours together testing their autonomous vehicles, supporting and learning from each other in a collaborative environment while overcoming challenges stemming from building, programming and troubleshooting.
"It's pretty cool going home and telling your friends that you spent part of your summer building these autonomous vehicles. These students want to learn, and this program educates them now and prepares them for a career in the future," Sumner says.
For Fierke, the same program that first sparked his interest in electrical engineering as a high school scholar has him giving back to aspiring engineers as one of the program's teaching assistants.
"Orange Works creates these opportunities to network and learn from some of the best minds in the field," Fierke says.
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Original text here: https://news.syr.edu/2026/08/21/drones-rovers-and-submersibles-orange-works-fuels-the-next-generation-of-engineers/
PenAir Credit Union Makes $1.7 Million Commitment to UWF Athletics, Names Field House
PENSACOLA, Florida, Aug. 22 -- The University of West Florida, a component of public state university system in Florida, issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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PenAir Credit Union makes $1.7 million commitment to UWF Athletics, names Field House
Today, the University of West Florida announced a $1.7 million commitment from PenAir Credit Union that will expand the credit union's longstanding partnership with Argonaut Athletics, including naming the UWF Field House the PenAir Field House and the exclusive premium club space in the new Darrell Gooden Stadium the PenAir Champions
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PENSACOLA, Florida, Aug. 22 -- The University of West Florida, a component of public state university system in Florida, issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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PenAir Credit Union makes $1.7 million commitment to UWF Athletics, names Field House
Today, the University of West Florida announced a $1.7 million commitment from PenAir Credit Union that will expand the credit union's longstanding partnership with Argonaut Athletics, including naming the UWF Field House the PenAir Field House and the exclusive premium club space in the new Darrell Gooden Stadium the PenAir ChampionsClub.
"PenAir Credit Union has been an outstanding partner to the University of West Florida for more than 15 years, and we are grateful for their continued commitment to Argonaut Athletics," said UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. "As we enter this exciting new era of Division I athletics, partnerships like this will help us create transformational experiences for our student-athletes, campus and community."
The investment will support the construction of the Darrell Gooden Stadium and establish a new endowed scholarship that will support future Argo student-athletes. As part of the agreement, PenAir will also become the "Official Credit Union of UWF Athletics."
"PenAir Credit Union has been an incredible partner in the growth of UWF Athletics, and we are grateful for their continued belief in our programs and student-athletes," said UWF Director of Athletics Dave Scott. "Their commitment reflects a shared vision for what Argonaut Athletics can become and will help us create a premier gameday experience while supporting our student-athletes as we enter this next chapter."
For more than 15 years, PenAir has supported UWF Athletics through scholarship support and sponsorship. The credit union has helped UWF Athletics create memorable gameday experiences, assisted with football playoff runs, created new gameday traditions, elevated the UWF tailgating experience and provided convenient ATM access for fans attending home athletic events.
PenAir's partnership with UWF extends beyond athletics to include support for student success, scholarships, campus engagement and financial education and wellness. These efforts provide students with resources and opportunities to build financial confidence, prepare for life after graduation and pursue their academic and professional goals. Through its continued partnership with UWF, PenAir supports students across the University, including future educators, health care professionals, business leaders and others who will contribute to the region's workforce and communities.
"Our relationship with UWF has been about creating opportunities for students to succeed," said Lee Morgan, President and CEO of PenAir Credit Union. "Through athletics, scholarships, financial education and campus engagement, we've worked together to help students prepare for what's next. We're proud to continue building on that foundation and investing in the future of our community."
The partnership extension marks another milestone in the continued growth of UWF Athletics as it prepares for its inaugural Division I season.
For more information about UWF's DI transition, visit uwf.edu/DI. For more information about UWF Athletics, visit goargos.com. To support the DI transition and Argonaut Athletics, give to Athletics Excellence. For more information on PenAir Credit Union, visit PenAir.org.
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Original text here: https://news.uwf.edu/penair-credit-union-makes-1-7-million-commitment-to-uwf-athletics-names-field-house/
Frostburg State University Receives More Than $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Planetarium Into a Regional STEM Destination
FROSTBURG, Maryland, Aug. 22 -- Frostburg State University issued the following news:
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Frostburg State University Receives More Than $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Planetarium into a Regional STEM Destination
Frostburg State University has secured $2,808,000 in federal funding to expand its recently revitalized Planetarium, transforming it into a more comprehensive STEM education center that will serve University students, K-12 learners and communities throughout Western Maryland and beyond.
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain
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FROSTBURG, Maryland, Aug. 22 -- Frostburg State University issued the following news:
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Frostburg State University Receives More Than $3.5 Million in Federal Funding to Expand Planetarium into a Regional STEM Destination
Frostburg State University has secured $2,808,000 in federal funding to expand its recently revitalized Planetarium, transforming it into a more comprehensive STEM education center that will serve University students, K-12 learners and communities throughout Western Maryland and beyond.
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClainDelaney worked to secure this investment in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending. The funding represents the second phase of the Planetarium's multi-year modernization project and builds on a previous $750,000 federal earmark awarded in fiscal year 2023.
Senator Van Hollen, Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Delanie Blubaugh Yacuboski, Regional Director for Western and Mountain Maryland, representing U.S. Senator Alsobrooks, visited the Planetarium on Thursday to present FSU President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson and Dr. Jason Speights, Director of the FSU Planetarium, with a ceremonial check marking the delivery of the federal funding.
"Frostburg State is helping to keep our state at the forefront of scientific discovery, educating students, preparing them for careers, and providing both students and community members the opportunity to engage in astronomy, physics, and other STEM fields. That's why we fought to secure over $3.5 million in federal funds over the years for the Frostburg State Planetarium. I am confident this public investment will strengthen STEM educational opportunities for students and -- by opening the wonders of the planetarium to the public -- will help inspire the next generation of scientists." said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Senator Alsobrooks echoed those sentiments. "Dr. Shadow Robinson and Dr. Jason Speights have a clear vision for how Frostburg State's Planetarium can serve students and families across Western Maryland. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and I listened, worked together, and delivered $2.8 million to equip the Planetarium and expand hands-on STEM learning. I'll keep working alongside FSU to ensure Western Maryland has the tools to educate the next generation and compete for the jobs of the future."
"We often talk about how important STEM education is for our students, and we talk about how important it is to provide knowledge and information to our communities. But we can't just say what our priorities are--we also need show it with investment. That's why I'm proud to be a part of Team Maryland's efforts to bring home $2.8 million in federal funding to help Frostburg State's Planetarium operate at its best," said Senator Alsobrooks.
The initial phase, completed earlier this year, supported the installation of a new digital projection system, operating platform and 5.1 surround sound system, creating an immersive, professional-quality viewing experience. The upgraded facility now features a dual 4K SONY projection system powered by the Digistar operating platform, along with an AstroFXAudio Standard 5.1 Surround Sound System by Bowen.
In April, the University celebrated the grand reopening of the Planetarium, highlighting its renewed role as a center for STEM education, hands-on learning and public engagement.
"This investment allows us to build on the tremendous momentum generated by the Planetarium's reopening and significantly expand its educational impact," said Frostburg State University President Dr. Shadow JQ Robinson. "The Planetarium is more than a place to observe the night sky. It is a gateway to discovery that will connect students and community members to science, technology and exploration through innovative, interactive experiences."
The newly awarded funding will support the creation of an interactive exhibit hall within the atrium of the Catherine R. Gira Center for Communications and Information Technology (CCIT), adding a new dimension to the Planetarium experience.
Planned exhibits include an interactive LED globe featuring science programming and lessons that span multiple scientific disciplines, a scaled model of the solar system extending across the Frostburg State campus and additional exhibits designed to complement and reinforce the educational mission of the Planetarium.
The funding will also establish two full-time positions to support the facility's expanding programming: a postdoctoral scholar and a planetarium coordinator.
In addition, the grant will provide funding for advanced computing systems, telescopic equipment and an upgraded operating console that will enable the development and delivery of high-resolution planetarium programs for a wide range of audiences.
"The Planetarium has already become an important educational resource for our students and the broader community," said Dr. Jason Speights, associate professor of physics and director of the Planetarium. "These enhancements will allow us to expand our programming, create new learning opportunities and strengthen our partnerships with K-12 schools and community organizations throughout the region."
The expanded facility will also showcase space memorabilia from Frostburg State alumnus and NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold '85, whose career and achievements continue to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and explorers.
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Original text here: https://www.frostburg.edu/news/2026/08/planetarium-check-presentation.php
Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences Celebrates Achievements and Welcomes New Faces for the 2026-27 Academic Year
BINGHAMTON, New York, Aug. 22 -- Binghamton University issued the following news:
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Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates achievements and welcomes new faces for the 2026-27 academic year
Accreditations, a new program, and new students, faculty, and staff set the stage for a year of innovation and achievement
By Natalie Blando-George
At Binghamton University's Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, excitement is in the air as faculty, students, and staff embark on the 2026-27 academic year, brimming with opportunities, achievements, and milestones.
Accreditation
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BINGHAMTON, New York, Aug. 22 -- Binghamton University issued the following news:
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Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences celebrates achievements and welcomes new faces for the 2026-27 academic year
Accreditations, a new program, and new students, faculty, and staff set the stage for a year of innovation and achievement
By Natalie Blando-George
At Binghamton University's Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, excitement is in the air as faculty, students, and staff embark on the 2026-27 academic year, brimming with opportunities, achievements, and milestones.
Accreditationnews
In May, Binghamton's Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), affirming its commitment to excellence and leadership in physical therapy education.
Two months later, Decker's Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program was granted accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), highlighting the program's dedication to maintaining high standards in its curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes.
"Achieving accreditation for our Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our faculty, staff, and students," said Dean Mario R. Ortiz, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, FNP-C, FNAP, FAAN. "These accomplishments reflect Decker College's unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier education and to preparing future leaders in healthcare."
New students
An exceptional new cohort of more than 80 undergraduate students began Decker's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program when classes resumed on Aug. 18.
"Welcoming a new cohort of undergraduate nursing students is always heartwarming. New students bring fresh energy, perspectives, and compassion that will influence the health of others in communities locally, nationally, and globally," said Ann Fronczek, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing and director of the undergraduate and PhD nursing programs. "Faculty members mentor new students on this new academic and professional journey. These shared perspectives help Decker College prepare future leaders for nursing."
While nursing is the college's sole undergraduate degree at present, Decker offers an array of minors open to students in any major at Binghamton:
* arts in healthcare
* forensic health
* health and wellness studies
* public health
* speech and hearing science
To further enrich the student experience, the Division of Health and Wellness Studies offers more than 40 different course options each year (with multiple sections of each), helping approximately 2,200 undergraduates fulfill their physical activity/wellness General Education requirement each semester while promoting lifelong well-being.
This fall, the college also welcomed new graduate student cohorts to its Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing, MS in Nursing, Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Public Health, and MS in Speech and Language Pathology programs. Altogether, over 75 new graduate students began their programs this month.
Two Decker groups, however, got a jump-start on their studies. About 35 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students began their journey in May when the college welcomed its fourth cohort to the three-year program. Other summer starters are students in the Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) nursing program. These driven individuals hold a bachelor's degree in another field and have returned for an intensive, one-year program leading to a BS in Nursing. Decker welcomed more than 75 BAT students in May.
New faculty and staff
In addition to new students, Decker College has hired several new faculty and staff members since May (adjunct faculty are not listed). They are:
* Mary Babola, office assistant, Division of Speech and Language Pathology
* Michael Bermudez, clinical associate professor, Division of Occupational Therapy
* Jun Ryan Carreon, clinical assistant professor, Division of Nursing
* Shelley Dugas-Thomas, clinical assistant professor, Division of Nursing
* William Larsen, clinical associate professor, Division of Nursing
* Laura Lunger, clinical associate professor, Division of Nursing
* Jennifer Muriithi, clinical associate professor, Division of Occupational Therapy
* Jacqueline Murrer, senior staff assistant, Dean's Office
* Ellie Priscott, enrollment and advising specialist, Division of Advising and Academic Excellence
* Rebecca Sullivan, clinical instructor, Innovative Simulation and Practice Center
Public health and nursing collab
Decker College has consistently launched new academic programs, and this year is no exception. In June, the college began offering a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) in Community Health Nursing double-degree program, which provides exciting opportunities for graduates with expertise in both fields.
"While this is an excellent choice for any student interested in public health and community health nursing because it allows them to complete the program in three years instead of four, it is especially beneficial for international nurses who hold a bachelor's degree in nursing from their home country but do not have U.S. nursing licensure," said Yvonne Johnston, DrPH, MPH, MS, RN, FNP, associate professor and founding director of the Division of Public Health. "These students can be provisionally accepted into the program, giving them the time to study for and take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) licensure examination within the first year."
Construction update
Work continues at the Binghamton University Clinical Center at Park (18 Park St., Johnson City, New York), which is adjacent to the Health Sciences Building where most of Decker College is housed. This 68,000-square-foot building eventually will be home to Decker College's divisions of occupational, physical, and speech-language pathology, including clinics and the Motion Analysis Research Lab (MARL), which will be relocated from the University's Vestal campus. At present, the plan is to move divisions, clinics, and labs in two phases during 2027 and 2028.
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Original text here: https://www.binghamton.edu/news/story/6409/decker-college-of-nursing-and-health-sciences-celebrates-achievements-and-welcomes-new-faces-for-the-2026-27-academic-year
