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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Professor Attends Easter Prayer Breakfast at White House
ºÚÁϳԹÏ's Dr. Scot McKnight met President Obama at the April 4 White House Easter prayer breakfast. (Photo by Kristen McKnight)
Scot McKnight invited to president's annual Easter event
CHICAGO (April 5, 2012) – A ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï professor attended President Barack Obama's third annual at the White House April 4. , Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, , was among the invited guests.
"That President Obama is willing to host an Easter breakfast, invite only Christian leaders, and include a personal address himself, and involve singers like Sarah Groves and a sermon by Joel Hunter, is a symbolic way for President Obama to express his faith," McKnight said afterward. "Events like this do not impose faith on Americans, or even privilege the Christian faith, but they do give the President an opportunity to express his faith and support the Christian message of the death and resurrection of Christ."
It was clear that Obama did not invite only "progressive Christians," to the breakfast, McKnight said. "I was impressed by the spectrum," he added. Others in attendance included Rev. Eugene Cho, lead pastor of , Seattle, a congregation of the (ECC), McKnight said. ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is affiliated with the Chicago-based ECC.
In his remarks, the president thanked the Christian leaders for "the compassion and the kindness" they express through their ministries. "I’ve seen firsthand some of the outstanding work that you are doing in your respective communities, and it’s an incredible expression of your faith. And I know that all of us who have an opportunity to work with you draw inspiration from the work that you do," Obama said.
Reflecting on the "wonder of Easter morning," the president said, "It’s an opportunity for us to reflect on the triumph of the resurrection, and to give thanks for the all-important gift of grace. And for me, and I’m sure for some of you, it’s also a chance to remember the tremendous sacrifice that led up to that day, and all that Christ endured—not just as a Son of God, but as a human being."
McKnight attended the breakfast with his wife, Kristen. "It was an honor to be invited, and we will treasure this the rest of our lives," he said.
McKnight joined the University in 1994. He is a New Testament scholar, author of more than 30 books, teacher and sought-after speaker. This year, his book, , was named resource of the year in the evangelism category by magazine. Another book, , won the book of the year in 2005 for Christian Living. McKnight also writes a titled, "The Jesus Creed."
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University School of Business and Nonprofit Management Earns Reaccreditation
The IACBE reaccredited both undergradute and gradute degree offerings in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
IACBE reaffirms SBNM accreditation
CHICAGO (January 5, 2011) — The Board of Commissioners of the announced that it has reaffirmed for seven years its accreditation of degree programs in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM) at ºÚÁϳԹÏ.
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, Nils Axelson Professor of Nonprofit Management and SBNM dean, said he is "thrilled" the school was reaccredited. "We value the recognition that this accreditation provides for our management and business programs. The constant improvement model of assessment and planning provides a way for SBNM to stay current and up-to-date in our programming," he said.
"The reaccreditation by the IACBE is an affirmation of the commitment to quality education by SBNM," said , University provost. "We have an exceptional group of faculty who serve our students in so many ways. I am proud they have obtained this standard of excellence."
The IACBE, based in Olathe, Kan., is a professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world. The organization focuses its accrediting process on outcomes. The University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management was first accredited by IACBE in 2005. Faculty and staff began preparing for reaccreditation in August 2010. They gathered information, updated the school's outcomes assessment plan, documented assessments results and completed a self-study, the results of which were submitted to IACBE in December 2010.
In March, two representatives from other IACBE schools visited ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï to conduct an assessment and review of the University program. They met with undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, University officials, and members of the school's advisory board. The School of Business and Nonprofit Management responded to a request for more information during the summer months, and last month, the school was informed that IACBE's board had granted reaccreditation.
The IACBE accredited business programs in these degrees offered by SBNM:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Higher Education Administration (MHEA)
Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM)
Master of Management (MM)
Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising
Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics
Bachelor of Science in Advertising
Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics with concentrations in accounting, economics, finance, international business, management, marketing, and nonprofit management
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North Park Theological Seminary to Install Seminary Dean at Annual Convocation
Rev. Dr. David W. Kersten, dean of North Park Theological Seminary
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï to provide live webcast of Convocation, Rev. Dave Kersten’s installation
CHICAGO (September 10, 2012) — holds its annual Convocation September 16, featuring a worship service of prayer and blessing, marking the beginning of the new academic year for students and faculty. This year’s Convocation will include the installation ceremony of the Seminary’s new dean, .
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï will present a of the Convocation beginning at 4:00 pm, Central Daylight Time. Full details for the day’s events are available online.
Kersten, who began his new role as dean on August 1, came to the University after serving as both a parish pastor and a denominational administrator, most recently as the executive minister of the for the Chicago-based (ECC). He previously served ECC congregations in Alabama, Florida, Washington, and Minnesota.
Kersten earned a bachelor’s degree in 1977 from ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï (then North Park College), and completed his degree at the Seminary in 1982. He earned a degree in 1997 from the , which includes North Park Theological Seminary.
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is affiliated with the ECC. Theological education in the ECC tradition is provided by North Park Theological Seminary, a graduate school of the University.
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University Dedicates Nursing Simulation Suite in High-Tech Lab Facility
Richard Becker, center, provided a gift to the University's Nursing Simulation Lab facility in memory of his wife, Janice, who was a nurse. With Becker are, left, School of Nursing Dean Linda Duncan and, right, Vice President for Development Alumni Relations Mary Surridge.
Suite named for Janice Becker, psychiatric nurse and Covenant Church member
CHICAGO (November 15, 2012) — With family, friends, invited guests, and the University in attendance October 26, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï dedicated the Janice I. Becker Nursing Simulation Suite in its state-of-the-art . The suite honors Becker, a longtime member of the (ECC), and a psychiatric nurse in Massachusetts for nearly 40 years before her death from cancer in 2009.
After Janice's death, her husband, Richard, moved to Covenant Village of Florida, Plantation, where he learned about the University, and in particular, its simulation lab facility. He eventually visited the lab, and was invited to honor his wife's career and dedication to the Covenant Church by naming a lab suite for her. North Park is affiliated with the ECC.
"What a wonderful day this is," said Richard. "Janice was my sweetheart, the love of my life, and she was a very special person to anyone who worked with her or called her their friend." In his dedication remarks, Richard described their life of devotion to each other that began when they met in 1960 while singing in a choir at a church conference in New Hampshire. Richard, who was in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Maine, remained in touch with Janice, and traveled long distances to the Boston area to see her.
After they were married, Janice was hired in 1967 as part of original staff of the newly formed psychiatric unit of , Concord, Mass., where she worked until her retirement in 2003. Describing her as a "tough nurse," Richard said, "Jan truly loved her work at the hospital and never considered it a job. She lovingly cared for her patients, and many of them loved her right back." In 1997, Janice Becker was named Massachusetts LPN of the Year, "the crowning moment" of her career, Richard said.
Janice was an avid reader and photographer. She was adept at needlepoint, and knitted caps for seafarers. She also had a strong faith in God, enjoyed reading Bible stories, and with her soprano voice, sang in their church choir in Massachusetts with Richard. "Dear to Jan's heart was the music of the church, especially songs that embraced her Swedish heritage. Music was in Jan's blood," he said. They traveled together with friends, and continued to do so after Janice was diagnosed with cancer. The Beckers were married 47 years.
"Janice was a very special lady, and this is a very special occasion," Richard Becker told the group at the dedication. "I believe she is looking down on us right now and smiling her approval."
, University vice president for development and alumni relations, presented Richard with a book of remembrances about Janice. Copies of the messages will remain in the lab suite, she said.
In his comments, , ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï president, said the suite will have a positive effect on the University's nursing program in many ways. For example, he observed that people teach and learn best in well-equipped spaces. "Nursing education at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is rooted deeply in its students and faculty, but also takes on a character of its own because of the space provided," he said. Parkyn thanked Richard for on behalf of those who will be cared for by nurses trained through the facilities of the Janice Becker suite. "Her lifetime of care for people out of her dedication to this profession will be continued for so many years to come, and in the lives of so many people," Parkyn added.
The simulation lab has enabled faculty to train students to provide quality care to patients, said , dean of the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï School of Nursing and Gretchen Carlson Memorial Endowed Chair in Nursing."This has made a tremendous difference in our students, in our graduate students, and in the welfare of our patients," she said.
Opened in September 2011, the high-tech Nursing Simulation Lab Facility enables students in nursing and other disciplines to practice critical skills in a simulated, safe, learning environment. Simulations are recorded, and students and faculty routinely review their work. The lab has also attracted attention from others in the health care community. For example, about a dozen health care building professionals people last month while attending a national symposium in Chicago.
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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Recognizes Faculty Achievements at Convocation
ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï faculty authored several books in the past year.
University celebrates faculty granted promotion and tenure, plus book authors, editors
CHICAGO (September 21, 2012) — At its annual Convocation to open to academic year, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï recognized outstanding faculty who were granted promotion and tenure, and those who authored or edited recently published books. The University also formally installed two recently appointed administrators.
"This is a day of great joy and celebration at ºÚÁϳԹÏ," said , University president, who presided at the September 17 event. He noted that the Convocation recognizes many individuals who carry out the University's by preparing students for lives of significance and service through education.
The Convocation included a litany of recognition for faculty granted tenure and promoted, recognition and prayer for continued guidance for faculty authors, and a litany of installation for newly appointed administrators. The and performed, directed by , Stephen J. Hendrickson Endowed Chair in Music, School of Music. The Convocation was held in the University's Anderson Chapel.
Faculty recently promoted:
, professor of education, School of Education
, professor of psychology, School of Adult Learning
Faculty recently granted tenure:
, associate professor of church growth and evangelism, North Park Theological Seminary
, associate professor of biblical and theological studies, Department of Biblical and Theological Studies
Recently published faculty book authors and editors:
and Dag Blanck, editors: Norwegians and Swedes in the United States (Minnesota Historical Society Press)
Philip J. Anderson, editor: The Augustana Synod and the Covenant Church: Contact, Conflict, and Confluence 1860-2010 (Swedish-American Historical Society)
Gregory S. Athnos: The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
Gregory S. Athnos: The Art of the Roman Catacombs (Outskirts Press, Inc.)
: Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Perspective (Cascade Books)
, Grant Osborne, Mark Seifrid and Chad Brand: Perspectives on our Struggle with Sin: Three Views of Romans 7 (Broadman & Holman)
Julia Davids and Stephen LaTour: Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers (Waveland Press, Inc.)
, editor: Complexities of Money and Missions in Asia (William Carey Library)
: The Adventures of Muffin and Alexander: Off to School (Trafford Publishing)
: Bringing Jesus to the Desert (Zondervan)
Brock Bingaman and Bradley Nassif, editors: The Philokalia: A Classic Text of Orthodox Spirituality (Oxford University Press)
and Timothy Yu: Kiss the Stranger (Corollary Press)
M. Sydney Park, Soong-Chan Rah, and Al Tizon, editors: Honoring the Generations Learning with Asian North American Congregations (Judson Press Publishers)
Richard A. Burridge and Joel Willitts, authors; Daniel M. Gurtner, editor: Jesus, Matthew's Gospel and Early Christianity: Studies in Memory of Graham N. Stanton (Library of New Testament Studies)
: The Making of a Modern Greek Identity: Education, Nationalism, and the Teaching of a Greek National Past (Columbia University Press)
Installation of recently appointed administrators:
, director of undergraduate recruitment and enrollment, Office of Admissions
, assistant professor of youth ministries, and director, Center for Youth Ministry Studies
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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Chemistry Program to Obtain Flash Chromatography System
The Chemistry Department will acquire this flash chromatography system for use by chemistry students. (Image courtesy of Sorbent Technologies, Norcross, Ga.)
New equipment to enhance program, aid in future certification
CHICAGO (December 18, 2012) — ºÚÁϳԹÏ's will soon obtain a significant instrument to be used by chemistry, biology, and pre-health students enrolled in mid- and upper-level chemistry courses. Acquisition of a will give more than 80 students hands-on experience with rapid chemical separation techniques, enhancing laboratory education and research.
Being able to separate compounds mixed together is an important part of chemistry, said , professor of chemistry and department chair. Currently, the process is slow and time-consuming without the flash chromatography system, limiting what can be done in a typical laboratory session.
"If we have an instrument that can speed up separations, we can process many more samples in a lab teaching time period," Rienstra-Kiracofe said. "The flash chromatography system has a pump that forces the liquid through specialized columns at high pressure, and in doing so, it produces a separation that happens quite quickly."
Funded mostly by a grant from the , Chicago, and other University funds, the portable, table-top system costs slightly more than $10,000. This is the foundation's fourth grant to the University chemistry program, helping to fund significant equipment purchases to enhance student education, and to help the department achieve its goal to become certified by the .
The flash chromatography system will be used most frequently by organic chemistry classes taught by , associate professor of chemistry, though the system also has uses in analytical chemistry and biochemistry.
There are wide-ranging benefits for students who gain experience with the system, she said. Students who attend graduate school will use flash chromatography systems often. In industry, research and development work usually requires flash chromatography, Larraza said. For example, chemists working in the pharmaceutical industry use flash chromatography to purify compounds to be tested in drug manufacturing. The system also fits with the Chemistry Department's commitment to "," she said. "We're economizing on all the materials, and will be able to use safer solvents such as water—thus we're protecting the environment," Larraza emphasized.
In addition to the flash chromatography system, Rienstra-Kiracofe said the department expects delivery this month of an instrument that uses x-rays to detect elements' concentration levels in samples. Known as a "," it is among the new instruments the department will use when it moves into the , expected to be completed in 2014. Acquiring the TXRF now will enable student researchers to learn how to use it and to design experiments for future classes. Another new instrument the department will acquire when it moves into the Johnson Center is a full-size . It already has a , thanks to a 2011 Goldenberg Foundation grant.
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University Breakfast Series Focuses on Nonprofit Success in Challenging Economy
Jimmie Alford discussed topics affecting the nonprofit sector at the University's October 30 Breakfast Series event in Chicago.
Axelson Center provides strategic solutions to improve nonprofits
CHICAGO (November 5, 2012) – Nonprofit organizations must adapt their business models to the current economic climate, and act strategically in response to a variety of challenges, particularly declines in program funding from government sources and philanthropy. That was the message from Chicago nonprofit executive Jimmie Alford, who spoke to more than 100 people about nonprofit trends and challenges at a ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Breakfast Series event October 30.
Alford is founder and chair of , a well-known national nonprofit consulting firm, and has been named by as an influential nonprofit leader. He is also executive-in-residence of the University's School of Business and Nonprofit Management and an advisor to the University's Through its workshops and conferences, the center teaches leaders about nonprofit trends and how to meet significant challenges, he said.
Just as in other sectors of the global economy, uncertainty is a key issue for nonprofits, Alford told the breakfast audience. Some factors affecting nonprofits include high unemployment, strains on family finances, and financial turmoil affecting 39 state governments. "Going forward, nonprofits have to look to the future with eyes wide open," he said. "It isn't so much that these and other factors are barriers or challenges. The question is, 'What is your strategic response?'"
For nonprofits to be vibrant, effective, and have high impact, Alford said they must plan for "uncontrollables." Those that can engage key stakeholders and adjust their enterprises for the future "will be the nonprofits that will be highly effective and highly valued," he said.
Alford also warned of a "huge liquidity crisis" in the next 2 to 3 years because of declines in charitable giving and declines in tax revenue to governments, both of which fund many nonprofit-based social service programs. "I think overall, the amount of money flowing to nonprofits from tax-based entities will dramatically reduce," he said. "There will be an evolution of nonprofits trying to be more self-sustaining."
Enhancing revenue generation for nonprofits has been a focus of recent Axelson Center workshops, said Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management. "With funding from state governments being delayed and philanthropy suffering a downturn, nonprofits have to be very creative in terms of revenue generation. We've offered several sessions on that," he said. Improving governance by nonprofit boards of directors is another focus, Lindahl said. The , attended by more than 500 people, offers executives and managers a chance to learn from each other and from more than 30 speakers, Lindahl added. The next Axelson Symposium is June 3-4, 2013, in Chicago.
Alford said he has presented several on self-generated income in recent years. "The whole idea of the Axelson Center workshops is that if you spend a day on the topic, you're going to be opening your mind to some other ways of doing business. These sessions can be provocative and cause you to think about doing things differently. That's the purpose," Alford said.
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North Park Graduate Nominated by President Obama to National Library Board
Suzanne E. Thorin earned a bachelor's degree in music education from ºÚÁϳԹÏ. (Syracuse University photo)
Suzanne Thorin C'63, earned music education degree from University
CHICAGO (March 16, 2012) – nominated , a 1963 graduate of North Park College (now ºÚÁϳԹÏ) to the . Thorin, who holds a bachelor's degree in from ºÚÁϳԹÏ, is currently dean of libraries and at Syracuse (N.Y.) University.
Thorin is one of three people nominated by the president to serve as an advisor to the on general policy and practices, and on selections for the , according to a Syracuse University . The board includes the IMLS director, deputy directors, and 20 members of the general public with expertise and commitment to libraries or museums, the release said. She was nominated for a term that ends in December 2015.
"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles, and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," President Obama said.
Thorin was born in and grew up in Detroit. She attended North Park College from 1959-1963. While here, she sang in the 16-voice choir at the , Chicago. After graduation from North Park, she attended the University of Michigan where she earned a master's degree in music history. Thorin returned to Chicago where she taught music for four years, first at Marshall High School and then at Senn High School.
Thorin returned to the University of Michigan for a second master's degree in library science, and moved into music librarianship and then, administration. She grew up as a member of the , and later became a member of United Methodist Church. ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is affiliated with the ECC. Her late brother David, and her sister Christina, Hoffman Estates, Ill., both graduated from North Park College. David also graduated from .
In her role at Syracuse, Thorin also serves as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet and oversees the . Previously, she was the Ruth Lilly university dean of libraries and associate vice president for digital libraries at Indiana University. Thorin was formerly chief of staff to the and the official U.S. representative for the G-7 electronic libraries project, one of eleven G-7 pilot projects for the Global Information Society.
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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Mourns Loss of Jimmie Alford, Nonprofit Leader, Teacher, and Alumnus
The Chicago Better Government Association presented Alford its Lifetime Achievement Award in October 2012.
Alford was University executive-in-residence, Axelson Center leader, contributor
CHICAGO (December 19, 2012) — Jimmie R. Alford, who for 50 years devoted his life to the betterment of nonprofit organizations throughout the United States, died suddenly December 18, following an apparent heart attack at his Chicago home. Alford, a North Park alumnus, was founder and chair of the , and he was executive-in-residence at the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), where he taught graduate courses and workshops.
A memorial service for Alford is planned for 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 22, at , Chicago. , president of ºÚÁϳԹÏ, will speak. Visitation will precede the service at 1:00 pm.
Alford, 69, was well-known nationally. The Alford Group, which he founded in 1979 to serve the nonprofit sector, quickly grew into one of the premier consulting firms in the United States. It has served more than 3,000 nonprofit clients since its creation. He was twice recognized by as "one of the 50 most influential people in the nonprofit sector." This past October, the presented Alford its lifetime achievement award.
Alford's legacy is the many people he touched through his life and work, Parkyn said. "He loved people. Jimmie devoted his life to the nonprofit sector because here he found an avenue through which to care for others. Because he loved others, he lived a life consistent with the mission of his alma mater. Through his uncompromising care for the well-being of others, Jimmie modeled the mission of ºÚÁϳԹÏ: his life was one of 'significance and service.'"
Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, dean of the School of Business and Nonprofit Management (SBNM), said Alford was an important leader in the school and a frequent speaker on nonprofit topics. Lindahl recalled Alford's recent presentation on nonprofit trends before a large audience University Club, Chicago, as part of the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Breakfast Series. "His recent speech will stay with me as I remember Jimmie," Lindahl said. "He was able to speak with authority about the nonprofit sector, and the audience was taken with his knowledge and connections to the field. Jimmie was one of the most networked people I’ve ever known. He used his connections across the city of Chicago to continually strengthen the nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. We will miss him tremendously."
Alford was also an influential leader with the University's , which works to enhance the nonprofit sector through education, service, and resources. He was a founding member of the advisory board for the Axelson Center. Each year, the University presents an award that bears his name: the . These awards are presented to two nonprofit organizations at the Axelson Center's .
"Jimmie welcomed me when I began at the Axelson Center in 2007," said , director of the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management. "He opened so many doors for me in introducing me within numerous networks of nonprofit leaders in Chicago."
Rogers said in recent years Alford enjoyed spending time with his family and teaching. "He loved to teach, and share his knowledge and experiences with others. He often mentioned how he talked with or met with individuals who sought his counsel as they navigated through various stages of their careers. I often used him as a sounding board to discuss various ideas for Axelson Center programs." Just last week, Rogers said, she spoke with him about a presentation at the 2013 Axelson Symposium. Now, she and others are thinking about how best to honor Alford's numerous contributions to the University, the Axelson Center, and the nonprofit community.
Alford was born in Madisonville, Ky. He graduated from North Park in 1967, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. In 2006, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University, and served on the , completing his term in 2010. He also was a board member at Aurora University, Aurora, Ill., and had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by the school.
Alford served with the before he founded The Alford Group, and was an early advisor to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Bloomington. He was a longtime member of the (AFP), and in 2009, was the recipient of the prestigious Chair’s Award for Outstanding Service, given to individuals for exceptional service to AFP, the fundraising profession, and the philanthropic community.
Alford was active as a volunteer with , Chicago, and was senior advisor to the Better Government Association. Last month, Alford and his wife, Maree Bullock, were presented the 2012 "Spirit of Youth" award by the , a Chicago organization that recognized their work to keep runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe.
Alford is survived by his wife and their three children, Ann (Sean) Reardon, and Joshua, Chicago; Alan, Breckenridge, Colo.; and two grandchildren. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, be sent to benefit the Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship at ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï (designate "Jimmie R. Alford Scholarship Fund").
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ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Introduces New Graduate-Level Nursing Curriculum
The University's new master-level nursing curriculum includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties.
Curriculum includes adult-gerontology nursing practice track, leadership training
CHICAGO (June 6, 2012) – To better equip nurses to work with an aging population and changes in the health care arena in the United States, the at ºÚÁϳԹÏ, Chicago, will initiate a new this fall. The changes are in response to new master's-level competencies approved by the , which sets accreditation standards for schools of nursing. The changes will affect most students already in the master's program, as well as incoming students.
The new curriculum, which includes revised core and clinical courses, includes concentrations in leadership and management, plus family nurse practitioner and adult-gerontology nurse practitioner specialties. Other revisions include an increased emphasis on interdisciplinary and interprofessional communication and care, said , professor of nursing and graduate program director. For example, Zeller said every student will take a course in professional communication and collaboration, focusing on group work, how to lead within a team, and how to bring up difficult and challenging topics for discussion.
Zeller explained that the focus on the adult gerontology nurse practitioner prepares graduate nurses to care for the growing number of elderly people and their diverse health care needs. "The spectrum of care has intentionally been broadened," she said. "Although nurse practitioners have been caring for older adults, now there is a need for greater emphasis because of the aging population."
Behind the nursing education changes is the 2010 report, "The Future of Nursing," issued by the , said , professor and dean, ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï School of Nursing. It states that nurses should practice to the fullest extent of their education and training, achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system, and be full partners with physicians and other health care professionals in redesigning the U.S. health care system. It also states that nursing education programs should prepare nurses for leadership positions in health care.
Nurse practitioners are key players in front-line, primary care in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and workplaces. "What is clear is that we need, as a society, to be better poised to be able to provide primary health care to the people out there that need it, whether it's the vast increase of people who will be on the Medicare rolls or the increase in the number of underinsured," she said. Duncan added that the University's nurse practitioner curriculum is already focused on primary care.
Chicago-area health professionals say the University's new master's concentration to train nurses to work with older populations is significant. Christine Bertrand, intergenerational coordinator, , said North Park nursing students work with the organization's elders while elders are on vacation, visit them in their homes, or volunteer throughout the year. Students see first-hand the health-related concerns of elders, and learn how to communicate with them effectively, she said.
"North Park has realized there is a big need for gerontology classes," Bertrand said of the new curriculum. "Anyone who has the opportunity to be trained for this population will be ahead of other nursing students or professionals down the road." There are not many trained adult gerontologist nurse practitioners now, she added.
is a faith-based, federally qualified health center on Chicago’s west side which serves older adults, and patients with lower incomes and no health insurance. Lawndale has hosted North Park students in community health rotations, and University faculty have helped train Lawndale staff on changes in geriatric nursing. The University's new master's curriculum, including the adult gerontology nurse practitioner track, is an important step, said Jewel Scott, a family nurse practitioner and director of nursing, Lawndale Christian Health Center.
"If you look at the changing trends in our country, it makes sense that ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï is training nurses to be able to care for the aging population," she said. "People are living longer with more complex medication regimens, and we want nurses to be prepared to care for this population." There is also a positive career outlook for trained geriatric nurses, with more and more primary care settings developing geriatric specialties, Scott added.
A strength of the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï nursing program is that it "invests" in students directly through face-to-face classroom and clinical experiences. "Our job is to equip our students to rise to a level of performance that is going to be asked of them," said Duncan. "These changes are going to be exciting. Our students will help mold and guide the primary health care for the neighborhoods in which they work. Many of our graduate students live and work here on the north side of Chicago. We're really meeting the needs of the community in which we're living."
Use @npunews to . For further information or resources, contact John Brooks, Director of Media Relations and News, or at (773) 244-5522. Learn more .
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