“I’m proud the university and college never gave up on their dream to have nursing at Northern,” said Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern State University

Though the process has been in progress for over a decade, Kiesow says the program has been made possible by the exhaustive efforts and support of many people in the region and at the state level. 

“This is truly a historic moment for Northern State University,” added Dr. Lyncee Monson, associate dean of nursing. “We’re building a nursing program from the ground up.” 

When Presentation College announced its closure in 2023, the need for nursing education in northeastern South Dakota was immediate. 

“Our leadership, along with community stakeholders, quickly came together to develop a plan for establishing NSU’s first-ever nursing program,” said Monson. 

Since 2013, South Dakota State University has offered an Accelerated Nursing program on Northern’s campus, but the university’s own program has been underway since 2022. 

NURSING THE PROGRAM TO LIFE

Fall 2008 – Discussions begin.

2008-2009 – Accelerated Nursing program chosen.

2011-2012 – Spaces designed and renovated on campus for the program offered by SDSU.

January 2013 – First Accelerated Nursing cohort starts classes offered by SDSU at Northern.

2020-2022 – Programs expand to include online learning.

2022-2023 – Paperwork filed to approve a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at Northern.

Summer 2023 – Presentation College closes.

2023-2024 – Chief nurse Dr. Lyncee Monson appointed as associate dean of nursing.

Fall 2024 – Program budget started, faculty hired, and curriculum built and accredited.

December 2024 – Closure of SDSU’s Accelerated Nursing program at NSU’s campus.

Spring 2025 – Applications open for Fall 2025.

2025-2026 – First student cohort starts nursing program at NSU.

“We’re Building this program from the ground up with today’s healthcare needs in mind.”

Dr. lyncee Monson

Kiesow and Monson say the timing couldn’t be better for the launch of the program. 

“With the loss of Presentation College, there is no longer an educational institution that fills the nursing shortage via traditional pathways, and SDSU’s program served a different purpose— students would come here for the education, often from different states, then accept positions in different communities, often outside of South Dakota,” said Kiesow. 

When nurses leave their communities to pursue education, they establish roots elsewhere, leaving local healthcare facilities both vulnerable and overworked. 

“To serve this area, we need to serve the students in the region,” explained Kiesow. 

To do this, the university intends to develop a program that meets the highest standards of nursing education while creating strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities. 

“Our program is meant to have a ‘personal touch’ in the sense the students will be able to connect with all the faculty and staff through one-on-one interactions as well as in the classroom space,” said Kiesow, adding that there is a heavy focus on practical experiences and case studies. 

All faculty, she shares, are practicing nurses, adding a level of relevancy to the curriculum as well as connectedness to current practices in the nursing field.

The program provides varied pacing options to support students’ unique academic needs and ensure their success. Classrooms fitted with technology supporting hybrid learning, labs, student study spaces, and an observation room will all be utilized.

Additionally, a simulation lab with advanced teaching software and high-fidelity manikins will allow students to practice and perfect skills in a safe environment before working with real patients.

“We carefully and intentionally selected what and who we use for simulation manikins with the practical learning experience of the students in mind,” revealed Kiesow.

“THIS INITIATIVE REPRESENTS MORE THAN JUST A NEW ACADEMIC OFFERING; IT’S A DIRECT RESPONSE TO OUR COMMUNITY’S HEALTHCARE NEEDS AND DEMONSTRATES NSU’S COMMITMENT TO NORTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA.” Dr. lyncee Monson

Kiesow and Monson say it is of utmost importance to outfit the department with staff and faculty who are experienced in academia, and with instructors who maintain active clinical practice, as it ensures real-world relevancy in their teaching.

To create even stronger connections between faculty and students, Northern has begun a faculty in residence program. 

“By having a faculty member living in the residence hall alongside students, we’re fostering an environment where learning extends beyond the classroom walls,” said Monson.


“OUR FACULTY-IN-RESIDENCE INITIATIVE IS TRULY UNIQUE TO THE REGION AND SOUTH DAKOTA.”Dr. Alyssa Kiesow

The faculty member can host study sessions, offer additional academic support, and create connections through various events, all right where the students live. 

Having a faculty member in residence also combats the nursing shortage by attracting experienced educators, potentially from outside of South Dakota who might not normally consider teaching in the state. 

“It’s a creative solution that benefits everyone,” said Monson. “We get excellent faculty, and our students get a better learning experience with greater access to faculty support.”

These changes are all a part of a larger effort to create a welcoming and collegial campus for everyone, Kiesow shares.

The university actively recruits students through a variety of programs, including Northern Academy, Rising Scholars, and high school dual credit courses.

RANKED AND READY

RECENTLY, NORTHERN WAS RECOGNIZED BY NICHE, A NATIONAL SCHOOL RANKING SITE, FOR HAVING THE #1 DORMS IN SOUTH DAKOTA.


Northern Academy allows regional high school students to take pre-nursing courses, helping them move into Northern’s nursing program quicker, minimizing cost, and shortening the timeline to complete their degree.

“I love meeting with high school students to discuss their potential nursing career,” said Monson. “When I can help them explore nursing as a career path and share the diverse opportunities available, it’s amazing to watch their confidence grow.”

As Kiesow and Monson look forward to the inaugural fall 2025 cohort, they also acknowledge the time, effort, and dedication it took to make the program a reality. 

“Creating a new nursing program involves many carefully orchestrated steps, and every decision has been made with student success in mind,” said Monson. 

Kiesow continued, “I am a firm believer everything happens for a reason. It was Northern’s time to offer nursing and meet the workforce needs of the region, and for that I am truly grateful.”

For more information, visit NORTHERN.EDU+

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