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�㽶�� and have formalized a new academic partnership designed to expand access to nursing education and strengthen the regional health care workforce.

The institutions signed a memorandum of agreement establishing the �㽶��–Mercer Nursing Dual-Degree Program, a 3+2 pathway that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Concentration in Nursing from �㽶�� and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mercer University in five years. The signing ceremony was held via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Under the agreement, qualified �㽶�� students will complete three years of undergraduate coursework in �㽶��’s Biology Major–Nursing Concentration before transferring to Mercer University’s to complete the final two years of nursing coursework. Upon successful completion, students will earn bachelor’s degrees from both institutions.

�㽶�� president Dr. Anita Gustafson said the partnership reflects a shared institutional commitment to service and student preparation. As the former dean of Mercer University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, she said her professional experience at both institutions underscores their common values.

“A lot of that is because we have the same ethos – that service is in our DNA,” Gustafson said.

She pointed to the institutions’ shared emphasis on service as the connective tissue of the new program.

“At Mercer, everybody majors in changing the world,” Gustafson said. “And at �㽶��, our motto is ‘While We live, We Serve.’ I see that as our core values, especially as we start this new program. The Nursing 3-2 program leans into that dedication of service and improving the lives of those we serve.”

Mercer University president Dr. Penny L. Elkins echoed that sentiment, describing the partnership as a natural alignment of mission and purpose.

“Mercer University is proud to join �㽶�� in a dual-degree pathway that is a natural fit for who we are and what we value,” Elkins said. “Both institutions are rooted in service. Together, we unite rigorous academics with purposeful engagement, preparing servant-leaders ready to meet pressing needs in the communities we are called to serve.”

The program is designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation before they enter intensive clinical training. Dr. Erin McAdams, �㽶�� provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the partnership reinforces the integration of liberal arts education with professional preparation.

“We are delighted to enter this new partnership with Mercer University’s Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, which will allow �㽶�� to expand its curricular footprint in the health sciences even further, while still remaining true to our liberal arts mission,” McAdams said. “In fact, this partnership demonstrates that the liberal arts and professional nursing are not parallel tracks, but deeply integrated ones. Mercer’s undeniable reputation for nursing excellence makes this program the ideal partner to ensure that our graduates are competitive from day one.”

Dr. Lisa M. Lundquist, Mercer provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said the pathway creates clarity and efficiency for students pursuing nursing careers.

“This dual-degree pathway creates a clear and efficient route for students to become practice-ready registered nurses while building a strong foundation in the biological sciences,” Lundquist said. “This strategic partnership reflects our shared commitment to addressing critical healthcare workforce needs in our communities.”

Faculty leaders from both institutions emphasized student opportunity and preparation. Dr. Austin Shull ’11, associate professor of biology and director of �㽶��’s Center for Inquiry, Research, and Scholarship, said the program grew out of a desire to create strong pathways for �㽶�� students.

“Our idea to reach out to this university was the fact that we have a lot of excellent students,” Shull said. “A lot of excellent biologists that leave our campus. And one of the things that we want to do is to be able to prepare them, equip them for the next stages.”

Dr. Tammy Barbé, dean of Mercer’s College of Nursing, said the collaboration strengthens nursing education by combining the strengths of both institutions.

“Mercer’s College of Nursing is proud to partner with �㽶�� to educate compassionate, highly skilled nurses,” Barbé said. “By combining �㽶��’s strong undergraduate science preparation with Mercer’s nationally recognized BSN program, graduates will be exceptionally well-positioned to deliver outstanding patient care.”

Prospective and current �㽶�� students interested in the Biology–Nursing Concentration are encouraged to contact the Department of Biology for advising on prerequisites and eligibility. Admission to Mercer’s BSN program will follow Mercer University’s standard application and selection process.