Saint Martin’s University awarded grant for nursing program expansion

Saint Martin’s University has been chosen to receive a $296,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, Washington, the school announced in a press release.

The grant is dedicated to supporting the growth and enhancement of the nursing program at Saint Martin’s.

The funds will expand the program's capacity, including adding a new nursing classroom and upgrading the simulation and learning labs in the Bruno and Evelyn Betti Nursing Education Center.

These improvements aim to provide enhanced learning opportunities, increase student access and facilitate the overall expansion of the nursing program.

Expressing gratitude, Roy Heynderickx, Ph.D., interim co-president of Saint Martin’s University, acknowledged the longstanding partnership with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust.

 “Their support of the University’s growing nursing program is a testament to the value of our program, our faculty, and our graduates,” Heynderickx stated.

Saint Martin’s nursing program offers three pathways to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): the traditional four-year BSN, the LPN to BSN, and the RN to BSN.

Currently accommodating 200 nursing students, the program emphasizes preparing future nurses to work across diverse care settings.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Washington State Board of Nursing, the program strives for excellence in nursing education.

Teri Woo, Ph.D., ARNP, professor, and director of nursing at Saint Martin’s, mentioned the significance of the grant in addressing the growing shortage of nurses in the region, saying, “This grant from the Murdock Trust will allow us to expand and renovate space to grow the program and add additional nursing students in each cohort.”

Despite facing enrollment declines in the late 1990s, the program was reinstated in response to Washington’s goal of achieving academic progression in nursing.

Father Kilian Malvey O.S.B., interim co-president, emphasized the program's role in fulfilling the university’s mission of service, stewardship, and respect for all persons locally and globally.

 “This wonderful program helps us, as a Catholic, Benedictine university, to fulfill our mission of service, stewardship, and respect for all persons not only within our local community but also within the wider world as well,” said Malvey.