Kent State University Stark Campus to Confer First Class of Nursin...(ntwrong she says. They make us feel li...),Health

Keeping a close watch on the students' progress provides that special connection between the faculty and their class members, according to Cartechine. "The students really like the small class sizes and they appreciate having the same instructor for class and clinicals. It gives them a secure continuity of guidance and support," she says.

Both Wandel and Tortora already have confirmed positions in local hospitals upon graduation. With healthcare taking the lead as the fastest-growing industry in Ohio, the nursing program at Kent State Stark is very selective, taking only 40 students per year. In fall 2007, the Stark Campus hired four additional nursing faculty to accommodate the demand for nurses in the area.

"These nursing graduates are evidence of the campus' commitment to this program. This wouldn't have happened without the support of the deans," says Cartechine, in reference to Kent State Stark Dean Betsy V. Boze and Associate Dean Ruth Capasso. "Having this four-year program attracts qualified, strong students. It's an unbelievable experience to watch them mature to graduation."