Mercer University has launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on the Macon campus, welcoming its first cohort of 26 students this semester. The university previously offered the nursing degree only at its Atlanta campus.
Dr. Jennifer Bartlett, professor and associate dean of nursing on the Macon campus, said, “We’ve wanted nursing in Macon for a long time. The heart and soul and the tradition of nursing is in Atlanta, and we’ll stay in Atlanta, but the impetus to bring it (to Macon) is really twofold.” She explained that bringing the program to Macon gives residential students access to the full Mercer undergraduate experience while also addressing regional shortages of nurses.
Previously, undergraduates living on the Macon campus were required to transfer to Atlanta after their sophomore year to finish their nursing coursework. Now, students can remain involved in campus life in Macon throughout their studies.
First-year student Sabah Parbatani said she appreciated being able to stay in Macon. “Nursing school I knew was going to be tough, but I knew I already had a support system in place (in Macon). I knew I just had to adjust to my classes. It was nice having the familiar background.”
Caleigh Mcquaig, another first-year student, shared her relief at not needing to transfer campuses: “When they announced the Macon campus, I was very excited. I had become really good friends with my roommates, and I just liked the feel of this campus and didn’t want to move further away from home.”
The new program aims to create a pipeline for local hospitals and healthcare facilities by educating nurses who are likely to remain in Middle Georgia after graduation. Dr. Bartlett noted, “We’re doing that in Atlanta, but we really are seeing and feeling that in rural areas in Middle Georgia. So being able to build that pipeline to have nurses who will want to be educated here, will want to live here, and will stay here in Middle Georgia, there’s a big push to embrace that. It also exemplifies our vision of Mercer that we’re so deeply embedded in the communities that we serve.”
Dr. Patsy Butts, clinical assistant professor on the Macon campus and local resident, commented on community response: “I live in the community, so I’m excited to see Mercer graduates taking care of patients in the community. I’d like to see a whole flood of Mercer RNs here in our hospitals,” she said. “It feels like we hit the ground running. It’s flowing well. The students are getting what they need. It’s like we’ve been here all along.”
The faculty consists of four full-time members and four adjunct professors with varied expertise; additional faculty will be hired as more cohorts join future years.
Students use classroom space in Stetson Hall as well as simulation labs equipped with modern technology located at Godsey Science Center; faculty offices are housed at Newton Hall.
Dr. Butts said about these facilities: “The students appreciate the facilities. We have a lot of really good equipment for them to learn on, a state-of-the-art space. I think they feel like they are welcome here; they are wanted here. They are proud to be part of the program.”
Plans include building an additional lab by fall 2026 and eventually relocating current labs from Godsey Science Center into permanent space.
Dr. Bartlett added regarding future growth: “This is a temporary space, so we’re trying to build things so that they are state of the art and highly functional and (that) students are proud of,” Dr. Bartlett said. “But also, (we’re) recognizing that we need to be a little nimble and be ready to move when that opportunity comes. What we learned through the process of designing and building our temporary space will definitely help us in creating a highly functional forever space.”
Faculty members report positive collaboration between staff at both campuses using one curriculum across locations.
Dr. Bartlett stated: “The Atlanta faculty have been very gracious and lovely to work with. It’s the same curriculum. We’re one program; we’re simply two campuses,” Dr. Bartlett said. “I really look forward to collaborating even more with faculty on the Atlanta campus. We really were recipients of a lot of their knowledge and goodness, and I feel at this point we’re able to give to them as well and collaborate.”
Clinical instructor Brandy Vann spoke about student engagement: “It’s just been fun,” she said.“It’s also been a huge learning curve.We have a lot of fun in the labs.I enjoy being around the students.They’re engaged,and they seem excited.They ask a lot of questions.”
Savelia Howell noted student motivation: “Since day one, they were very engaged and very eager to learn the process, which makes our jobs much easier,” she said.
Student feedback highlighted appreciation for hands-on experiences provided by simulation labs set up similarly to hospital environments.
Parbatani described her experience: “The simulation lab is set up like a hospital,giving her a feel for real experiences she would have in that setting.” Mcquaig added:“They’re so high-tech that we’re able do basically anything.The labs and simulations are all just incredible.I think faculty have done an amazing job getting everything put together helping us transition.”
Vann expressed hope for strong results when graduates take licensing exams:“I hope see excellent pass rates when first set Macon nursing graduates take NCLEX-RN state exam which would positive reflection Mercer’s new nursing campus.”
Parbatani concluded,“I really enjoy material we’re learning.I feel now it’s actually related profession want go into.I think all our faculty are so amazing,and they really try make one-on-one connection.”
