Cornerstone University Introduces Collaborative Nursing Program With University of Detroit Mercy

Cornerstone University announced the launch of a new academic partnership with University of Detroit Mercy as part of Cornerstone’s growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The new nursing program provides students with a two-year Associate of Science in Health Services and, upon completion, guaranteed enrollment in the McAuley School of Nursing at Detroit Mercy where students complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students have the opportunity for clinical placements at over 13 health care agencies in a variety of clinical experiences, including pediatric, obstetric, mental-health, fundamentals, community or medical-surgical.

“Our mission at Cornerstone is to offer relevant and academically excellent programs,” said Dr. Joseph M. Stowell, president of Cornerstone University. “At the same time, we’re always seeking new ways to influence these career fields with fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Through this partnership, nursing students have access to the strengths of both organizations—Detroit Mercy’s tradition of academic and clinical excellence along with CU’s recognized and resolute Christ-centered approach to critical thinking and the health sciences. The result is that we are ecstatic about this premium nursing degree program.”

“University of Detroit Mercy is pleased to partner with Cornerstone University in this new nursing partnership,” said University of Detroit Mercy President Antoine M. Garibaldi, Ph.D. “Our similar mission and commitment to increasing the number of nursing professionals in the state made this an ideal collaboration.”

Upon graduation from the program, students are prepared to take the NCLEX examination and practice as a registered nurse. Beyond this, CU/Detroit Mercy nursing students are equipped to provide superior clinical care and faith-based compassion; are empowered to react and treat with expertise and precision; and ready to lead their community toward greater mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Through this unique degree program, students join regions that are among the leading forces in the field of healthcare—West Michigan and Metro Detroit.

“Through our common values, our collaboration has developed a strong articulation agreement that adheres to both Detroit Mercy and Cornerstone University’s high academic standards,” added Christine Pacini, Dean of Detroit Mercy’s College of Health Professions/McAuley School of Nursing. “The program’s 2+2 model will allow these students to obtain a nursing degree and gain beneficial experience in the delivery of health care in an urban environment.”

Cornerstone University sees a market-need to prepare qualified nurses who are equipped to transform our world for Christ. Between 2010-2020, occupations such as health care practitioners and technicians, are projected to grow by 25.9 percent, compared to 14.3 percent for all occupations. However, estimates indicate that by 2020 there will be a 1.2 million-nurse shortage.

“We want to provide our students with market-sensitive academic programs that fit the traditional job industries as well as those that are quickly expanding,” said Dr. Shawn Newhouse, Cornerstone’s vice president for traditional undergraduate academics. “It’s important for Cornerstone to be flexible and relevant in its degree offerings.”

“Cornerstone’s ability to partner with other universities will leverage the strengths of both organizations and build superior nursing programs,” said Julie Lepzinski, chief operating officer and senior vice president of the Spectrum Health Medical Group and a nursing graduate from University of Detroit Mercy and a graduate of Cornerstone University’s healthcare M.B.A. program. “These graduates will be well prepared to serve our community and have a strong academic foundation to care for our community in the future. When we attract students to Grand Rapids for their nursing education with this new program, we are more apt to keep them as part of our local or Michigan medical workforce upon graduation. It’s a win-win for all.”

New Science Facility Plans Unveiled

Cornerstone University recognizes that when it comes to influencing major sectors of our culture for Christ and His Kingdom, STEM-related fields offer a strategically important opportunity.

In addition to its new nursing program, the university announced plans for a forthcoming state-of-the-art science facility.