Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Dean		Kris Vacek, OTD
Associate Dean of Nursing and Chief Nursing Administrator		Kristina Henry, RN, DNP, NE-BC, CNE
Associate Dean of Health Sciences		Mylene Schriner, PhD
Director of Advising School of Health Sciences		Terry Forge, BPS
Chair, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders		Pamela Hart, PhD
Chair, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program		Ann Marie Decker, PhD
Chair, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program		Lynne Clarke, OTD, M.S, OTR/L
Director, Nursing - MSN Program		Barbara Ludwig, EdD, MSN, RN
Program Director, Medical Assisting Program		Donna Gardner, MPA
Director, Nursing - RN to BSN Program		Melissa Lawson, MSN
Director, Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Program		Lindsey Carlson, MSN, FNP, RN
Director, Nursing BSN Program		Caroline Olawaiye, DNP, RN, CRRN
RN-BSN & MSN Advisor		Jordan McKinney

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences grants degrees in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science in Nursing programs. Close faculty-student interaction and mentoring are hallmarks of a Rockhurst University graduate experience.

Programs offered through the Department of Occupational Therapy and Health Science , Department of Physical Therapy and Exercise Science , Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and School of Nursing provide opportunities for professional interactions between students and faculty occur throughout the curricula. A professional perspective strengthens understanding and collaboration among future colleagues in these health science professions. These programs also provide opportunities for students to participate in interprofessional service projects that enable faculty, students, and other members of the Rockhurst community to team with community agencies, fulfilling the institution’s mission in providing leadership in service to others.

Mission

As a learner-centered, service and community-minded College, we develop reflective leaders in health and human services who are ethical, inclusive, and compassionate professionals. Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is an educational leader serving exceptional students pursuing healthcare professions including Communication Sciences and Disorders (Speech Therapy), Exercise Science, Health Science, Nursing, Medical Assisting, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy. As a comprehensive university affiliated with Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, the college seeks to prepare health professional leaders to effectively meet the health care needs of diverse populations in complex organizations and in a variety of settings. A broad base of knowledge derived from liberal education studies is integrated into each program as a foundation for personal growth, professional education, and practice. A stimulating academic environment focuses on the discovery, scholarship, and practice to address societal needs in healthcare.

Vision

We aspire to transform and strengthen the learning, health, and well-being of our dynamic society. Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences aspires to be a leading educational institution for preparing professionals in the health industry. Further, we seek to continue our collaborative relationship with the region’s quality leader, Saint Luke’s Hospital and the Saint Luke’s Health System, affording our students leading-edge research and clinical educational opportunities.

Values

Accountability is being responsible for consistency and fairness in our thoughts and actions. Integrity is individual responsibility and equality through a mutual commitment to each other and to Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Knowledge is the preparation of intelligent, humble, and passionate caregivers for service to others. Professionalism is responsibly and efficiently demonstrating greatness to every population we serve. Excellence is the consistent dedication to being the best. Respect is a positive regard for each other through our actions and open, honest dialogue. Leadership is providing results through an efficient and ethical approach to our work.

These five principles also weave through the curriculum of each program:

Interprofessional experiences
Creation or use of evidence via research
Service using gifts and talents
Communication and collaborative skill-building opportunities
Inclusion and diversity appreciation

Accreditation

Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500 Chicago, Illinois 60604-1411 info@hlcommission.org

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree programs in nursing at Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791 (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).