Accomplished and esteemed visionary leader will focus on preparing faculty and staff to educate next generation of professional nurses at prestigious College that is strategically poised for even brighter future.
Kansas City, MO — Dr. Thad R. Wilson, PhD, RN, FAAN, recently announced his plans to retire from Research College of Nursing at the end of the academic year in May 2022. He has served in a leadership capacity at the College since July 2017.
“I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented and committed faculty and staff,” Wilson says. “As we anticipate the future, the enduring spirit of hope and the partnership with HCA Midwest Health and Research Medical Center has helped carry us through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and allowed our students to complete their education uninterrupted. This strong foundation will ensure Research College of Nursing continues to have an exceptionally progressive and thriving future and is well-prepared to meet the region’s demand for baccalaureate and master’s prepared nurses.
“It’s an energizing time to be engaged in nursing and it is our collective vision to be the college of choice for nurses who desire to lead in practice, service, and advocacy.”
During his tenure, Research College of Nursing experienced enrollment growth, including a 40 percent increase in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) cohort capacity. This has fostered a more diverse student body population as represented in the 17 languages spoken among the BSN class of 2023. Wilson’s aim to raise the bar of the educational experience sparked classroom renovations and clinical expansions to the Dedicated Education Unit program. He supported additional international service learning for Research College of Nursing students, including a practice opportunity in the Dominican Republic.
“Our priority is in educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities and we look forward to leading this next chapter of distinction in nursing education,” Wilson says.
“A visionary and innovator in nursing education with a long and distinguished career of nursing leadership, Dr. Wilson has shown a tireless commitment to advancing excellence in nursing profession while at Research College of Nursing,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan. “His dedication to faculty, staff, and nursing students guarantees that the College is poised for a dynamic future. We are grateful for Dr. Wilson’s many contributions to educating the next generation of high-caliber, compassionate health professionals.”
A search committee has been established that will begin seeking candidates to fill the leadership role at Research College of Nursing.