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       He said that the university has to continue to look at this and be particularly attentive to
the junior and senior levels and see how those students do there as well. He said he would be
pleased to answer any questions.

       President Todd thanked Provost Nietzel and Vice President Connie Ray for the report.
He said that he likes it when people put the right data sets together, figure out what is
meaningful, and then go after the data so the administration can make informed decisions and
learn from their experiences. He agreed with Provost Nietzel about stressing the system about as
much as it can be stressed. He complimented the faculty and staff for what they have been able
to do in some challenging times. Don Witt and his staff continue to bring in better students.
Through these three years, the university has made good progress under tough times, which
means there will be great progress when times get better.

       E.    College of Nursing Report

       Provost Nietzel said that this is an opportunity for everyone to learn about another
important college in the university, the College of Nursing. Carolyn Williams has been Dean of
Nursing for several years and has been a wonderful leader for the college. He noted that a lot of
programs have been added in the college and said it was his pleasure to give Dean Williams this
opportunity to speak to the Board about the College of Nursing. He asked Dean Williams to
come forward and give her report.

       Dean Williams provided a presentation which had three components: the national and
state picture related to nursing; a profile of the College of Nursing; and special challenges facing
the College.

       Nationally and locally there is a major shortage of nursing personnel, particularly of those
with preparation at the baccalaureate and higher degree level. This shortage is a result of the
growing demand for nursing personnel due to both the aging of the population and the increased
recognition of the role nursing has in providing safe and effective clinical care due also to the
inability of schools to keep up with the need for graduates. There is also a serious faculty
shortage that contributes to the overall problem.

       A profile of the College's educational programs, practice activities, and key research
programs was presented. Highlights of the College's successes in a number of areas were
shared. These successes included: the enrichment opportunities for undergraduate nursing
students, the high scores on the national nursing licensure examination, the addition of the new
second degree option for individuals with a baccalaureate in a field other than nursing (which
expanded UK's entering class of nursing students by 20 percent), the expansion of clinical
practice opportunities and the service contribution being made to the Bluegrass Community, the
growing research program, and the growing national reputation of the College as expressed by
the U.S. News & World Report's national ranking, which places the College's Master's Program
in the top 20 among public universities.

The College faces a number of challenges. One of the most persistent is dealing with the
pressures from the community and prospective students and their families to increase the BSN