Anniversary celebration honors 1956 establishment of new school and nation’s first graduate program in psychiatric-mental health nursing
Rutgers School of Nursing is celebrating its 70th anniversary year, marking seven decades of leadership in nursing education, research and clinical practice.
The milestone also highlights the lasting influence of renowned nursing theorist Hildegard Peplau, a distinguished faculty member whose work helped shape psychiatric-mental health nursing and graduate nursing education.
In 1956, Ella V. Stonsby was appointed inaugural dean of the new Rutgers College of Nursing. That same year, Peplau obtained funding and led the development of a graduate program preparing clinical nurse specialists in psychiatric nursing – the first such program in the nation and a major milestone in the school’s 70-year history.
“Celebrating 70 years of Rutgers School of Nursing is an opportunity to reflect on a remarkable legacy of innovation and leadership in the nursing profession,” said Angela Starkweather, dean of the school and a professor. “From the groundbreaking work of Dr. Hildegard Peplau to the accomplishments of our faculty, students and alumni today, Rutgers Nursing has continually pushed the boundaries of what nursing education and science can achieve to improve health and advance care.”
Throughout the anniversary year, the School of Nursing will highlight many of the first and only programs and initiatives that have shaped the school since its earliest days. These milestones include pioneering educational programs, nationally recognized research and specialized graduate training that continues to influence the future of health care.
The school’s combined history also reflects the integration of two distinguished institutions. In 2014, Rutgers College of Nursing merged with the School of Nursing from the former University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to create today’s Rutgers School of Nursing. The school is part of Rutgers Health, New Jersey’s academic health system, which includes eight schools, a behavioral health network and 11 centers and institutes located in Newark and New Brunswick.
Our history is defined by people who dared to lead and innovate.
Angela Starkweather
Dean, Rutgers School of Nursing
Today, Rutgers School of Nursing is one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing education programs in New Jersey, with more than 1,800 students and an alumni community of more than 15,000 nurses practicing and leading throughout the United States and around the world.
“I am deeply grateful to the entire Rutgers School of Nursing community – our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters – whose dedication and commitment have shaped this school for 70 years,” Starkweather said. “Their work, compassion and leadership continue to strengthen our mission and advance the impact of nursing on the health of communities everywhere.”
“Our history is defined by people who dared to lead and innovate,” Starkweather added. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we honor the visionaries who built this institution and the generations of Rutgers nurses who continue to transform health care in New Jersey and across the globe.”
As part of the celebration, the school has launched 70 Acts of Kindness, an initiative highlighting the values of kindness, respect, compassion and civility that guide the Rutgers Nursing community. The campaign began with a drive to collect spices and personal care items for local community organizations, with donation boxes located at campus sites in Newark, New Brunswick and Blackwood through May 31.
In keeping with the theme, the School of Nursing Staff Council hosted a Day of Kindness on March 4 in Newark and New Brunswick, where community members stopped by campus “Kindness Stations” to enjoy hot chocolate and write notes of encouragement for others.
Additional events and initiatives will continue throughout the anniversary year.
More information about anniversary activities is available on the Rutgers School of Nursing 70th Anniversary webpage.
