Odell to head JBU nursing program

John Brown University has named nursing educator Dr. Ellen Odell as director of JBU’s new nursing program. Odell will be initially responsible for developing curriculum and recruiting instructors for the university’s nursing program, which will begin admitting pre-nursing students Fall 2014.

Odell has nearly three decades of clinical experience and 15 years of experience as a nurse educator. Most recently, Odell taught nursing at the University of Arkansas, and previously was director of the Har-Ber School of Nursing.

“Dr. Odell has the Christian commitment, administrative and teaching experience, and entrepreneurial spirit required to launch JBU’s nursing program,” Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president, said in a statement. “I am pleased to have Dr. Odell leading our nursing effort because I know that she will help us educate quality nurses who will serve others for the glory of God.”

JBU announced in September that it had begun steps towards creating a nursing program after receiving unanimous prerequisite approval from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing in Little Rock. JBU’s nursing program will offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

“John Brown University’s head, heart and hand philosophy of education is a great platform for nursing education,” Odell said. “The profession of nursing is a true fusion of the academic, vocational and spiritual — nurses need all three to holistically care for patients.”

The prerequisite approval is the first step in a three-step approval process for new nursing programs. Board approval allows JBU to advertise the nursing program and begin recruiting pre-nursing students for the Fall 2014 semester.

In October, JBU announced a $6 million lead gift for a new nursing education facility and endowment for JBU’s new nursing program. The gift is part of the approximately $10 million amount that will be raised to launch the nursing program, including $6 million in construction costs and $4 million to endow operations and facility maintenance.