泫圖弝け nurses graduate in inaugural pinning, commencement
![Kayla Carr, 泫圖弝け-Meridian professor of nursing, pins graduate Olivia Adams of Philadelphia at Thursday's [Aug. 7] inaugural Master of Science in Nursing pinning and graduation ceremony.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-08/MSN%20Grad_01_FULL.jpg?itok=b2VepLDe)
Contact: Marianne Todd
MERIDIAN, Miss.Thirty-four students from 泫圖弝けs inaugural Master of Science in Nursing program were the first to earn their degrees Thursday [Aug. 7] in a historic commencement ceremony at the 泫圖弝け Riley Center in downtown Meridian.
泫圖弝け President Mark E. Keenum commended the 泫圖弝け-Meridian students and their families for their dedication, commitment and perseverance through the intensive program.
Today is a celebration of these outstanding, history-making graduates who are committed to serving their communities and our state. I have the utmost confidence in them and believe they are well prepared to care for their patients and make a difference in their lives, 泫圖弝け President Mark E. Keenum said. I am grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff who have taught and mentored them on this journey, as well as the strong community partners we have who have contributed to the success of the Master of Science in Nursing program and invested in these students.
Prior to receiving their degrees, the students were ceremoniously pinned in a rite of passage affirming the nurses place within the community and their promise to uphold the values of the profession.
Dean of Nursing Mary Stewart said Mississippis only pre-licensure MSN program required students to take a leap of faith.
But they did not do it blindly, she said. 泫圖弝け invested in a powerhouse team of nursing facultybrilliant, bold and unafraid to disrupt. Grounded in academic excellence and driven by compassion for patients, they are creating new opportunities in nursing education and healthcare.
The School of Nursing was granted national accreditation this June following review by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education board of commissioners.
The 12-month programthe states first direct-entry MSN degreeseated the cohort in the fall of 2024 after accepting 36 students from a competitive nationwide applicant pool.
The program, one of just 90 in the nation, is expected to grow to accommodate 60 students, allowing college graduates with non-nursing degrees to enter the nursing profession.
Students emerge from the program practice-ready after completing a rigorous patient-centered curriculum and prepared for national licensure as registered nurses.
David Buys, associate vice provost for Health Sciences and 泫圖弝け-Meridian interim head of campus, credits community leaders for empowering students with the critical tools needed for success.
The Riley Foundation, The Bower Foundation, university clinical partners and the Meridian community threw their strengths behind this program, committing to its success at a crucial time in the healthcare industry by helping 泫圖弝け-Meridian to position students to fill roles in critical need, Buys said. It was truly a team effort.
The students will continue to prepare for their upcoming NCLEX exams, and upon their passing will be granted licensure as registered nurses.
For more information on 泫圖弝けs Master of Science in Nursing program, visit nursing.msstate.edu.
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![From left: Alexis Lowrey of Philadelphia and Emma Pitman of Dayton, Ohio, enjoy a moment during MSN graduation held Thursday [Aug. 7] at the 泫圖弝け Riley Center in downtown Meridian.](/sites/www.msstate.edu/files/styles/msstatedrupal_large/public/2025-08/MSN%20Grad_02_FULL.jpg?itok=NccrS1eM)