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In hospital rooms, rural clinics and global crisis zones alike, Cedarville University nursing graduates have spent the past 40 years delivering care marked by compassion, skill and Christ-centered purpose. 

That journey began in 1985, when 30 students became the first to graduate from Cedarville’s School of Nursing. This fall, the university celebrated homecoming by honoring the inaugural class and the legacy it launched. 

Since awarding its first degrees, the School of Nursing has grown significantly. For the 2025–26 academic year, 478 undergraduate nursing students are enrolled, along with more than 170 online graduate students in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and 21 students enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. 

“We are deeply grateful for the legacy established over the past 40 years,” said Dr. Angelia Mickle, dean of the School of Nursing. “Since stepping into the dean role in 2014, it has been clear that this is God’s program, sustained by his provision. Our aim is to continue with excellence and to preserve the mission for his glory.” 

According to , Cedarville’s undergraduate nursing program is ranked No. 71 nationally and No. 6 in Ohio, standing alongside institutions such as The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinatti and Xavier University. The university’s online MSN program also ranked No. 2 nationally among evangelical Christian universities.   

For four decades, the School of Nursing has equipped students to deliver holistic, patient-centered care from a biblical foundation. With guidance from experienced faculty and hands-on training in clinical settings, graduates are prepared to provide excellent care and make a lasting impact for Christ through the nursing profession.  

Among those celebrating the milestone is Brenda (Blass) Gorham, a member of Cedarville’s first graduating nursing class in 1985. Gorham reflected on the challenges and camaraderie that defined those pioneering years. 

“My experience in the nursing program was challenging because the coursework was rigorous due to the accreditation of the program being up to us,” Gorham said. “Consequently, our bond with each other was very strong and our relationship with the professors unique and close, as we were pioneers together. Retired nursing professor Mark Klimek remarked to us at our recent 40th reunion that we were risk takers. Yes! Yes we were! And we accomplished our goal: accreditation was granted.” 

Gorham has spent most of her career in neonatal intensive care and currently works in the Pulmonary Clinic at Dayton Children’s Hospital in Dayton, Ohio.

For current students like Emmah Bagin, a senior nursing major from Hubertus, Wisconsin, the program continues to make a profound impact. 

“These past few years have been truly transformative because of the compassionate, Christ-centered mentorship of Cedarville’s nursing faculty and staff,” said Bagin. “They consistently model what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, both in patient care and in their relationships with students. The school of nursing doesn’t just prepare you to be a nurse; they teach you to lead with Christlike character.” 

As Cedarville honors four decades of nursing education, the stories of its graduates reflect a commitment to clinical excellence, Christian values and service to others. 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.