Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2026

8 9 SPRING 2026 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2026 EDITION Lindenwood’s BSN program came at a perfect time as the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency focused on improving healthcare access, estimates a shortage of 2,130 nurses in Missouri. The state of Missouri reports a limited number of nursing program opportunities as a contributing factor of this shortage. Lindenwood’s nursing program not only introduces more nurses to the workforce but does so with the expertise necessary to remain a valuable component of the healthcare industry. With mental well-being serving as another cause for the nursing shortage, nursing faculty offer a supportive environment where students are challenged to develop resilience and moral courage while feeling respected and valued. The program officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in September. “Nursing is more than a profession, it’s a calling. It demands someone who is compassionate, intelligent, and committed to serving others,” Lindenwood President Dr. John R. Porter said. “Launching this program is a direct response to the critical need for more nurses to support our healthcare systems and invest in the future of care.” FEATURE STORY To learn more about Lindenwood’s nursing program, please contact [email protected] . At the event, Saint Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer presented Lindenwood with a New Horizons Award, celebrating the University’s commitment to the city. Borgmeyer also congratulated the students and recognized their important contributions to the profession. Lindenwood’s BSN program was made possible through the vision and dedication of many. Mercy established a foundational partnership in 2021, and additional gifts were made by Omni Cell, Shirley Wipfler, Mark and Donna Steele, Ron and Jane Puszkar, Duane, Linda, and John Flowers, and former board member Ron Ohmes. Their generosity enabled the University to establish scholarships for nursing students and construct hands-on learning facilities to promote student success. By expanding access to nursing education, Lindenwood is contributing to a growing pipeline of healthcare professionals at a time when local systems are facing increased demand. As the program continues to develop, its focus remains on preparing students for the realities of the profession beyond graduation. Success is defined by how students progress through the program and the industry, developing meaningful connections and reflecting Lindenwood’s core values in the broader healthcare community. Through an emphasis on integrity, professionalism, accountability, compassion, teamwork, and advocacy, students are expected to enter the workforce prepared while maintaining the integrity that defines the profession. Having played an integral part in building the program from an idea to welcoming its first cohort, Vogeler reflects on the journey with pride. “Throughout this entire process, I have held onto a personal motto: ‘Remember who you are and what you stand for.’ That mindset has guided me throughout the launch of the program and reflects what we want Lindenwood Nursing to represent,” she said. “Our goal is to educate, dedicate, innovate, advocate, and elevate the nursing profession while preparing nurses who lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose.”