Dear Colleagues, Alumni, Partners, and Friends,
As I reflect on my first 100 days as interim dean of the Washington State University College of Nursing, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and deep appreciation for this extraordinary community. I am a Coug Nurse through and through—having earned both my BSN and master’s degrees at WSU Tri-Cities, returning as an employee in 2002, and now having the honor of serving in a new leadership role at the very college that helped shape my professional journey. This homecoming is meaningful beyond words. Go Cougs!
Today, more than 13,700 Coug Nurses serve communities across the nation—and counting. We continue to graduate more bachelor’s-prepared nurses than any other university in Washington, fulfilling our land-grant mission to serve the people of this state and beyond. Our emphasis on practical, hands-on education prepares nurses who are not only career-ready, but community-minded. None of this would be possible without your continued belief in our mission: advancing optimal health and well-being through education, scholarship, practice, and community engagement.
In these first few months, I have been inspired by the momentum and dedication across the College. Together, we have celebrated significant milestones, including the relaunch of our Master of Nursing program with Nurse Educator and Clinical Leadership tracks, and the launch of our Rural Nurse Pathway—expanding access and opportunity for students committed to serving rural communities. We were proud to see the WSU College of Nursing ranked #40 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, and to release our 2024–25 Impact Report, Empowering Coug Nurses (PDF), highlighting the meaningful difference our students, faculty, alumni, and donors make every day.
Our research enterprise continues to grow, exemplified by Dr. Marian Wilson’s recent unveiling of the Pain Relief Hub, and we celebrated the 15-year anniversary of our PhD program. Across the state, we strengthened community connections through advisory board meetings, career fairs, open houses, campus visits, and tailgating, while also marking joyful moments such as Fall graduation and pinning ceremonies in Pullman, Spokane, and Tri-Cities.
Philanthropy and partnership have been central to these first 100 days. We confirmed new estate commitments, renewed annual gifts, deepened relationships with emeriti, alumni, and donors, and secured funding to support Doctor of Nursing Practice students completing clinical rotations in Tribal clinics through the Trude Smith Graduate Scholars program. These investments directly support the next generation of nursing leaders.
Looking ahead, our work continues. Curricular revisions are underway across our PL-BSN, RN-BSN, and DNP programs to align with updated national accreditation standards. We are preparing for continued engagement through conferences, white coat ceremonies, community events, and a DNP symposium made possible through the John McLean Riley, Jr. “Nurses as a Business” Education Endowment . As this academic year will fittingly conclude during National Nurses Week, we remain focused on what matters most—educating nurses who lead with skill, compassion, and purpose.
Thank you for supporting the WSU College of Nursing and for believing in the power of Coug Nurses to improve lives and strengthen communities. I am honored to walk this path with you and excited for what we will accomplish together.
With gratitude,
Anne M. Mason, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Interim Dean, Washington State University College of Nursing
