WSU Spokane

Date: May 7, 2027 Time: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Location: Whitworth University Cowles Auditorium 400 W Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA View Whitworth Campus Map (PDF)  

Spring 2026 nursing graduates from WSU were honored across the state, marking their transition into practice through commencement and pinning ceremonies and stepping into roles that will shape patient care across the region.

WSU College of Nursing faculty are advancing research in health equity, pain management, and planetary health. Recent publications highlight work that connects policy, practice, and community impact.

Two sisters, one path. Kyra Nichols, BSN ’24, RN and Kylie Flemens, BSN ’24, RN are pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees together while raising families and supporting each other through every step. From late-night study sessions to holding their children at the White Coat Ceremony, their journey reflects the flexibility, support, and real-world impact of WSU’s DNP program. Read how they’re building their future in health care—together.

A nursing legacy comes full circle in Yakima as Audra Podruzny prepares to graduate from the DNP program—following in the footsteps of her mother, one of the first nurse practitioner graduates from the same campus. Their shared journey reflects the impact of family, community, and a program that has shaped health care across Central Washington.

WSU College of Nursing will honor Spring 2026 graduates with ceremonies across Yakima, Tri-Cities, Spokane, and Vancouver this May. Each event marks the transition from student to professional nurse.

National Nurses Week, celebrated May 6–12, recognizes the work nurses do every day in hospitals, clinics, schools, community settings, and beyond. To help celebrate, restaurants and businesses across the country […]

After nearly 20 years in labor and delivery, Zibby Merritt loved bedside nursing—but wanted to shape care on a broader scale. Earning her Master of Nursing from Washington State University College of Nursing gave her the tools to think bigger, lead systemwide change, and pass her love of obstetric nursing on to the next generation.

Washington State University College of Nursing is helping lead a growing national effort to elevate the visibility and impact of nurses this May through a partnership with the American Nurses Association and the “Nurses Light Up the Sky” campaign.

The Community Mental Health Summit in Eastern Washington will be held on May 21, 2026 (8:30 AM–5:00 PM) at Washington State University Spokane. This dynamic, full-day, in-person event convenes community […]

Dr. Lois James’ grant writing course returns this fall, helping students turn ideas into fundable projects through hands-on proposal development and real-world guidance.

WSU College of Nursing faculty, staff, and students earned top recognition in the 2026 Health Sciences Excellence Awards, highlighting impact in teaching, research, simulation, and student leadership.

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Sue Perkins, longtime WSU College of Nursing faculty member, passed away April 19, 2026. Her legacy lives on through the generations of nurses she taught, mentored, and made feel seen.

Cosmos Buendasi earned his RN-BSN through WSU while working nights and raising an infant. The experience increased his earning potential, strengthened his understanding of research and evidence-based practice, and inspired him to continue to his MN and now DNP (FNP). He currently works in the Emergency Department at UW Medical Center and plans to move into community health and teaching.

WSU College of Nursing students and faculty presented a record 16 student posters and one faculty project at the 2026 WIN Conference, highlighting real-world research in patient care, access, and health systems.

Washington State University College of Nursing faculty were well represented at the Council on Nursing Education in Washington State (CNEWS) Spring 2026 Conference, held April 15–17 at The Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection, Spokane, WA.

Please join Washington State University and STCU for a dedication ceremony celebrating the installation of Pages of Care, a new sculpture by artist James Dinh that honors our longstanding partnership […]

Meet the advisors behind Coug Nursing student success. From listening when students feel stuck to celebrating them at graduation, their impact shapes every step of the journey.

Exploring Communication of Genomic Information by Primary Care Nurse Practitioners in Rural Settings Dissertation Chair: Dr. Marian Wilson, PhD, MPH, RN, PMGT-BC Abstract Background: The completion of the Human Genome […]

In celebration of 15 years of PhD graduates from the WSU College of Nursing, this asynchronous session will explore what it means to pursue a PhD in Nursing—and where it can take you. Moderated by Dr. Marian Wilson, the discussion will feature WSU PhD program founding director Dr. Ruth Bindler and alumni: Dr. Elizabeth Schenk, and Dr. Tullamora Landis. Listen as they share their experiences and insights on applying research, education, and leadership skills in their post-PhD careers.