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.
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.
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.
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.
More than 37% of Washington State University College of Nursing students are the first in their families to attend college. For many, that path is shaped by a desire to serve their communities and address real gaps in health care access.
Students like Jorge Gaytan Garcia and Edith Torres are turning personal experience into purpose—returning to rural and underserved areas with the skills to make a difference. With strong support systems and a shared commitment to care, first-generation Coug nurses are helping shape the future of health care across Washington and beyond.
The 2026 Celebration of Giving at WSU Spokane highlighted how donor support shapes nursing students’ journeys and extends into patient care. Speakers shared stories of mentorship, opportunity, and the lasting impact of giving.
WSU nursing honors students presented research on real-world health care challenges during the April 3 symposium. Topics ranged from neonatal care to Parkinson’s disease, with Cadence McLin, BSN ’26, earning top SURCA honors.
The Healthy People + Healthy Pets clinic returned to Spokane on April 2, offering free health services to underserved community members and their pets. Nursing and veterinary students worked together to provide care while gaining hands-on experience.
In a special partnership program with “Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan,” a nationally syndicated television segment that sheds light on underrepresented storylines and industry sectors, experts in WSU’s College of Nursing presented the challenges and solutions to addressing national nursing shortages.
WSU College of Nursing students took part in a high-intensity mass casualty simulation in Yakima, working alongside medical students, EMS, and law enforcement. The full-day event challenged students to apply triage, trauma care, and clinical judgment in real-time scenarios.
