Kansas City, MO — Dr. Thad R. Wilson, PhD, RN, FAAN, recently announced his plans to retire from Research College of Nursing at the end of the academic year in May 2022. He has served in a leadership capacity at the College since July 2017.
“I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside an incredibly talented and committed faculty and staff,” Wilson says. “As we anticipate the future, the enduring spirit of hope and the partnership with HCA Midwest Health and Research Medical Center has helped carry us through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and allowed our students to complete their education uninterrupted. This strong foundation will ensure Research College of Nursing continues to have an exceptionally progressive and thriving future and is well-prepared to meet the region’s demand for baccalaureate and master’s prepared nurses.
“It’s an energizing time to be engaged in nursing and it is our collective vision to be the college of choice for nurses who desire to lead in practice, service, and advocacy.”
During Wilson’s tenure, Research College of Nursing experienced enrollment growth, including a 40 percent increase in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) cohort capacity. This has fostered a more diverse student body population as represented in the 17 languages spoken among the BSN class of 2023. Wilson’s aim to raise the bar of the educational experience sparked classroom renovations and clinical expansions to the Dedicated Education Unit program. He supported additional international service learning for Research College of Nursing students, including a practice opportunity in the Dominican Republic.
“Our priority is in educating nurses, developing leaders and caring for communities and we look forward to leading this next chapter of distinction in nursing education,” Wilson says.
“A visionary and innovator in nursing education, Dr. Wilson has shown a tireless commitment to advancing excellence in nursing profession while at Research College of Nursing,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan. “His dedication to faculty, staff, and nursing students guarantees that the College is poised for a dynamic future. We are grateful for Dr. Wilson’s many contributions to educating the next generation of high-caliber, compassionate nurses.”
A search committee has been established that will begin seeking candidates to fill the leadership role at Research College of Nursing.
About HCA Midwest Health
As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health consists of seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers and an array of other facilities and services to meet area residents’ healthcare needs. HCA Midwest Health is one of the area’s largest private-sector employers, with more than 10,000 employees, and the largest provider of charity and uncompensated care. Each year, we provide nearly $1 million to local charities. Annually, HCA Midwest Health invests capital to enhance and expand patient services and last year paid more than $115 million in taxes, which may go to the improvement of schools, roads and infrastructure in the communities we serve. HCA Midwest Health facilities include Belton Regional Medical Center, Centerpoint Medical Center, Lafayette Regional Health Center, Lee's Summit Medical Center, Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Medical Center, Research Medical Center and Research Psychiatric Center. Midwest Physicians, which is part of HCA Midwest Health, is a network of experienced, multi-specialty physicians located throughout the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. Currently Midwest Physicians represents 600+ providers. It includes 80+ specialties, providing care in 150+ locations to serve our community. The physicians, licensed professionals and support staff who comprise the HCA Midwest Health team are dedicated to improving healthcare in the Greater Kansas City and outlying areas to create healthier communities that lead to healthier tomorrows. For more information, visit HCAMidwest.com.