Commencement was a beautiful and meaningful celebration of our newest RCoN graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, and staff, our students crossed the stage with confidence and officially stepped into the next chapter of their nursing journey. It was inspiring to witness their hard work, resilience, and compassion come to life on such a special day.

The ceremony also gave us the opportunity to recognize this year’s outstanding award winners. These students have demonstrated exceptional leadership, academic excellence, service, and commitment to the values of RCoN. Celebrating their achievements alongside their classmates made the day even more meaningful.

We are grateful for the impact this graduating class has already made and cannot wait to see the difference they will bring to the communities they serve.

DAISY Award for Outstanding Nursing Students:
The DAISY Award honors those who go “above and beyond” and make an extraordinary difference in the experiences of patients and their families.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Kelsey Harrington.

Theresa Chang Award:
The Theresa Chang Award is given to the student who excelled in the clinical setting and providing direct patient care. The recipient of this award is a student who values mentorship, and demonstrates exceptional selflessness, compassion, and excellence in nursing practice.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Lauren Muirhead.

Barbara A. Clemence Award:
The Barbara A. Clemence Award honors a servant leader who exhibits insightfulness, a willingness to be a risk taker, and someone who possesses a team-player mentality.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Cynne Soria.

The William V. Longmoor Values Award:
The William V. Longmoor Values Award honors the student who best exemplifies the mission and vision of both Research College of Nursing and Research Medical Center.

Join us in congratulating our May 2026 recipient, Holly Davis.

September 4, 2025

Congratulations to the exceptional students in our baccalaureate nursing program who earned a place on the Summer 2025 Honor Roll! These dedicated individuals achieved a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while maintaining full-time status in a rigorous nursing curriculum.

Your hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence inspire us all. Well done!

August 20, 2025

Kansas City, MO – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) — the region’s largest and longest-standing single-purpose nursing institution — today announced the appointment of Amy Townsend, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, as president. Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of experience in higher education and healthcare leadership to RCoN, which is consistently ranked among Missouri’s top 10 nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac.

In her new role, Dr. Townsend will lead strategic academic planning and oversee all undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure RCoN continues to deliver best-in-class nursing education, preparing the next generation of clinical leaders. The college currently enrolls more than 165 students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A results-oriented nursing executive, Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of leadership experience in healthcare education, with a track record of advancing institutional effectiveness, fostering program innovation, and enhancing student and faculty engagement. She is recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, and strategic planning across diverse academic programs, including nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, and nutrition. Most recently, she served as President of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, where she led the institution through a strategic transition, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensured program quality and accreditation standards were upheld. In earlier roles at Cox College, including Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, she directed successful reaccreditation processes, expanded program capacity, unified academic departments, and implemented data-driven systems that enhanced outcomes and operational efficiency.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Research College of Nursing. In September 2024, HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, broke ground on a new 78,000-square-foot Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. It is slated for completion in early 2026, coinciding with the college’s 120th anniversary. The $36.5 million investment in RCoN’s parent organization, HCA Healthcare, will support the college’s growth and long-term vision.

Since welcoming its first class in 1905, RCoN has graduated more than 6,500 professional nurses and remains a vital source of clinical excellence for the Kansas City region and beyond.

“Dr. Townsend’s deep experience in academic leadership and her forward-thinking approach make her the right leader for this exciting next chapter at Research College of Nursing,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “As we continue investing in nursing education through the new Center for Clinical Advancement, her guidance will be key to ensuring RCoN remains a national model for innovation and excellence. We are proud to welcome her to the HCA Midwest Health family and look forward to the lasting impact her leadership will make on our students, our hospitals, and the communities we serve.”

“It is an incredible honor to join Research College of Nursing at such a transformational time,” said Dr. Townsend. “RCoN has a long-standing legacy of excellence in nursing education, and I look forward to building on that foundation to prepare students for the evolving demands of healthcare. Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners, we will continue advancing academic innovation, supporting student success, and empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose and compassion.”

Dr. Townsend earned a Doctor of Education in Nursing Leadership from Northcentral University in Phoenix, where her research focused on the impact of transformational leadership on faculty satisfaction. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from Cox College, where she received the Academic Excellence Award, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit Research College of Nursing.

September 13, 2024

Kansas City, MO – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) — the region’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution and a leader in clinical education — broke ground on a much-anticipated expansion of the college and the creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement on September 11, 2024.

HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, announced in March 2023 a comprehensive $34.5 million investment in the Research College of Nursing from HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest’s parent family. This initiative will support the college’s expansion plans, including the development of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement at Research Medical Center, while making a substantial, positive economic impact in the region. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in early 2026 — RCoN’s 120th anniversary — will better serve the community’s current and future healthcare needs while cementing the college as a long-term regional educational source of nursing talent for generations to come.

“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community we are committed to addressing the national nursing shortage, and today marks a historical moment in providing new access to clinical education for those who dream of making a positive impact on a patient’s life,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment in our healthcare future fulfills a significant need in our region while also building strong, thriving communities.”

Research College of Nursing is an accredited institution of higher education that prepares nurses to thrive and lead in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique blend of classroom excellence and exceptional clinical experiences through HCA Midwest Health, the region’s leading healthcare system. RCoN offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with two tracks: the traditional two-year and the accelerated one-year. HCA Healthcare, HCA Midwest Health’s parent company, is a national champion for clinical education and is making similar investments across the country.

“Research College of Nursing’s new Center of Clinical Advancement is not only vital in shaping the successful future of nursing professionals, many of whom will remain in the Kansas City area to deliver high-quality healthcare to our community, but it will also have a major positive economic impact on our region,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Growth means progress, and Research College of Nursing’s expansion will also help impact the revitalization efforts surrounding Research Medical Center and the 71-Highway improvement project. Research College of Nursing, approaching its 120th anniversary of serving Kansas City, is a treasured community institution, and we are grateful for HCA Healthcare and HCA Midwest Health’s generous investment.”

“The expansion of Research College of Nursing embodies the advancement of nursing education in the region,” said RCoN President Nancy DeBasio. “RCoN’s legacy is rooted in the rich history of community, with a reputation for nursing education of the highest quality. Graduates of the College live out our mission through leadership in practice, service, and advocacy. The new building, including state-of-the-art teaching-learning technologies, and the Center for Clinical Advancement demonstrate the exciting future that lies ahead for our students.”

As a graduate of RCoN, this is especially meaningful for me, as this is a milestone in the growth of one of the city’s and region’s most treasured nursing institutions,” said Research Medical Center CEO Kirk McCarty. “The synchronicity between RCoN, Research Medical Center, and HCA Midwest Healthcare is invaluable, and the college’s continued growth represents its dedication to its mission to not only educate nurses and develop nursing leaders but to care for our communities.”

RCoN expansion highlights include:

• Creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs enhanced technology with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
• Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment while growing faculty and staff at the Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
• A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
• Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging and meaningful learning experience.
• Innovative education technology that will afford students the ability to achieve nursing competencies.

“The specialized design of the Research College of Nursing expansion will focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small-group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration,” said HCA Midwest Health Chief Nursing Executive Katie Bruels, DNP, RN. “The benefits of the Center for Clinical Advancement will impact not just an advance in nursing education, but continuing education for HCA Midwest clinicians as a whole.”

RCoN expansion partners include architect BHDP and Collaborative Studios, construction manager McCown Gordon Construction, project manager Concord Healthcare, and developer Healthpeak.

For more information on the Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit the Research College website.

March 6, 2023

Overland Park, KS – HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, today announced a comprehensive $34.5 million investment in Research College of Nursing — the region’s largest and longest-running, single-purpose nursing institution, from HCA Healthcare. This initiative will support the college’s expansion plans, including the development and construction of an innovative Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. A new 78,000-square-foot building, estimated to be completed in 2025 — the college’s 120-year anniversary — will better serve the community’s current and future healthcare needs, while establishing the college as a long-term regional source of nursing talent for generations to come.

“HCA Midwest Health is proud of Research College of Nursing’s 118-year history as one of the region’s most highly regarded nursing colleges,” said HCA Midwest Health President Keith Zimmerman. “This investment is especially meaningful as not only will we help address the national nursing shortage, but we are also providing new access to education for those who dream of making a positive impact on people’s lives during their most vulnerable times.”

“HCA Midwest Health has shown the community that we are committed to the care and improvement of human life by responding to their needs, while also contributing to building strong, thriving communities. This investment in our future aligns with our mission and fulfills a significant need in our region.”

Research College of Nursing attracts a diverse student body and is committed to expanding access to education through loan-forgiveness programs.

“As an alum of Research College of Nursing myself, and now as a leader of more than 4,000 nurses across our health system, I’m so proud of the college and our company coming together to invest in our community and the future of nursing,” said HCA Midwest Health Division Chief Nursing Executive Amber Boes. “I attribute much of my success to the education I received at Research College of Nursing and the support and dedication of its faculty. So, to now play a role in transforming the college to an even more innovative education experience is rewarding and gratifying.”

The $34.5 million project will include:

• The creation of a Center for Clinical Advancement, which pairs modern education facilities with simulation opportunities to help clinicians bridge the gap between classroom learning and bedside care.
• Expanded capacity to plan for an increase in enrollment, while growing faculty and staff at Research College of Nursing over the next five years.
• A state-of-the-art patient simulation laboratory to prepare students for the complexities of contemporary healthcare practice.
• Technologically advanced classrooms that will provide a more engaging learning environment.
  Innovative educational technology enables students to achieve nursing competencies.
• Specialized design to focus on the needs of healthcare students, including small group study spaces and areas to facilitate student and faculty collaboration.

“It is a true honor and privilege to have our long-standing commitment to excellence in nursing education be recognized by this invaluable investment in our future,” said Research College of Nursing President F. Patrick Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The development of a new state-of-the-art nursing education center is an exciting opportunity for the healthcare community of Kansas City and will be a source of pride for our entire college community — students, faculty, staff, and alumni. It also reflects our vision of becoming the regional college of choice for nurses who desire to lead in practice, service, and advocacy.”

The construction of the new and expanded facilities is expected to take 18 months.

“Research Medical Center takes great pride in our Research College of Nursing,” said Research Medical Center Interim CEO John Krajicek. “We prepare nurses for success in today’s ever-advancing healthcare environment in a collaborative and supportive manner. With a combined foundation of more than 255 years, we understand the desire of current and future nurses to grow in their careers, and we are humbled and honored to play a role in their success. To be part of this monumental growth is exciting, especially given the need for nurses across the country.”

The college ranked No. 1 in Kansas City, Missouri, in Nursing Schools Almanac’s 2022 report and was among the seven best nursing schools in Missouri. Additionally, the college, which recently received accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, was the first in the region to offer the innovative Dedicated Education Unit program, now the region’s largest, spanning six hospitals within HCA Midwest Health.

For more information on HCA Midwest Health and its family of hospitals, visit HCAMidwest.com.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.

November 1, 2021

Kansas City, Missouri – Nursing Schools Almanac has released its 2021 rankings of the best nursing schools in the U.S. and named Research College of Nursing (RCoN) number 5 in Missouri and number 1 in the Kansas City area. The college was also recognized as one of the best prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in the Plains region. Established in 1905, Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution offering both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Science in Nursing.

Data was collected on more than 3,000 nursing schools and campuses nationwide. Each institution was then assessed on three critical dimensions, including the school’s academic prestige and perceived value; the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered; and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

“It is an incredible honor to be once again recognized among the top nursing schools in the state of Missouri,” says Research College of Nursing President Thad R. Wilson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “Our commitment to excellence in nursing education is demonstrated as our students continue to be successful through unprecedented times. We are proud to develop the next generation of resilient nursing leaders who raise the bar on exceptional patient care.

“RCoN students have consistently scored above the national NCLEX pass rate, demonstrating a spectacular tenacity in completing a rigorous nursing program amid the pandemic, which we recognize is thanks largely to the support from our expert faculty, staff, and clinical partners of HCA Midwest Health.”

In the third quarter of 2021, RCoN reported a 90% NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate, while national benchmarks and the state of Missouri reported 84% and 87%, respectively. The college has experienced record growth over the past five years, with its BSN cohort capacity increasing by 40%. As RCoN continues to welcome new graduate and undergraduate students, this has fostered a more diverse student body, as reflected in the 17 languages spoken by the BSN class of 2023.

“Research Medical Center values its longtime partnership with Research College of Nursing and extends warm congratulations for being ranked among Missouri’s best nursing schools,” says Research Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Ashley McClellan. “The deserved recognition by Nursing Schools Almanac highlights the college leadership’s hard work and dedication to grow the well-regarded program. We look forward to continue partnering with the college to prepare the best and brightest nurses equipped to serve the healthcare needs of our community.”

Nursing Schools Almanac strives to provide an accurate, complete, and powerful online resource for aspiring nurses. As nursing responsibilities have grown, so have the licensing and training requirements across roles. Nursing Schools Almanac provides a wealth of state- and city-specific information on nursing education, empowering aspiring nurses to find the best-suited programs to launch their careers. Visit Nursing Schools Almanac for the complete 2021 rankings.

Research College of Nursing is a fully accredited institution preparing nurses to thrive in complex healthcare environments. Students gain a unique pairing of educational excellence and the strength of the region’s leading healthcare system – HCA Midwest Health. Trusted for 115 years, RCoN continues to educate nurses, develop leaders, and care for communities. Visit researchcollege.edu to learn more.

As the Kansas City area’s leading healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health comprises seven hospitals and dozens of outpatient centers, clinics, physician practices, surgery centers, and other facilities and services to meet the healthcare needs of area residents. 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 support improvements to 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 and provides care at 150+ locations, serving 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 area and surrounding communities, creating healthier communities and healthier tomorrows.

For more information, visit hcamidwest.com.