History Made: First Nursing Cohort Graduates from Johnson & Wales Charlotte

Johnson & Wales University Charlotte celebrated the completion of its first Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) cohort, presenting nursing pins to six students. The group began the 16-month program in May of 2024.

“We are so thrilled to celebrate the first class of this innovative new program,” said David Hudson, JWU’s chief nursing officer. “JWU set out to help address the major workforce shortages in the healthcare industry with this degree, and we look forward to the exciting careers our graduates will embark upon.”

The pinning ceremony featured remarks from Hudson, College of Health & Wellness Dean Maura Daly Iversen, DPT, SD, MPH, faculty members of the JWU Charlotte program, and nursing student Maegan Lord. Students received their pins and recited the nursing oath.

“I’m honored to be a member of the first cohort at Johnson & Wales. Walking this journey as a mom is so meaningful because it was not easy, but it’s evident that it is possible,” shared Jessica Nichols, member of the first cohort and graduating class of the ABSN program at JWU Charlotte. “I'm excited to become a nurse for all the new experiences and knowledge that I'm going to gain. JWU has given me the confidence and tools to be a safe practicing nurse one day.”

Johnson & Wales University launched its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program on the JWU Charlotte Campus after receiving approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing in May 2023 and the North Carolina Board of Governors in September 2023. The accelerated, four-semester program is intended to be a secondary degree program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Learn more about the program.

About JWU

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 8,000 graduate, undergraduate and online students at its campuses in Providence, Rhode Island and Charlotte, North Carolina. An innovative educational leader, the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in arts and sciences, business, engineering, food innovation, hospitality, nutrition, health and wellness. It also offers undergraduate programs in culinary arts, dietetics and design. JWU’s unique model provide students with the personalized attention, academic expertise and industry connections that inspire professional success and personal growth. The time students spend at JWU is nothing short of transformative, as demonstrated by career outcomes, expected earnings and economic mobility rankings. The university’s impact is global, with alumni in 125 countries pursuing careers worldwide. For more information, visit jwu.edu.

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