KCON Acting Dean Appointed

KCON is delighted to introduce Amy Manderscheid as the new Acting Dean for the Kirkhof College of Nursing (KCON). Amy brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her alma mater, Grand Valley State University (GVSU), having pursued multiple degrees that reflect her dedication to lifelong learning. During her tenure as a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at GVSU, she embarked on her professional journey by assuming a position as a nursing assistant at Butterworth Hospital's Gastrointestinal Urology unit within Corewell Health. Since then, she has undertaken various clinical and leadership responsibilities within the organization, currently maintaining a part time role as an adult/older adult nurse practitioner specializing in Geriatrics.

Amy’s academic achievements include the attainment of her first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree with a concentration in Health Systems Leadership from Rush University in 2011, followed by a second DNP in adult/older adult primary care nurse practitioner from GVSU in 2020. Amy’s association with KCON commenced in January 2015, marking the beginning of her tenure-track journey. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed significantly to the education of both undergraduate (traditional and second degree BSN) and graduate (MSN and DNP) students across various instructional modalities, including classroom instruction, clinical supervision, and simulation-based training. In recognition of Amy’s scholarly contributions and pedagogical impact, she was granted tenure in 2021. We extend a warm welcome to Amy Manderscheid as the Acting Dean, and we are confident that her leadership will inspire excellence and foster growth within the KCON community.
 

HRSA NEPQR SET Grant Announcement

KCON successfully secured a three-year grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and partnered with Corewell Health and Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services to enhance nursing education through the creation of multiple-patient simulations. These simulations will be tailored to address a diverse range of patient scenarios and equip future nurses with the skills and confidence needed to provide patient care post-graduation. The next three years promise a journey of innovation and growth for KCON’s simulation center.

HRSA ANEW Grant Announcement

KCON was awarded a four-year continuation grant through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to continue the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program. KCON will continue working with McLaren Health Care and Trinity Health Muskegon to recruit and educate 37 nurse practitioners, who are underrepresented minorities or from a disadvantaged background, to provide primary, mental, and substance use disorder health care, in rural and/or underserved communities in Michigan. The three program tracks supported through the grant include Adult/Older Adult Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The first HRSA ANEW cohort is enrolled in the Fall 2023 semester and will graduate in May of 2026.