Four decades ago, seven students were the first to walk through the doors of Jacksonville University's brand new nursing school. Since that time, the Keigwin School of Nursing (KSON) has evolved from offering a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to becoming one of Florida’s leaders in nursing education. Over the past 40 years, the school has expanded to include diverse degree tracks and advanced specializations, including accelerated BSN programs, nurse practitioner tracks and doctoral degrees. From launching an innovative registered nurse (RN) BSN distance learning program in 2001 to forming vital partnerships with leading healthcare providers like Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic, KSON has consistently adapted to meet the changing and complex needs of healthcare.
“For 40 years, the Keigwin School of Nursing has been a beacon of excellence,” said Dr. Lindsay Wolf, associate dean and chief academic nurse.“Through its unwavering commitment to nursing education, compassionate care and innovation, the Keigwin School of Nursing has shaped generations of healthcare leaders, profoundly impacting the profession and the communities they serve. This is an accomplishment we are proud of, but the work is not done. We will continue to push forward, trailblazing through new and innovative strategies to honor our past and propel us into the future.”
Though its curriculum and degree tracks have evolved, KSON maintains a high standard of education. Most recently, in 2024, KSON renewed accreditation for all nursing programs from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education — the largest accreditation visit in the school’s history.
As KSON celebrates its 40th anniversary, two distinguished alumnae from its inaugural class, Eileen O’Brien and Suzanne Dennis Phipps, reflect on how their nursing education at Jacksonville University launched and shaped their successful careers.
Suzanne Dennis Phipps, ’86, BSN, RN
Pre-Admission Testing Nurse, Ascension St. Vincent’s
What stands out when you think back to your time at JU studying to become a nurse?
I have always taken pride in the education I received while at JU. I have never regretted my career choice and have had some truly incredible experiences in the 38 years of being a nurse. The foundation on which my career was built on was solid and I wouldn’t have chosen any other school to attend.
What's your fondest memory of your time in the nursing program at JU?
My fondest memory of the nursing program was how our professors were so dedicated to making sure the class was prepared for what being a nurse meant. They took that responsibility very seriously. Dr. Ruth Stiehl, Carole Cayer and Karen Cornelius were all phenomenal and really impacted me throughout my career.
How has your JU education impacted your nursing career?
Our class was considered “special” from the start. We were the only program at the time to have an exclusive partnership with Baptist Medical Center. That alone made our students stand out while we were in our clinicals. We were recognized throughout the hospital in our distinctive white dresses and nursing caps. The nurses who were assigned to precept us, took their duties seriously and wanted to make sure that we experienced what was expected of us as a nurse. When I graduated, and throughout my career, I was always proud to say I was a graduate of JU’s inaugural class. I felt I was better prepared than any of the other graduate nurses I worked with simply because of the education I received at JU.
What advice would you give to current JU students in nursing school?
That’s a tough one! I would say that you have chosen a profession that has great strength and responsibility. As a nurse you are the true advocate for the patients you are caring for. Take that responsibility seriously! Be their voice, their caregiver and someone they can truly depend on. Ensure that they receive the best possible care possible for the best possible outcome.
Eileen O’Brien, ’86, BSN, MSN
Outpatient Care Manager, Ascension St. Vincent’s
What stands out when you think back to your time at JU studying to become a nurse?
When we were at JU in nursing school, our director of nursing, Ruth Steihl, was our guide. She was the one with the vision for the nursing program. I don’t believe very many of us could see her vision. During our time at JU, we were in the “trenches” and just thought all our classes were extremely difficult. She was the one that ensured us all the time that we were part of something very special. Following graduation and each year thereafter, to see Dr. Steihls vision come to fruition has been truly special.
What’s your fondest memory of your time in the nursing program at JU?
My classmates Laura Lee, Katie and I used to get together in my room in the dorm for study sessions. We would get together a couple times a week, review notes from our nursing classes and make index cards to be able to quiz ourselves. After reviewing our notes and making our index cards, we would take our index cards and walk over to “the rat” and have a pitcher of beer while quizzing each other using our index cards.
How has your JU education impacted your nursing career?
When we first graduated and started our career in nursing, our time at JU provided us with the confidence of “I can do this.” When we graduated, we had the academic knowledge and the clinical skills, but we also left knowing that any problems or issues we faced, we would be able to figure it out. In nursing, almost always, there is more than one way to approach a difficult or challenging situation. At the end of our clinical day, we would come together and discuss our day. Those discussions always included challenges we faced that day and how they can be managed. That has always carried with me, that “I can do this” attitude I gained from my nursing instructors.
From its pioneering class of seven students, KSON’s enrollment has skyrocketed to more than 900 students, comprising nearly a quarter of the university’s total student body. This exponential growth underscores the school’s vital role in shaping the future of healthcare through its diverse and dynamic nursing programs, positioning KSON as a cornerstone of Jacksonville University’s academic and community impact.
