School of Nursing

Oakland University's School of Nursing marked a major milestone on Wednesday, January 14, celebrating its 50th anniversary alongside the ribbon-cutting of a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory in the Human Health Building. The event brought together university leadership, faculty, students, alumni, healthcare partners, and donors to honor five decades of impact and to invest in the future of nursing education.

Dean of the School of Nursing Christopher Lance Coleman, Ph.D., MS, MPH, FAAN, FADLN, PMHCNS-BC, welcomed attendees and reflected on the school's legacy of preparing nurse leaders who advance patient care, education, practice, and research.

"This golden anniversary is not just a milestone for an institution - it is a celebration of people," said Coleman. "Our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and partners together represent the past, present, and future of the School of Nursing. We are committed to changing one life at a time."

Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, M.D., highlighted the school's role as a cornerstone of Michigan's healthcare workforce and a model of community engagement.

"The School of Nursing is truly one of the crown jewels of our university," said Pescovitz. "It fuels Michigan's nursing workforce, prepares future leaders, and addresses urgent community needs. Tonight's celebration honors an extraordinary past while investing in an even stronger future."

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Amy Thompson emphasized the school's scale, impact, and innovation, noting that Oakland University is Michigan's largest nursing school, serving more than 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students.

"The opening of this new simulation lab represents a transformational investment in how we teach and how our students learn," Thompson said. "It strengthens our pathway from classroom to practice and ensures our graduates are ready to lead with clinical judgment, compassion, and integrity."

The new simulation lab - which includes a fully equipped operating room - will support Oakland University's nationally ranked nurse anesthesia program. The facility allows students to practice high-stakes clinical scenarios in a controlled, immersive environment that mirrors real-world patient care settings.

The lab was made possible through generous support from The Baiardi Family Foundation, David Brennan & Lesle Cole, and Corewell Health. University leaders recognized these donors during the ceremony, along with healthcare partners including Corewell Health, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit Medical Center, Trinity Health, and McLaren Health Care.

"Partnerships like these ensure our students graduate confident, capable, and prepared to serve patients and communities across Michigan," Thompson added.

Following remarks from university and healthcare leaders, including Corewell Health Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Kelli Sadler and Vice President of the Baiardi Family Foundation Kristen Baiardi, the celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and toast.

As Oakland University's School of Nursing looks ahead, the anniversary and new simulation lab stand as symbols of its enduring mission.