The Texas Board of Nursing meeting on April 18, 2024, highlighted significant improvements in nursing program pass rates at South Plains College, driven by recent administrative changes. The discussion centered on the college's efforts to enhance student success in the NCLEX examination, which is crucial for nursing licensure.

During the meeting, it was noted that the pass rate for the NCLEX exam had seen a dramatic increase, with the May 2023 cohort achieving a 93.87 percent pass rate and the December 2023 cohort achieving a perfect 100 percent pass rate. This marked the first time since 2012 that South Plains College recorded a 100 percent pass rate, a milestone attributed to the leadership of Doctor Straughn, who implemented new policies and procedures aimed at improving student outcomes.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. Eleven students who attempted to take the NCLEX in December 2023 faced difficulties finding available testing sites within a 500-mile radius of the campus. This issue was particularly pressing as these students were eager to transition from graduates to registered nurses, with one student even traveling to Oklahoma City for testing due to a lack of local availability.

The board acknowledged the importance of timely certification of grades to facilitate student testing and emphasized the need for continued support in addressing testing site availability. The overall discussion underscored the college's commitment to meeting the board's standards and ensuring that students are well-prepared for their nursing careers.