The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 18, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding nursing education programs, including a presentation from South Plains College in Levelland. The meeting began with an introduction from board members and staff, followed by a detailed overview of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at South Plains College.

Dr. Tara Strachan, the program director, provided insights into the college's history and the challenges faced by the ADN program. Established in 1957, South Plains College has offered its ADN program since 1985 and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. However, the program has encountered significant hurdles, particularly a change in its approval status from full to "full with warning" in 2023, primarily due to a low NCLEX pass rate of 79.5%.

Dr. Strachan explained that corrective measures were implemented following an in-person survey in October 2023, aimed at addressing the issues that led to the program's warning status. Despite these efforts, the board indicated that the program's approval status might shift to conditional, prompting the need for further discussion.

Dr. Jerry Finley, Dean of Health Sciences, elaborated on the series of administrative challenges that contributed to the current situation. He noted that the previous director, who retired in December 2018, was replaced by an interim director with limited experience. This transition, coupled with a lack of qualified candidates, resulted in a leadership vacuum that negatively impacted the program's standards.

The board members engaged with Dr. Strachan and Dr. Finley, seeking clarification on the steps being taken to rectify the program's standing and improve student outcomes. The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining high educational standards in nursing programs to ensure the quality of future healthcare professionals.

As the meeting concluded, the board emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring and support for South Plains College's ADN program, highlighting the critical role of effective leadership and adherence to accreditation standards in nursing education. Further updates and follow-up actions are expected in future meetings as the board continues to address these pressing issues.