In a pivotal meeting held on April 18, 2024, the Texas Board of Nursing celebrated a significant milestone for Kilgore College's vocational nursing education program. Amidst the backdrop of a bustling city hall, board members gathered to discuss the program's transition from conditional to full approval, a decision underscored by an impressive 100% pass rate on the NCLEX PN examination for the 2024 cohort.

Ken Johnson, representing LVN Education, opened the discussion with heartfelt congratulations to the program's leadership, acknowledging the hard work that led to such high stakes success. “That’s no small feat,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational standards in nursing.

The board learned that Kilgore College plans to accept 25 new students into its program, with no returning students from the previous cohort. This decision was met with approval from board members, who noted that a robust number of applicants is essential for sustaining quality education. Dr. Hooper, a board member, affirmed the appropriateness of the enrollment size, highlighting the college's fully staffed and resourced environment as a foundation for success.

Following a motion by Johnson and a second from Rick Williams, the board unanimously voted to grant full approval to Kilgore College's program. The decision reflects the board's commitment to ensuring that nursing education in Texas meets the highest standards, ultimately benefiting future healthcare professionals and the communities they serve.

As the meeting progressed, the board took a break for lunch, allowing members to recharge before continuing their discussions. The session resumed with plans to address additional agenda items, ensuring that the board remains focused on enhancing nursing education across the state.

This meeting not only marked a significant achievement for Kilgore College but also reinforced the Texas Board of Nursing's dedication to fostering excellence in nursing education, setting a positive tone for future initiatives in the field.