“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” said Nelson Mandela.

Mandela’s words ring true as our entire community of nursing and health care students, researchers, educators, clinicians and staff embrace the 2016-2017 academic school year ready to transform the future of nursing, to advance health with individuals, families and communities.

As we begin this academic school year, we are excited to welcome all of the new students joining our diverse Duke University School of Nursing (DUSON) community. Whether you are joining us here on campus or are a distance-based student, we are delighted to assist you all on your journey to becoming nursing leaders.

Our 2015-2016 school year was very successful. We developed a new strategic plan that will guide us in our pursuit of excellence while building on tradition. We also launched the first adult endocrinology specialty for nurse practitioners in the United States and held our first Shark Pool, where five contestants stood before a panel of investors for a chance to win funds to further their research projects.

We are looking forward to an even greater 2016-2017 academic year with the support of our expert faculty, hardworking staff, engaging alumni and dedicated students.

We encourage each of you to take full advantage of all that DUSON has to offer students, faculty and staff.

To all of our students, faculty and staff, we wish you a very successful school year!