Induction Day welcomes 210 students into the College of Nursing
The week of January 12, 2026, marked a meaningful milestone for the University of Arizona College of Nursing, as 210 new students formally began the final 15 to 24 months of their nursing education. After completing all prerequisite coursework, these students are now fully stepping into the College of Nursing, ready to take on the core nursing courses that will shape them into future professionals.
For students in the BSN program in Tucson, the BSN–Integrated Health program in Gilbert, and the Master’s Entry to the Profession of Nursing (MEPN) program in both Tucson and Gilbert, Induction Day is more than an orientation. It is a celebratory welcome into the nursing profession, honoring the commitment, resilience, and purpose that brought each student to this moment.
At each Induction event, Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing, delivered a welcome address underscoring the significance of the transition students are making, from completing prerequisites to fully engaging in the professional study of nursing.
“This day is a vital and inspiring milestone, the official start of your journey toward earning your degree and becoming a Registered Nurse,” Ahn said. “You are entering a profession grounded in service, science, and compassion, and we are proud to welcome you to the College of Nursing community.”
From left to right, top to bottom: Lauren Acosta, Melissa Goldsmith, Angie Norton, Heidi Kosanke.
Though Induction varies across programs, each ceremony shared a common goal: affirming students’ place in the nursing community and marking the start of their professional journey. Dedicated faculty leaders served as program leads and emcees, guiding students through the experience and setting the tone for the road ahead. This year’s Induction events were led by Paula Diamond, Kelly Froelich, and Theresa Ruzovich for BSN–IH; Melissa Goldsmith for the BSN program; Michael Gerhart for MEPN–Tucson; and Jennifer Armfield for MEPN–Gilbert. Angie Norton, interim BSN-IH program director, and Heidi Kosanke, interim MEPN program director, also supported the events in their roles as program leaders.
Lauren Acosta, PhD, RN, SANE-A, CPH, chair of the Nursing and Health Education Division, emphasized the shared foundation uniting students across programs and campuses. “Whether students are in Tucson or Gilbert, in a bachelor’s or master’s entry pathway, Induction marks a shared beginning,” Acosta said. “This is where students come together as a nursing community, grounded in shared values and a commitment to improving health for individuals, families, and communities.”
Whether in Tucson or Gilbert, Induction Day united students across campuses and pathways, reminding them that while their educational journeys may differ, they are now part of one College of Nursing, united by purpose, professionalism, and a commitment to care.
As these students enter the heart of their nursing education, Induction Day stands as a powerful moment of welcome, pride, and possibility, marking the start of their journey into the nursing profession.