By: Sabrina Miller, Content Strategy Director

BALTIMORE, Md. – Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU)’s School of Nursing was awarded three grants totaling $839,640 from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to address Maryland’s ongoing nursing shortage. 

Most of the Nurse Support Program II (NSP II) funding will support the Cohen Scholars program, a statewide initiative that provides both academic and professional support to aspiring nurse educators. At NDMU, Cohen Scholars are enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program within the Leadership in Nursing Education concentration. Over the next four years, the School of Nursing will add five new Cohen Scholars each year, preparing them to take on essential faculty roles in academic and clinical settings across the state.

“Nursing faculty shortage is an obstacle to expanding Maryland’s nursing workforce and meeting the state’s health care demands. Receiving the Cohen Scholars award ensures that future nursing students receive quality education from academically prepared nurse educators” said Dr. Kathleen Wisser, dean of the School of Nursing. “By providing both financial and professional support, we are investing in the future of nursing education in Maryland.”

The MSN program at NDMU emphasizes transformative learning, student-centered teaching, and inclusive education; approaches that distinguish it from more traditional models of nursing education. Graduates of the program are equipped not only to educate future nurses, but also to lead with compassion and innovation in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

In addition to supporting graduate students, the NSP II grants will enhance the efforts of current faculty by funding curriculum development, preceptor engagement, and preparing students for the NCLEX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination for nurses.

The second award is dedicated to faculty development, recognizing the vital role skilled nurse educators play in student success. When faculty are engaged, well-prepared, and proficient, students are better positioned to thrive academically and professionally. This funding will expand opportunities for nursing faculty to participate in professional development, allowing them to implement evidence-based teaching strategies that support diverse learning styles. The knowledge and skills gained through these opportunities will not only enhance classroom instruction but also contribute to student success on the NCLEX, strengthen clinical judgement, and support a smoother transition from student to professional nurse.

While skilled nursing faculty are essential to delivering high-quality education, strong assessment practices play a vital supporting role. The third grant supports faculty and staff participation in professional development focused on assessment excellence. This initiative will enhance our ability to evaluate student learning, track program persistence and retention, monitor teaching effectiveness, ensure evidence-based teaching strategies are consistently used, and uphold accountability to our stakeholders- including licensing and regulatory bodies.

This round of grant funding comes at a critical time, as Maryland continues to face a shortage of nurse faculty and primary care providers. With the support of NSP II, NDMU is expanding its impact and ensuring that the pipeline of nurse educators is strong, diverse, and well-prepared to meet the state’s healthcare needs. While strengthening multi-dimensional assessment practices to continuously improve the education experience and outcomes for NDMU students.

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.