(From Missouri Southern State University)In addition to admitting a fall nursing cohort, Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is increasing capacity by accepting a new group of nursing students for the spring semester. The expanded enrollment model, with 30 students admitted each fall and 20 students admitted each spring, will support four active cohorts and allow upwards of 100 students to progress through the program at any given time during their junior and senior years in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The expansion is being supported through a generous commitment to the Missouri Southern Foundation from Mercy Hospital Joplin. The funds will help provide resources needed to support the increased enrollment and the university’s expanded statewide mission, which encompasses health and life sciences and immersive learning experiences.
“This is such an exciting and meaningful step forward for MSSU Nursing. This expansion reflects not only the growing demand for skilled nurses in our region but also the university’s commitment to meeting that need with excellence,” said Dr. Lisa Beals, MSSU associate professor of Nursing.
“Mercy Hospital Joplin’s generous support will directly strengthen the learning environment for our students and help us continue building a strong, practice‑ready nursing workforce for the Four States community. With the upcoming launch of the MSN program and our continued 100% NCLEX pass rate, this expansion marks a powerful moment of momentum for MSSU Nursing, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
University officials said the addition of a second nursing cohort within an academic year marks a significant milestone in MSSU’s efforts to expand its health and life sciences programs and respond to the growing demand for highly qualified nursing professionals in the Four States region.
“We are very grateful for the commitment of Mercy Hospital Joplin to help the university expand its undergraduate nursing program,” said Dr. Dean Van Galen, MSSU president. “This support will enable Missouri Southern to prepare even more students for rewarding and impactful careers in the healthcare industry.”
“We’re truly excited to collaborate with MSSU as they expand their nursing program," said Jeremy Drinkwitz, president of Mercy Joplin and Southeast Kansas. “Saying yes to this opportunity was easy—it lifts the university, it empowers new nurses, it supports Mercy, and above all, it strengthens care for the community we proudly serve. We can’t wait to welcome more MSSU‑produced nurses into our halls."
Earlier this fall, MSSU announced approval of a new Master of Science in Nursing program, which is scheduled to begin accepting students in Fall 2026.
MSSU’s nursing program has demonstrated continued success, with graduates achieving a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for the past three consecutive years.
For more information about MSSU’s nursing program, visit https://www.mssu.edu/academics/education/nursing/index.php
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