Atlanta Campus Celebrates Grand Opening

Chamberlain’s Atlanta campus first opened its doors to students in April 2012.

In the year since, a lively community of faculty, staff and students have made the campus an incredible place to learn.

The campus invited distinguished partners and community members to help celebrate their achievements during a grand opening ceremony in May.

Some highlights from the program below:

Stephanie Flemming, BSN student at the Atlanta campus

“The tools and support systems available to all Chamberlain students are one of the many items that set Chamberlain College of Nursing apart from other nursing schools.

I quickly recognized that Chamberlain does not have the philosophy of weeding students out. Chamberlain faculty believe in nurturing each and every student so they become an excellent nurse. The president even has her cell phone number on her business card. The bottom line is Chamberlain has all the tools and resources available onsite for each and every student to become a successful and great nurse.”

Dr. Linda Degutis, director of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“If the rest of the students are half as enthusiastic as you, we’re going to see some really great nurses out there who are graduating from Chamberlain. I’m excited to see that. I am the highest ranking nurse at the CDC. You can do the same thing. You’re on the right track—there are so many opportunities here.

I look forward to having graduates from here really take on leadership roles and be able to help us change the world and change healthcare. I think you all can do it and I look forward to partnering with you.”

The Honorable Calvin Smyre, Dean of the Georgia House of Representatives

“I have been in several operating rooms and the first thing I want to know is, ‘Who is the nurse?’ I feel very, very strongly about nursing and the commitment, resources and investment that the state should continue to put into nursing.

I’m delighted that Chamberlain has chosen Georgia. We need more advanced degrees in nursing in Georgia, and you can rest assured that you have a partner in the state of Georgia and I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship with Chamberlain. I’m honored to be here and be a part of this program.”

Susan Groenwald, president of Chamberlain College of Nursing

“As many of you know, registered nursing – already the largest healthcare occupation with 2.7 million jobs – is on a massive growth trajectory. Employment is expected to increase nationally by 26 percent by 2020. But the industry is struggling to meet this demand. It’s estimated that Georgia alone will face a shortage of more than 32,000 nurses by 2020.

Despite this growth, many qualified students are denied entry to nursing programs due to a growing faculty shortage, which further complicates the nursing shortage. The statistics are clear: We are needed here.

Chamberlain is helping to meet industry needs while achieving its vision – to graduate extraordinary nursing professionals who will transform healthcare worldwide. You see, we’re not only focused on ensuring expanded access to education. We’re dedicated to doing so with a commitment to excellence.”

Leila McKinney, president of Chamberlain’s Atlanta campus

“I say this especially to our inaugural class here today. You are – and always will be – a nurse. A Chamberlain nurse, someone who is extraordinarily motivated, prepared and empowered to make a difference.

Here we are, in 2013, and the possibilities for nurses are endless. Our graduates may choose to go into forensic investigation, labor and delivery, healthcare policy or even nurse education, preparing the next generation of nurses and helping current nurses continue their education. The possibilities in this field are endless…”

Visit an Atlanta campus open house today!

By Molly Mattison