2025 spring nursing students
Southern Arkansas University’s Department of Nursing is proud to announce a remarkable achievement—our 2025 graduating class achieved a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. This exceptional milestone places SAU at the top among state-funded nursing programs in Arkansas. It reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education, underscoring the strength of our curriculum, faculty, and partnerships with the healthcare community.
The BSN program at SAU is built upon a foundation that prioritizes critical thinking, clinical judgment, and informed decision-making. Our curriculum is both rigorous and thoughtfully designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s healthcare needs. Students benefit from a balanced approach that combines comprehensive didactic learning with immersive clinical experiences. These clinical opportunities, made possible by strong collaborations with our dedicated community partners, provide students with real-world practice in a variety of settings, helping to ensure they are well-prepared for licensure and practice.
Nursing students participating in simulation lab
Dr. Karen Ainsworth Landry, chair of the Department of Nursing, attributes this success to the synergy between faculty, students, and community stakeholders. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the unwavering support of our clinical partners. We facilitate learning and help cultivate future nurses who are prepared to make sound clinical decisions and provide excellent, compassionate care. We are so proud of this class and the legacy they leave behind.”
Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Abdel Bachri, also shared his congratulations. “The 100% pass rate is a clear indicator of the exceptional quality of our nursing program. Our faculty are not only educators but mentors and role models who guide our students toward professional excellence. This outcome also speaks to the strength of the leadership within the department and the university’s commitment to student success and healthcare workforce development.”
As the demand for highly skilled nurses continues to grow, SAU’s Department of Nursing remains committed to preparing graduates who exceed expectations. The 2025 NCLEX results are more than just a statistic—they represent lives transformed, communities served, and a future generation of nurses ready to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare environment with confidence and competence.
About SAU:
SAU, located in Magnolia, Arkansas, provides students with a complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional trends of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
