Decades of Dedication: Celebrating Milestones in Nursing, Orthodontics and Speech-Language Pathology

This year, Jacksonville University's Brooks Rehabilitation College of Healthcare Sciences (BRCHS) is celebrating major anniversaries for three of its outstanding programs - each marking decades of innovation, service and excellence in health care education.

40 Years of Excellence in Nursing

The Keigwin School of Nursing (KSON) commemorates its 40th anniversary, celebrating four decades of producing compassionate, highly skilled nurses. From its beginnings as a traditional bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program, KSON has grown to offer a wide range of degree tracks and specializations, including accelerated degree options, nurse practitioner pathways and doctoral programs.

KSON has also led the way in innovation, launching a pioneering RN-BSN distance learning program in 2001 and forging vital partnerships with healthcare leaders such as Baptist Health and Mayo Clinic. This commitment to adaptability and excellence continues to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare field.

Rebecca Monteau '09, Director of Nursing Academic Affairs at Mayo Clinic, credits her time at JU for shaping her career.

"Jacksonville University provided me with cutting-edge, evidence-based education," said Monteau. "The immersive learning environment made my education active and practical, allowing me to seamlessly apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios."

20 Years of Advancing Dental Expertise

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the orthodontics program has been a cornerstone of advanced dental training. This 24-month program integrates academic, clinical, and research experiences, culminating in a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). Since its founding, the program has graduated 283 specialists prepared to lead in their field.

Dr. Marty Greenberg '20, an orthodontist with his own private practice, Bold Bite Orthodontics, reflects on the program's impact on his success.

"The high-caliber faculty, the expertise of my peers and the extensive hands-on patient experience gave me a solid foundation as an orthodontist. It's an honor to celebrate this incredible milestone with the program," said Dr. Greenberg.

10 Years of Transforming Lives Through Communication

Marking its 10th anniversary, the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program continues to train specialists who change lives through the power of communication. The program welcomed its first cohort in 2014 and expanded in 2021. To date, 368 graduates have earned their Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, with many contributing to local healthcare systems and school districts through clinical partnerships.

Marisa Southern '22, a practicing speech-language pathologist who works for Duval County Public Schools, shares her gratitude for the program:
"JU is one of the key reasons I've been successful in my career. The faculty truly take the time to ensure we understand the material, and the hands-on clinical experiences prepared me for the real world."

These milestones reflect the enduring dedication of BRCHS to fostering innovative healthcare professionals and highlight its lasting impact on the community and beyond.