About Us

  • A bright daytime view of the Iowa State University campanile rising above colorful trees under a blue sky, with “Iowa State University Nursing” in red text on a white geometric banner in the upper left corner.

    Mission

    Iowa State University creates, shares, and applies knowledge to make our students, Iowa, and the world better.

    The mission of the Iowa State University Nursing Program is to enhance human health and quality of life through excellence in nursing education, evidence-based practice, and collaboration across healthcare disciplines. Our programs advance the profession of nursing and advocate for optimal health and wellness for all people.

  • Vision

    Iowa State University advances the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

    The vision of the Iowa State University Nursing Program is to improve the health of local and global communities through learner-centered nursing programs that prepare practice-ready nurses and future leaders in healthcare.

  • Values

    The Iowa State University Nursing Program supports the Principles of Community, alongside the institutional values of Access, Excellence, and Integrity.

    Our Values in Action

    • Student-centered Learning: Small classes, accessible faculty, and flexible pathways (RN‑to‑BSN, A‑BSN, MSN) that support your professional goals.
    • Evidence-based Practice: Curriculum and clinical experiences grounded in current research and best practices.
    • Collaboration: Strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, community agencies, and interdisciplinary teams.
    • Embrace Community: Commitment to Iowa State’s Principles of Community—Respect, Purpose, Cooperation, Richness of Diversity, Freedom from Discrimination, and Honest and Respectful Expression of Ideas.
    • Leadership and Service: Opportunities to engage in immersion experiences, community projects, and advocacy that address health disparities and advance population health.
  • Strategic Goals

    Across programs, the Iowa State Nursing seeks to:

    1. Provide accessible, high-quality learning experiences that advance nursing education and enhance professional practice for diverse student populations.
    2. Foster the advancement of evidence-based healthcare through the integration of research, professional nursing practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
    3. Improve health and wellness by engaging students and faculty with local, regional, and global communities through service, immersion, and outreach.
    4. Embrace and demonstrate the professional values that define nursing practice while maintaining a culture of respect, collaboration, and academic excellence.

A Message from Nursing Leadership

Dr. Dawn Bowker, Director of Nursing Education, Clinical Associate Professor

It is a privilege to serve alongside a team dedicated to preparing compassionate, skilled, and ethical nurses who serve with integrity and excellence. Our mission is to educate and inspire future nurses to provide high-quality, person-centered care that meets the diverse needs of the communities we serve.

Our vision is to be a leader in nursing education— where innovation, evidence-based practice, and a spirit of lifelong learning come together to transform healthcare. We strive to create an environment where students are encouraged to think critically, act with empathy, and uphold the highest professional standards.

The values that guide us— excellence, respect, compassion, accountability, and collaboration—are reflected in every aspect of our program. Through classroom learning, clinical experiences, and community engagement, we empower our students to embody these values in service to others.

Nursing is both an art and a science, and we hold ourselves to the highest standards of education and practice to ensure that our graduates not only excel in their professional roles but also make meaningful differences in the lives they touch. Together, we remain dedicated to advancing the profession of nursing and improving the health of our communities.

~ Dr. Bowker

Iowa State Nursing News

Contact Us

Iowa State University Nursing

220 E MacKay Hall
2302 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA 50011-1123

nursing@iastate.edu
515-294-2321