The University of Akron Wayne College is pleased to announce the receipt of a generous grant from the Carl E. Congdon, Jr. and Susanna Congdon McIntyre Memorial Fund at Wayne County Community Foundation. These funds will be used to support Wayne College's Nursing Space and Equipment initiative, a facilities improvement-based project aimed at providing dedicated lab and classroom space and specialized equipment for the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program offered at Wayne College. This initiative underscores Wayne College’s commitment to addressing regional healthcare needs by providing advanced educational opportunities to aspiring healthcare professionals.
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree program, which welcomed its first cohort in the spring semester of 2025, provides students with the foundational knowledge and hands-on, skills-based training needed to become a registered nurse (RN). Students benefit from the structured, smaller learning environment and personalized instruction offered at Wayne College. The accelerated pathway offers a direct route to RN licensure while also serving as a steppingstone toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for those pursuing advanced nursing roles.
With the growing demand for registered nurses in Wayne County and rural areas, the ADN program aims to strengthen the local healthcare workforce. Graduates are well-positioned for employment at institutions such as Wooster Community Hospital, Aultman Orrville and Akron Children’s Hospital.
The program caters to a diverse mix of students, including traditional learners, working adults and individuals seeking career changes. Nearly 100 students are currently completing prerequisites, with 40 new students expected annually starting Fall 2025. Amber Murray, Director, Associate Degree Nursing Program, said, “This is an exciting time for our ADN program at Wayne College. With access to advanced facilities and specialized equipment, our students will gain the hands-on experience needed to become confident, highly skilled registered nurses. We are incredibly grateful for this support as we prepare them to make a meaningful impact in healthcare!”
The Wayne County Community Foundation is a charitable community organization that accepts contributions, creates and administers funds and makes grants for the benefit of the people of the greater Wayne County, Ohio area: wccfoh.org.
