Greenville University’s Partnership with Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
Published: January 15, 2025
Author: Liz Dowell
In June 2024, Greenville University (GU) established a dual-enrollment agreement with the Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, creating a pathway for GU students to earn a bachelor of science in Nursing (BSN). The partnership is a significant step toward strengthening healthcare education in the region.
Under the terms of the 2+2 program, students complete two years of prerequisite coursework at GU before transitioning to two years of nursing studies at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing's campus in St. Louis, near the Barnes-Jewish Hospital complex. The collaboration allows students to gain hands-on experience in some of the nation's top healthcare facilities.
NORAH’S JOURNEY: FROM STUDENT-ATHLETE TO FUTURE NURSE
For GU student-athlete Norah Swinigan, the new nursing pathway is more than a career opportunity—it’s a personal mission. A standout member of GU's track and field team, Norah embodies the University's core values of fearless living and courageous care on and off the track.
“I’ve always wanted a career that would allow me to help people,” Nora shares.
Norah's passion for nursing stems from her family experience. Her brother's early health challenges inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, and the compassion her family received from medical professionals motivated her to do so.
“Seeing the care my baby brother received when he was born made a lasting impact on me,” Norah recalls. “I knew then that I wanted to be someone who could provide that same level of care and comfort to others.”
This personal connection to nursing fuels Norah’s determination to succeed in her studies and prepare for a meaningful career serving others.
BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF FAITH AND SERVICE
Greenville University's Christ-centered mission shapes the nursing program by emphasizing character, service, and fearless living. The University's approach prepares students to enter healthcare with competence and compassion.
“What I love about GU is how much the professors care about us as individuals,” Norah says. “They’re not just teaching us content; they’re investing in us as future leaders.”
GU’s holistic approach to education integrates faith, academics, and real-world application. This focus on mentorship and personal growth resonates with students like Norah, who see their future careers as a calling and a service.
The partnership with Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing allows GU students to gain invaluable clinical experience at leading healthcare institutions, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital.
“I know that the experiences I’ll have at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing will prepare me to be the best nurse I can be,” Norah says. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field.”
BARNES-JEWISH COLLEGE GOLDFARB SCHOOL OF NURSING VISIT GU CAMPUS
Five GU juniors are enrolled in Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing's program, and more students are preparing to enter in future years. The program also offers flexibility for student-athletes, allowing them to earn a bachelor of science with a major in medical biology from GU and a BSN from Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing. Non-athletes may pursue either a dual degree or a nursing degree alone.
