Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s School of Nursing and Health Professions has been designated a 2025 Center of Excellence (COE) in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN), one of only 21 institutions nationwide selected for this prestigious honor.

The formal recognition will take place during the NLN Honors Convocation at the 2025 NLN Education Summit in Orlando, Florida, on September 19. The designation acknowledges MGCCC’s sustained excellence in enhancing student learning and professional development, a distinction awarded to both universities and community colleges that exemplify best practices in nursing education.

“This recognition is a reflection of the outstanding commitment of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Teresa McDonald, associate vice president of MGCCC’s School of Nursing and Health Professions. “At Gulf Coast, we continually strive to elevate our programs to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry, while fostering an environment where students can grow into compassionate and skilled professionals. We are honored to be recognized on a national stage for that work.”

Dr. Beverly Malone, NLN president and CEO, praised the 2025 honorees, stating, “We have all heard, ‘It takes a village.’ Nowhere is that truer than in the shared vision and values, mutual support, respect, and inclusivity among faculty, leadership and students that must come together for an extraordinary nursing program to be nationally recognized for their innovation and commitment in becoming an NLN Center of Excellence.”

The Centers of Excellence program was established by the NLN to recognize nursing schools that have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in a specific area. MGCCC’s designation highlights the college’s strategic investment in creating exceptional educational pathways that prepare students for success in a complex and changing healthcare landscape.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is proud to be a leader in nursing education in the nation and continues to build a legacy of excellence through innovation, integrity, and student success.