Grace College is introducing its own Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree for freshmen starting in fall 2026. Historically, the institution has partnered with Bethel University in Mishawaka, Ind., to offer nursing degrees; since 2017, it has offered a BSN, and previously, it has offered an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) to its students. By launching its own program, Grace can now provide a comprehensive nursing experience on its Winona Lake campus, allowing nursing majors to participate in campus life activities and earn a diploma from Grace College.
“We are thrilled to make this long-awaited transition,” said Dr. Kristen Richmond, director of nursing at Grace. “Our nursing majors will now be fully Grace students and share the same rhythms and routines as their peers. Since Grace is an institution that highly values Christ-centered community, we are excited for the ways our future nursing students will be able to experience this at a new level and finally complete their studies with a Grace nursing degree.”
Richmond, who has served at Grace since 2014, will be leading the school in its efforts to grow the nursing program. She received her BSN and MSN from Ball State University and earned her DNP from Regis College. Richmond specializes in maternity nursing.
“With her educational background, practical expertise and institutional knowledge, Kristen is the perfect candidate to lead our nursing program at Grace,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, dean of the School of Science & Engineering. “We want to build upon the strong foundation we’ve had with Bethel, with strategic goals to grow the nursing program in students and personnel in the coming years.”
Nursing students will have access to Grace’s contemporary nursing simulation lab, made possible by the K21 Health Foundation, where they can practice their skills in a well-developed and life-like environment. In addition, they’ll have the opportunity to serve the greater community through clinical placements at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Grace Village, Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center and Parkview Kosciusko Hospital, all located within 10 miles of campus.
In the process of granting initial accreditation for the nursing program at Grace College, the Indiana State Board of Nursing cited the quality of the curriculum and program design.
“With an emphasis on scenario-based learning, and a focus on loving our patients the way Christ would, our students will be equipped to enter their clinicals — and more importantly, the workforce — with confidence, compassion and the heart of a servant,” said Richmond.
For more information about Grace’s nursing program, visit www.grace.edu/programs/nursing/.
