JBU is currently pursuing accreditation for these new programs through the appropriate accrediting bodies and plans to launch the programs over three years. The fully online Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwifery tracks are expected to begin in 2028, followed by the online Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track in 2029. The residential Physician Assistant program is slated to welcome its first cohort in 2030.
The new programs are supported by a $34.5 million gift commitment from a generous partner. As part of its Steadfast Faith capital campaign, JBU has also raised $7.7 million from generous donors and is committed to raising an additional $6.5 million, bringing the total project investment to $48.7 million.
The investment includes funding to complete a 7,500-square-foot expansion of JBU’s Health & Technology Center, which will provide state-of-the-art labs and classroom space for advanced healthcare education. Contingent on accreditation, the project also includes a $15 million faculty endowment to help ensure market-competitive compensation and a $10 million scholarship endowment to keep the programs accessible to students committed to practicing in Arkansas.
To support clinical requirements for the new programs, JBU will work with regional healthcare partners including Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, Washington Regional Medical Center, Freeman Health Systems and Community Clinic. These partnerships will help develop high-quality local rotations while growing clinical capacity in coordination with regional providers to benefit the Northwest Arkansas community.
I'm interested in directing or teaching in these programs. Who should I contact?
Prospective faculty interested in joining JBU’s new graduate healthcare programs, including in program director roles, are encouraged to reach out directly to the appropriate program lead. For nursing-related opportunities, contact Natasha Trotter at NTrotter@jbu.edu. For physician assistant program opportunities, contact Ted Song at TSong@jbu.edu.
