1909
Sponsoring church Community of Christ (then RLDS) opens the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital (“the San”) less than 50 yards from where Graceland’s Independence campus currently resides.
1910
The Independence Sanitarium and Hospital opens a school of nursing.
1960
At the Community of Christ (then RLDS) World Conference, the church affirms its interest in extending the Graceland campus to Independence with the desire to provide a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
1965
Nelle Morgan, director of the San’s diploma nursing program, receives a grant to fund an investigation in creating a bachelor’s degree, and Margaret McKevit is selected as project director for the study.
1967
The Board of Trustees of the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital vote to make its clinical facilities available to Graceland.
1968
Graceland president William T. Higdon announces the creation of a baccalaureate degree program in nursing. Students were to complete two years at the Lamoni campus, then pursue their last two years of technical and lab coursework at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital.
Margaret McKevit becomes the first person to chair Graceland’s Division of Nursing.
1969
Graceland’s nursing major attracts 70 students, as juniors first enroll in the baccalaureate program in Independence.
1970
McKevit Manor is initiated as the residence hall “House” for nursing students in Independence.
1973
Graceland’s Independence campus, now called the Independence Education Center, is moved from the San to 9900 E. Winner Road.
1987
Graceland establishes a distance learning RN-BSN program, the first national accredited program of its kind.
1993
Graceland’s Independence Education Center moves to the Central Professional Building at 221 W. Lexington on the Independence Square.
1994
Sherri Kirkpatrick is promoted to vice president and dean of nursing becoming Graceland’s first vice president to be located on the Independence campus.
1995
Graceland begins offering a Master of Science in Nursing degree, the first master’s degree Graceland offers.
1997
Construction begins on Graceland’s permanent Independence campus location at 1401 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO.
1998
Construction is completed on the Independence campus.
2011
The Doctor of Nursing Practice program enrolls its first cohort.
2017
Graceland adds a Master of Science in Nursing in adult gerontology and acute care nursing practice.
199 – The number of students who completed the diploma nursing program at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital prior to the initiation of Graceland’s baccalaureate program.
Nurses enrolled in the school of nursing at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital.
Associate Professor of Nursing Paula Cokington, RN, MSN, and students Joseph Carney `79 and Kathleen Frazier `80.
The Graceland Nursing Pin was designed by Iola Tordoff. The first 12 students received their nursing pins in May 1971.
Graceland’s Independence Education Center (IEC). Winner Road location.
Nursing students studying at IEC, 1980.
The Nurses Pinning Ceremony signifies the completion of academic requirements and the preparation for service in the profession. Kirkpatrick awards the nursing pin, 1996.
An architectural rendering showing the north elevation of the Independence campus. The contractor selected to oversee construction was J.E. Dunn of Kansas City. The estimated cost was $8.5 million, with funding from operations and a bonds issue.
Horizons - Spring 2019
July 17, 2019
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Horizons - Spring 2019
July 11, 2019
With funding for Newcom Student Union nearing completion, we are excited to turn our attention to Graceland’s architectural icon: CLOSSON PHYSICAL EDUCATION CENTER.
Horizons - Spring 2019
July 5, 2019
2018 was a big year for Women’s Volleyball Head Coach STEW McDOLE ’65 — the latest of many, many big years in his 37 seasons coaching the Yellowjackets — and his accomplishments and accolades shine a light on the impact he has had on the volleyball world.
Horizons - Spring 2019
June 28, 2019
Jonathan Montalvo moved to Indiana from Lares, Puerto Rico, when he was 15 years old. He completed high school there before attending Purdue University and then going on to get his master’s degree in Spanish literature from Western Michigan University and his PhD in Hispanic cultural studies from Michigan State University.
Horizons - Spring 2019
June 23, 2019
A Conversation with Graceland’s Deans of the School of Nursing
Horizons - Spring 2019
June 17, 2019
Graceland students who have gone through the pre-professional programs on the Lamoni campus have a history of success as they take the next steps in their career path.
