Board denies Goodwin University LPN director appointment because candidate lacks required advanced nursing degree

The Board of Examiners for Nursing voted on March 4 not to approve Kimberly Connolly as program director for Goodwin University's Licensed Practical Nursing program because she does not meet the regulatory requirement of an "earned advanced degree in nursing."

Goodwin's dean, Vivian Friday, described Connolly's experience in curriculum development, faculty mentorship and program evaluation and said the university considered her a strong match for the role. Board members and counsel reviewed the applicable regulations and waiver language during the qualifications review. Board counsel and members noted the administrative requirement that a program administrator have an advanced degree in nursing; although the board may grant narrow waivers for certain faculty deficiencies, counsel advised that the waiver provisions cited addressed faculty qualifications rather than the administrator's earned advanced degree requirement.

Several board members recalled precedent where candidates without the required master's were denied director approval and expressed concern about setting a different standard. After discussion the motion to approve Connolly failed on roll call.

Why it matters: The decision underscores the board's reliance on regulatory language for program administrators and the high standard set for leadership of nursing programs, which board members said is intended to protect educational quality and patient safety.

What happens next: Goodwin University may revise its candidate selection or seek a different path to satisfy the regulatory requirement; the board's counsel indicated the board could seek formal AG opinion if further regulatory interpretation is needed.