On August 26, 2025, the Ascending Leaders Luncheon at the University Club featured an inspiring presentation from Dean Usha Menon, PhD, RN, FAAN, FSBM of the USF College of Nursing, who addressed both the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare.
Dean Menon shed light on the projected shortage of 59,000 nurses in Florida by 2035, with more than 37,000 RN positions expected to go unfilled. Despite thousands of qualified applicants seeking entry into nursing programs, many are turned away each year due to faculty shortages, limited clinical placements, and budget constraints. This trend, coupled with workplace challenges and an aging workforce, highlights the urgent need for innovation in nursing education.
To meet these challenges head-on, USF College of Nursing is leading with bold initiatives:
- Expansion & Innovation: A new 34,000 sq. ft. Tampa General Hospital Nursing Simulation Center, opening in Fall 2026, will allow USF to graduate an additional 500 undergraduates by 2028.
- High-Quality Education: With nearly 1,800 students, 297 faculty, and a 97% NCLEX pass rate, USF is recognized among the nation’s top 25 for its Master of Science in Nursing program.
- Cutting-Edge Research: From the SHINE Science Center (Sleep Medicine) to oncology collaborations with the TGH Cancer Institute, research continues to push boundaries.
- Community Impact: The Mo-Bull Nurse Medical Clinic continues to provide free care for underserved populations, saving 136 life-years and avoiding nearly $10 million in emergency department costs in just the last two years.
Dean Menon also emphasized the importance of state and national advocacy efforts such as the Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act, the PRECEPT Act, and Florida’s PIPELINE and LINE funding initiatives, all designed to strengthen the nursing pipeline and ensure quality care for growing communities like Tampa Bay.
The luncheon was attended by Elevate clients including BayFirst Bank, LCS7, Black Water Capital, Shriners Children’s, Cientochenta Agency, Kuducom, TeamLogic IT, and the Children’s Cancer Center, who joined in learning how USF College of Nursing is shaping the future of healthcare.
