Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) kicked off the spring semester with 40 new campus students, bringing the enrollment of campus undergraduates to approximately 540.
“It is very exciting to have such a large incoming class in the spring term,” said Chris Lozier, MBA, associate vice president for enrollment management. “Our students, including the incoming students from 12 different states and three international students, chose The Woods for the close-knit community and the outstanding support they get from our faculty and staff.”
New students began moving into their residence halls on Thursday, the day before spring orientation started. Classes officially begin on Monday, Jan.12.
“I’m excited to be home and really get the semester started,” said Rayven Wilson, a freshman Accounting major from Terre Haute, as she prepared for the welcome and introductions at the start of orientation.
The Paramedic Science to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (PM to BSN) program welcomed a new cohort of 22 students for the spring semester. The PM to BSN program was first announced in November 2022. One of only two online programs of its kind in the country, students with a paramedic license can earn a BSN in as little as two years.
“I enjoy being a paramedic, but now I’m looking to take the next step in my career,” said Bryan Holthaus, who has been a licensed paramedic in Illinois for more than six years. “I think getting my nursing degree will open up more doors in my healthcare career journey.”
SMWC’s program meets the needs of paramedics by offering the opportunity to expand their current education and complete a BSN while continuing to work as paramedics.
“I feel the distance platform is what sets us apart,” said Jackie Martin, DNP, RN, CLN, AGCNS-BC, director of the PM to BSN program. “Students can learn from home, at work, or anywhere they have the time and space. No trips to campus. No sitting in a traditional classroom. They work when they can and customize the experience to fit their learning style.”