College of Nursing welcomes largest cohort in history

The Texas A&M University College of Nursing welcomed the largest incoming cohort of traditional Bachelor of Science (BSN) students in its history this fall, marking a milestone of growth for the program and the high demand for Aggie nurses.

One-hundred and seventy students have started their nursing journey in Bryan-College Station in the two-year program. Each has a unique story. But this semester, they have one thing in common: being part of history.

For Nate Blackshear and Kira Stankard, their interest in nursing began in high school.

“I knew I wanted to do something hands on and impactful,” Blackshear said.

His path took on an even deeper purpose after the unexpected death of his mother in the rural Texas community of Victoria. Blackshear became passionate about access to health care in rural communities. His desire to attend Texas A&M grew after reading research papers on the topic from faculty in the college.

“If I can make even a small contribution to improving health care in underserved communities, I’d be very grateful,” he said.

Stankard’s decision to pursue the profession was sparked by her older sister, who is a nurse. She spent time shadowing different health care professionals and volunteering in hospitals in her hometown of Austin. This allowed her to realize the unique role nurses play in supporting patients during some of life’s most difficult moments.

“I want to be someone who is there for patients and families,” Stankard said. “Someone who makes a hard time just a little easier.”

Stankard also remembers meeting nursing advisors before even applying.

“They genuinely cared about me succeeding, even when I wasn’t a student yet,” she said. “That made me realize this was where I wanted to be.”

The expanded size of the cohort in Bryan-College Station is a response to the state’s persistent call for more bachelor’s-prepared nurses, according to Leann Horsley, PhD, dean of the college.

“As a land-grant institution, we have a responsibility to help address the needs of Texas,” Horsley said. “This fall’s increased cohort size represents our efforts to keep our communities healthy and thriving by preparing more Aggie nurses to care for those who need them most.”

The Bryan-College Station cohort is complemented by 48 in the college’s second-degree BSN program in Round Rock, which is designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. In spring 2026, the college will begin offering its traditional BSN program in McAllen.

“We are not growing for growth’s sake,” Horsley said. “We are growing because the future of health care in Texas, the nation and beyond depends on it.”

For Blackshear and Stankard, being a part of the largest cohort in the college’s history comes with a sense of pride.

“It feels like being a part of something historic,” Blackshear said. “And it’s nice knowing I’ll have so many classmates to learn and grow with,” Stankard said, explaining that the growth shows the desire to be part of the program.

Both students have a vision for how they hope to use their nursing degree. Blackshear wants to pursue intensive care unit (ICU) nursing, eventually specializing in nurse anesthesia and contributing to rural health care initiatives. Stankard is drawn to pediatric oncology, where she hopes to create meaningful and lasting relationships with patients and their families.

Blackshear, Stankard and the rest of the record-setting cohort have four semesters ahead of them. They carry different goals but a common motivation to succeed in the profession of nursing.