School of Nursing Building

What whispers echo within the walls of the School of Nursing Building? Here, at Wayne State University’s College of Nursing, the air hums with the legacy of Katharine E. Faville. The School of Nursing Building, originally the Richard A. Cohn Building, opened its doors in 1959, a testament to a gift from the Detroit Hospital Fund and the Richard Cohn Fund. This building wasn’t just bricks and mortar. It was the realization of a vision, a dedicated home for the College of Nursing. Faville, a pivotal figure in the school’s history, had returned to Detroit in 1945 to lead WSU’s newly established College of Nursing. This marked a significant moment, as it became the first American college to offer a comprehensive BSN degree. The curriculum spanned a wide range of nursing disciplines, from fundamentals and medical-surgical to the specialized areas of pediatric, psychiatric, and public health. The School of Nursing Building wasn’t just a place of learning; it was a catalyst for change. In 1947, the school embraced global education, becoming the first in the nation to receive Rockefeller funds for international students. This commitment to fostering a global perspective in nursing continued with partnerships and funding from organizations like the World Health Organization and the American Nurses Association. By 1962, the college had educated 160 nurses from around the world. This building witnessed the birth of the Master of Science in Nursing program in the mid-1950s and the establishment of the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Lambda chapter. It also housed the first Center for Health Research affiliated with an educational institution, launched in 1969. The School of Nursing Building pulsed with the energy of research and innovation. Research Day became an annual tradition, where faculty and students shared their groundbreaking work. The building’s Learning Resource Center, equipped with cutting-edge computer-assisted instruction and videotaped lessons, further underscored the college’s dedication to modern learning. The School of Nursing Building stands as a symbol of progress in nursing education. It embodies the enduring legacy of Faville and the countless individuals who have shaped the college’s rich history.