Message from the Dean
Nurses are needed now more than ever, to be the bold voice of advocacy and change,
at the bedside and in the boardroom.
At Ponce Health Sciences University, we recognize the transformative role of the
nurse in addressing the evolving complexities of healthcare and are committed to living
our mission to prepare ethical, compassionate, and culturally competent nursing professionals.
The path to nursing is unique to everyone, though one thing remains the same…it is
a calling; an embodiment of the art and science of caring, manifested as healing.
The ripple effects that each encounter creates, immeasurable in size and impact, the
wonders our hands and hearts perform, are the heart and soul of our profession.
We believe that we are not just shaping careers, we are shaping the future of nursing
practice. By providing high quality education programs, through an innovative curriculum
design, we are dedicated to preparing nurses to address the evolving needs of a global
healthcare system.
Our university is committed to serving underserved populations and ensuring that
all students and faculty, regardless of background, are equipped to uplift their communities
and succeed within the global culture. Whether you are a member of the Ponce Health
Sciences University as a student, faculty, staff, researcher, or administrative leader
we strive to create an academic and working environment that fosters collaboration
that will prepare our graduates to provide high-quality care to all communities.
Congratulations on making the decision to explore a career in nursing. I hope you
find that this message speaks to your heart, inspires your soul, and you join us at
Ponce Health Sciences University to make your healthcare dream become reality.
Katie Jett, DNP, RN, MSN, FNP-BC, Dean, School of Nursing, Ponce Health Sciences University–St. Louis
Message from the Dean
As Dean of the School of Nursing at Ponce Health Sciences University, I am delighted to be a part of this innovative and unique school, where I can use my 28 years of experience as a nurse, educator, and leader—never leaving aside being a constant student where I will learn something new daily. I am committed to following the vision and mission we established as a nursing school to achieve the highest levels of educational quality for future nursing professionals. Our mission is to prepare nursing professionals capable of offering holistic care, respecting all stages of growth and development, their patients’ beliefs and experiences, and focusing care in the multicultural context. Our mission is to guide our students to be competent professionals and equip them for the many roles and settings where our profession is growing. Therefore, nursing education at our School inspires discovery and lifelong learning, cultivates respect and trust, awareness of oneself and those around us, and other values important to us to act on local and global concerns to ensure health for everyone.
Aziza Mahmud Pérez, PhD, MSN, BSN, RN
Programs
Mission
The Mission of the School of Nursing is to develop ethical and compassionate nursing leaders committed to providing holistic, evidence-based care that transforms community health. Our high-quality, interprofessional education integrates innovation and technology to prepare graduates for excellence in clinical practice and health promotion initiatives.
Vision
The Ponce Health Sciences University School of Nursing strives for excellence in education, preparing nurses with advanced skills in clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and effective communication to deliver holistic care. We envision our graduates as leaders in advocacy and research, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Accreditations
PHSU has received initial approval from the Missouri State Board of Nursing to offer its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the St. Louis campus. Completing the BSN program means a student has met the academic and clinical requirements of PHSU-St. Louis and may apply to take the NCLEX-RN. Completing the program does not guarantee eligibility for licensure. The Missouri State Board of Nursing may refuse to issue a license for reasons listed in Section 335.066, RSMo, of the Missouri Nursing Practice Act. Read Section 335.066 here.
Mission
The Mission of the School of Nursing is to develop ethical and compassionate nursing leaders committed to providing holistic, evidence-based care that transforms community health. Our high-quality, interprofessional education integrates innovation and technology to prepare graduates for excellence in clinical practice and health promotion initiatives.
Vision
The Ponce Health Sciences University School of Nursing strives for excellence in education, preparing nurses with advanced skills in clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and effective communication to deliver holistic care. We envision our graduates as leaders in advocacy and research, significantly improving patient outcomes.
Accreditations
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Ponce Health Sciences University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The master's degree program is currently in moratorium and is not accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Public Notice of Upcoming Reaccreditation Visit by CCNE
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Nursing wishes to announce that it will
host a site visit for continuing accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE) on March 18–20, 2026, as part of the process for continuing accreditation
of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the Ponce, San Juan, and St.
Louis campuses.
As part of this process, CCNE invites third-party comments concerning the BSN program’s
qualifications for accreditation. You are invited to submit written comments directly
to CCNE at:
Email: thirdpartycomments@ccneaccreditation.org
Mailing Address: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Attn: Third-Party Comments
655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001
All written comments must be received by CCNE no later than February 25, 2026.