A message from the Dean
Dear Students, friends, colleagues, alumni, and supporters,
As the Dean of the University of Nevada, Reno Orvis School of Nursing, it is my privilege to welcome you to our community. At Orvis, we are committed not only to educating the next generation of nurses but also to advancing nursing education at the master’s and doctoral levels. Equally important, we are a vibrant community of scholars, generating the knowledge and insights so desperately needed to improve healthcare locally, nationally, and globally.
Since our founding in 1956, Orvis has grown and evolved in ways that reflect our enduring commitment to excellence. Our programs serve nurses at every stage of their careers, from foundational preparation to advanced practice and research. We offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a comprehensive suite of graduate programs (MSN and DNP), including pathways to become Nurse Educators, Clinical Nurse Leaders, Family Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Adult-Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioners, and Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioners.
As part of the University of Nevada, Reno, a Carnegie R1 research institution, the Orvis School of Nursing benefits from being embedded in a thriving academic environment with a high level of research activity. The University’s Community Engaged classification highlights our university's strong connections with local and regional partners to address pressing social issues and enhance community well-being. Within this setting, Orvis faculty and students engage in transdisciplinary research alongside colleagues in medicine, public health, social sciences, and more. This collaborative spirit empowers our nursing scholars to contribute to cutting-edge science that not only enriches nursing practice but also informs health policy and improves health outcomes.
Our commitment to clinical excellence sets Orvis apart. Across all programs, we coordinate and secure clinical placements for our students—an extraordinary level of support that distinguishes us from many institutions, especially at the graduate level, where students are often expected to find placements independently. We believe that students deserve quality, structured clinical experiences without the added burden of navigating placement logistics on their own.
Orvis is also deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to foster an environment where everyone belongs, including first-generation college students, American Indian and Indigenous communities, individuals from rural and frontier areas, and those historically underrepresented in the nursing workforce. This commitment is fundamental to who we are as a school. We believe that inclusive excellence enriches our learning community and enhances our ability to serve diverse populations through culturally responsive and compassionate care.
To our students, we are honored to be part of your journey into nursing and to support you as you advance your education. You have chosen a noble profession, one that requires dedication, resilience, and empathy. Our faculty and staff are here to help you succeed every step of the way, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or support.
Looking forward, our goal is to continue preparing nurse leaders who advocate, innovate, and improve health outcomes for Nevada and beyond. Together, we can drive meaningful change through excellence in teaching, innovative research, and strong partnerships with our community and supporters. Each of you—our faculty, staff, alumni, students, partners, and donors—plays a crucial role in the success and growth of Orvis. Thank you for being part of our vision and our community. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future.
Go Pack!
Charles Yingling, DNP, RN, FAANP, FAAN
Dean and Professor