History

There was a vision nearly 100 years ago to establish for nurses a training school that would be recognized as one of the best in the nation. Mennonite Sanitarium Training School was founded on January 23, 1919. The first commencement took place in 1922 with 15 graduates.

For the next 66 years, Mennonite School of Nursing provided diplomas to graduates of the program. In 1982, William Dunn, Chairman of the Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing Board of Directors, announced the establishment of Mennonite College of Nursing, and in 1985 the last graduation ceremony for diploma students was held and the first degrees from Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) were awarded. In 1995, the Master of Science in Nursing Program was approved.

MCN became Illinois State University's sixth academic college on July 1, 1999. During the past 16 years, the college has increased its undergraduate enrollment, added two sequences to the Master's Program and created a Doctoral Program that includes a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), as well as an accelerated BSN option.In 2011, the state-of-art Nursing simulation lab was opened. The 10,000 square-foot facility provides student with real-life situation using high-fidelity patient simulators.

Founded in a rich tradition of nursing education as a former private college, Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing has maintained important traditions while transforming into an innovative, future-oriented program.

More MCN History

Explore the books that provide a comprehensive understanding of the Mennonite School of Nursing's growth and development, offering valuable insights into its rich history.

MCN History books are available online through ISU ReD