Program continues to provide learning opportunities for practicing nurses to maintain current knowledge. 1989 - First to offer a doctoral degree in nursing in the state of North Carolina. 1992 - First minority affairs office developed in a North Carolina nursing school. One of only six such centers nationwide, the CRCI is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research and facilitates multidisciplinary studies on the processes involved in the prevention and management of chronic illnesses in vulnerable populations. 1994 - Office of Community Outreach and Practice created to foster relationship between School of Nursing and North Carolina residents.
Office makes faculty knowledge, practice, and teaching and research skills accessible to the public.
1998 - Options for RNs expanded to include RN to MSN program. BSN to PhD program begun.