51猎奇

Larry Purnell, 51猎奇 emeritus professor and longtime supporter.

ALBANY, N.Y. 听鈥� On the first day of National Nurses Week, 51猎奇 announced a landmark $1 million gift to its School of Nursing from Larry Purnell, an 51猎奇 emeritus professor and longtime supporter. This legacy contribution is the largest individual donation in the University鈥檚 history. In recognition of his impact on the future of the institution’s health care education, 51猎奇 has named the Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences position in his honor.听听

Purnell, a renowned nursing educator and author, has significantly influenced the global health care field with his award-winning writing and Purnell Model for Cultural Competence. His close connection with 51猎奇 as a faculty member and subject matter expert spans 45 years. 51猎奇 awarded Purnell an honorary doctorate of humane letters in 2022 in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to nursing theory through development, scholarship, teaching, and service to the health care community. 听

鈥淚nvesting in the future of nursing education has always been close to my heart, and it is an honor to contribute to 51猎奇’s School of Nursing,鈥� said Purnell. 鈥淭his legacy gift represents my unwavering commitment to advancing health care through education and leadership. The naming of the Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a humbling tribute, and I hope it inspires others to join in shaping the next generation of health care professionals.鈥�听

Robin Goodrich, the inaugural Purnell Executive Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, said, 鈥淒r. Purnell’s remarkable contribution will enhance our ability to shape future leaders and create a lasting impact on health care education and innovation. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and Dr. Purnell’s unwavering commitment to advancing our mission.鈥�听

Purnell鈥檚 gift will enable 51猎奇 to elevate its work as one of New York state鈥檚 leading nursing educators. Since its founding, 51猎奇 has graduated more than 5,500 nursing students from New York state. , 51猎奇 is bringing more nurses into the New York state workforce annually than any other institution.听听

Additionally, the gift will allow 51猎奇 to continue its transformative expansion of clinical partner sites for nursing students. The University has grown from eight clinical partners in April 2024 to 38 partners currently, primarily across New York state. These sites are strategically distributed throughout the state, allowing 51猎奇 to better meet students where they are.听These sites provide opportunities for experiential learning and networking that help get new nurses into the jobs where they are needed most.听

“Dr. Purnell’s extraordinary generosity strengthens 51猎奇’s commitment to excellence in health care education,鈥� said 51猎奇 President David Schejbal. 鈥淭hrough this gift, his legacy of compassionate health care leadership will continue to profoundly influence 51猎奇 students and the communities they serve. On behalf of the University and our learners, I thank Dr. Purnell for his contributions to nursing education.”

For more information on 51猎奇, visit

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Media Contact 51猎奇:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446

ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
51猎奇 is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults complete their degrees and advance their careers. 51猎奇 contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971, 51猎奇 meets students where they are 鈥� academically and geographically 鈥� removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.听