Cal State Fullerton’s School of Nursing has been named a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, the highest honor in academic nursing. The school, which has a vision to “educate nurses to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care in dynamic healthcare environments serving diverse populations through excellence in teaching, scholarship and service,” is the first and only school in California to be named a Center of Excellence.
“The School of Nursing’s national recognition as a Center of Excellence, reflects the extraordinary dedication, innovation, and commitment to excellence that define nursing education and student success at Cal State Fullerton,” said President Ronald Rochon. “This honor highlights the exceptional work of the CSUF School of Nursing’s faculty, staff, students and partners, and distinguishes the school as a destination for students pursuing careers in nursing.”
The School of Nursing hosts over 500 undergraduates, as well as nearly 300 students in master’s and doctoral programs, including a highly ranked nurse anesthesia graduate program. The university awards over 250 bachelor’s degrees in nursing each year, and many of the graduates accept positions in hospitals, clinics and schools in Southern California.
“CSUF School of Nursing, in strong collaboration with clinical and community partners, is deeply committed to academic and professional excellence,” said Celestina Barbosa-Leiker, dean of the College of Health and Human Development. “I am incredibly proud of the achievement, and thankful to all those who serve our students.”
According to the NLN, “The National League for Nursing the Centers of Excellence program is the organization’s initiative to recognize schools that have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and invested resources over a sustained period of time to distinguish themselves in a specific area related to nursing education.”
Cal State Fullerton was one of 20 organizations across the country named a Center of Excellence in 2026, and is part of a cohort of 10 institutions recognized for “sustained efforts in enhancing student learning and professional development.”
“Receiving the National League for Nursing Center of Excellence designation is a tremendous honor and a reflection of who we are as a School of Nursing,” said Sadeeka Al-Majid, professor and director of the School of Nursing.
“This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing education through academic innovation, student success, faculty development, and strong clinical and community partnerships. Most importantly, it reflects our shared purpose of preparing compassionate, highly skilled nurse leaders who will transform health care and improve the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.”
“Earning the NLN Center of Excellence designation reflects the hard work and commitment by these nursing schools and programs to sustain innovation and excellence in every aspect of the academic experience, from classroom to clinic to campus life. We applaud the 2026 NLN Centers of Excellence and thank them for demonstrating values and actions that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary in nursing education,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone in a release posted on the NLN’s website.
The NLN Center of Excellence designation adds to CSUF School of Nursing’s existing accolades, including being ranked third nationwide and first in California by U.S. News and World Report for its nurse anesthesia program.
Barbosa-Leiker said, “This award is a national validation of the talent we know we have at the School. In the coming year, we hope to expand our outreach and service to growing institutions in need of such nursing talent.”
The school, which has established itself as a cornerstone of nursing education and innovation in Southern California for five decades, will be recognized at the Honors Convocation of the 2026 NLN Education Summit in Washington, D.C., in September 2026.