Date

12-6-2025

ESRP 9000 Professor

Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Linda Gaughan, Ph.D.

Executive Summary

Enhancing Nursing Student Retention and Success: A Strategic Approach for an Urban Health Career College. Kacey Atkinson, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: accrediting bodies, attrition, nonprofit postsecondary institution, nontraditional students, organizational sustainability, simulation laboratory, underserved communities, vertical organizational structure

This strategic research project was designed to provide a local urban career health college with a clearer understanding of what contributes to student attrition and to offer a practical solution institution leaders can realistically implement. After reviewing internal processes, institutional data, and the full 40-factor analysis, one problem stood out as the most significant. The college does not have a structured, early academic support system used to identify and assist students before they begin to fall behind. Without a consistent process in place, communication varies across instructors and departments, and students who need help the most are often reached too late.

Several possible solutions were explored through the scholarly literature, including early-alert systems, stronger advising models, predictive analytics, and success coaching. After comparing each option using the quantitative strategic planning matrix, success coaching emerged as the most reasonable and effective choice for the college. This approach emphasizes early outreach, consistent check-ins, and individualized support that match the demands of a rigorous nursing program.

The action plan outlines how the success coaching model can be put into place. Major steps include adding early-alert tools to the student information system, creating consistent coaching procedures, training faculty and staff, and tracking measures such as course progress, persistence, and completion.

Recommendations for strengthening the model over time include making better use of student data, encouraging greater faculty involvement in early alerts, and reviewing staffing needs as the coaching program expands.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Organizational Leadership

Language

English

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