OU, Cherokee Nation Partner to Expand Nursing Campus
- mike33692
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
OU and Cherokee Nation Partner to Expand Nursing Education in Tahlequah
A new partnership between the University of Oklahoma and the Cherokee Nation is set to expand nursing education in eastern Oklahoma.
The two entities have signed an agreement to build a University of Oklahoma nursing campus in Tahlequah, aimed at increasing access to nursing education and addressing workforce shortages.
The Cherokee Nation is investing $30 million to renovate the former W.W. Hastings Hospital, which will house the new OU campus. The project builds on the Nation’s existing healthcare education initiatives, including a medical school partnership with Oklahoma State University.
Nursing education expansion addresses workforce needs
Leaders say the new campus will help train more nurses for Oklahoma’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and tribal communities. Healthcare officials have repeatedly warned of nursing shortages across the state.
The partnership allows OU to expand its nursing program footprint while leveraging the Cherokee Nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
Investment strengthens regional healthcare
Cherokee Nation officials say expanding nursing education aligns with long-term goals to improve access to care and build a sustainable healthcare workforce.
University leaders say the Tahlequah campus will offer students hands-on training opportunities and strengthen collaboration between tribal and academic institutions.
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