Durham Reporter

Watts College of Nursing (WCON), a longstanding institution in Durham, North Carolina, is set to relocate to the Duke University campus in July 2025. This move marks a significant development in WCON's history, offering students and faculty access to advanced resources while preserving the college's independent identity.

For nearly two decades, WCON has operated from its Croasdaile location, providing education and training for future healthcare professionals. The upcoming relocation will place WCON within Duke Health's Interprofessional Education and Care Center. This new setting will foster collaboration with the Duke University School of Nursing and the Duke Health Clinical Education & Professional Development team.

Dr. Yolanda S. Neal, president of Watts College of Nursing, stated, “WCON is relocating to ensure we offer our students the best facilities and learning experience.” She emphasized that this move would enhance opportunities for students and faculty, support strategic goals such as increased enrollment and new programs, and boost collaboration with Duke entities.

The relocation aligns with Duke Health’s mission to advance nursing education and practice by integrating academic and clinical settings. Michael V. Relf, interim dean of Duke School of Nursing, highlighted the importance of maintaining distinct identities for both WCON and Duke’s School of Nursing while promoting collaboration: “Having WCON in this space creates unique opportunities for collaboration while ensuring that WCON and Duke’s School of Nursing retain their distinct identities as separate nursing programs.”

Terry McDonnell, senior vice president and chief nurse executive for Duke University Health System, remarked on the strategic investment in developing a stronger nursing workforce: “Co-locating WCON and Duke’s School of Nursing within Duke Health’s ecosystem allows us to build a more integrated approach to workforce development.”

As WCON transitions into this new phase, its mission remains focused on educating skilled nurses who will contribute significantly to communities across North Carolina and beyond.