Honoring Helen Monroe: Lincoln University’s Nursing Legacy

Helen Monroe, the first dean of Lincoln University of Missouri’s School of Nursing.

As Lincoln University of Missouri celebrates Black History Month, we’re proud to recognize the impact of Helen Monroe, the founding dean of the School of Nursing. A woman of resilience and vision, Monroe transformed an ambitious idea into a thriving department that has shaped healthcare education for over 50 years.

Helen Monroe: A Legacy of Excellence

A graduate of Florida A&M with a master’s degree in nursing from St. John’s University, Helen Monroe joined Lincoln University in the late 1960s at a time when local hospitals were seeking programs to train more nurses. As a woman of color in a predominantly white and male-dominated profession, Monroe faced significant obstacles. However, her determination and passion for healthcare led her to establish the university’s Nursing Department, an achievement that continues to benefit students and the broader medical community.

Monroe is remembered by colleagues, students and family as a visionary leader who set the foundation for a program that now stands as a cornerstone of Lincoln’s academic offerings. In her honor, the university maintains a mentorship program that bears her name, ensuring that her commitment to student success endures.

Growth and Expansion of Lincoln’s Nursing Program

Since Monroe’s pioneering efforts, Lincoln University’s Nursing Department has grown significantly. When the first Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Nursing degree was introduced in 1969, the department quickly became the primary training hub for nurses in central Missouri. Over the past five decades, Lincoln expanded its offerings in response to workforce demands, establishing a second location in Rolla and launching a satellite evening program at Fort Leonard Wood for military personnel and their families.

By the 1990s, healthcare literature and community demand underscored the need for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. In response, Lincoln introduced an RN-to-BSN program in 1992 and, in 2014, launched a traditional four-year BSN program. As a result, the number of nursing students increased from 70 to 100 annually, with today’s enrollment exceeding 350 declared nursing majors.

Looking Forward: The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program

Building on this legacy, Lincoln University is now launching a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in the fall of 2025. This initiative will further solidify Lincoln’s reputation as a leader in nursing education and serve as the only MSN program offered at a historically Black college or university (HBCU) in Missouri.

The MSN program is designed to support working registered nurses (RNs) with a flexible online format that can be completed in as few as 12 months. In addition to online coursework, students will fulfill in-person clinical requirements. Graduate students can choose between two specialized tracks: nurse educator or nurse leadership. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for national certification as either a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) or a Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML). No GRE is required for admission.

Celebrating Excellence in Nursing

As Lincoln University commemorates Black History Month, the story of Helen Monroe serves as an inspiring example of resilience, progress, and excellence in nursing education. From overcoming barriers to establishing an enduring legacy, Monroe’s contributions have paved the way for generations of nurses. Now, with the launch of the MSN program, Lincoln continues to honor her vision by expanding opportunities for students and meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.

Applications for the inaugural fall 2025 MSN cohort are now open.