Clayton State College of Nursing’s Dr. Victoria Foster Elected to Serve on the Nominating Committee of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

(September 29, 2026) - Clayton State University’s College of Nursing is proud to share that Dr. Victoria Foster, Director, Undergraduate Nursing Programs, has been elected to serve on the 2027 Nominating Committee of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which is a nationally recognized accredited agency that ensures that BSN programs, graduate programs and entry to practice residency nursing programs are up to the high standards of nursing education.

Dr. Foster is proud to join this national committee and explains that “CCNE holds us to a standard of preparing our graduates so that when they enter the workforce, they're practice-ready, compassionate, and ready to serve the community.”

According to CCNE, the Nominating Committee reviews independently the qualifications of applicants nominated for positions on the CCNE Board of Commissioners and for service on the CCNE Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee includes five members with perspectives from baccalaureate, graduate, and/or residency/fellowship programs in nursing, and diverse backgrounds. All Nominating Committee members serve one-year terms.

Dr. Foster says she brings years of relevant experience to this new CCNE role. “I've been a part of three different accreditation processes here at Clayton State. All programs must be accredited. If you're not accredited, it's very hard to get a nursing license.”

CCNE plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining high standards for nursing programs at colleges and universities across the country. Dr. Foster explains that CCNE evaluates programs across four established standards: admission and university governance; program quality, including institutional commitment and resources such as budgeting, curriculum, and teaching and learning practices; and program effectiveness, which focuses on assessment, student achievement, and overall program outcomes.

Accreditation from CCNE is vital to nursing programs Dr. Foster concludes because, “The positive impact is that it holds schools accountable for graduating nurses to meet the complex needs of the communities they serve. But it extends beyond that because it increases the public trust in the profession.”

Dr. Foster also sees a significant positive impact of CCNE accreditation on Clayton State’s College of Nursing. “By being held to a high standard, we ensure that the graduates Clayton State sends into the community are recognized as standouts in the industry. We consistently receive positive feedback from chief nursing officers throughout the Atlanta and the metro area about the quality of our nurses.” She added that “CCNE accreditation holds the College accountable for preparing practice-ready nurses, creating a ripple effect that extends throughout the community. So, it has an impact beyond the walls of this institution.”