The University of Colorado and The Wildlife Experience, the largest cultural institution in Douglas County, will collaborate to allow CU to begin offering classes in south metro Denver in fall 2014. The CU College of Nursing on the Anschutz Medical Campus will be among the first to participate, offering a bachelor’s of science in nursing program and continuing education classes in the new location.

“Nearly a third of the metro Denver population already lives in this dynamic, high-growth area,” says Dean Sarah Thompson, PhD, RN, FAAN. “People are looking for quality education to expand their careers, while they balance school, work and families. Having CU programs in their neighborhood makes continuing their education more feasible.”

The College of Nursing plans to accept 36 students who will begin classes in June on the Anschutz Medical Campus and will complete their degree program at the new location.

“There is a lot to do to ready the 11,000 square feet of classroom and lab space at The Wildlife Experience,” says Thompson. “We needed to start this cohort in June to keep them on track, but will relocate the students in the fall.”

Thompson has already begun to reach out to health care providers in the area. “We’re committed to creating strong, mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance health care education and delivery in the south metropolitan area.”