Community College of Philadelphia’s Nursing program recognized as 2026 Center of Excellence by National League for Nursing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2026

Contact: 
Antwon R. Martin
armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu)
267.666.7881

CCP is one of 20 institutions and programs across the country to receive this year’s honor.

PHILADELPHIA — Community College of Philadelphia is proud to announce that the College’s Nursing program has been recognized as a 2026 Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing. CCP’s Nursing program is one of 20 nursing schools and programs nationwide to receive this year’s honor.

“Being named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing is a powerful affirmation of Community College of Philadelphia’s commitment to excellence in nursing education and to the health of our city,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of CCP. “Our graduates are not simply prepared to enter the workforce; they are prepared to make a lasting difference in the lives of the people and communities they serve."

The 20 Center of Excellence recipients represent the spectrum of higher education in nursing, from certificate-granting programs through advanced-degree academic institutions. CCP stands proud alongside institutions such as Duke University School of Nursing, Rutgers University School of Nursing, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, and Cleveland Clinic. Along with Coastal Alabama Community College, CCP is one of two community colleges to earn the Center of Excellence distinction.

“Congratulations to these well-deserving 2026 NLN Centers of Excellence. They truly represent the outstanding efforts of academic nursing leadership, faculty and students who collaborate to create programs that inspire and support the development of an outstanding nursing workforce,” said NLN Chair Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, chair of the Department of Nursing, North Carolina Central University and patient placement coordinator at First Health of the Carolinas-Moore Regional Hospital.

CCP earned the NLN Center of Excellence recognition under the category of Enhances Student Learning and Professional Development. The College has previously held the distinction and the 2026 renewal continues the Nursing program’s tradition of excellence.

“This recognition reflects the commitment of our Nursing faculty and staff to providing students with a rigorous, supportive education that prepares them to become safe, competent, and compassionate nurses,” said Dr. Lisa Johnson, head of the Department of Nursing. “It recognizes the work taking place every day in our classrooms and clinical settings to engage students in their learning and support their professional development. Most importantly, it reflects how faculty continually evaluate the program's effectiveness, respond to the needs of our students and community, and remain committed to excellence in nursing education.”

“Throughout the National League for Nursing review process, the College’s Nursing department faculty and staff stayed focused, engaged, and moving toward a shared goal while never losing sight of the program's commitment to student success and academic excellence,” said Dr. Vishal Shah, dean for Math, Science and Health Careers. “This achievement reflects the strength of not only the Department of Nursing, but the entire institution as we foster a culture of collaboration across the CCP community.”

“Earning the NLN Center of Excellence designation reflects the hard work and commitment by these nursing schools and programs to sustain innovation and excellence in every aspect of the academic experience, from classroom to clinic to campus life. We applaud the 2026 NLN Centers of Excellence and thank them for demonstrating values and actions that transform the ordinary into the extraordinary in nursing education,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.

A formal recognition ceremony will take place at the Honors Convocation during the 2026 NLN Education Summit in Washington, DC, on Friday, Sept. 25. Click here to view a full list of the 2026 NLN Centers of Excellence.

### 

About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For more than 60