School of Nursing, Health, & Sciences

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences at Spring Arbor University. My name is Al Kauffman, and I’m honored to serve as the Dean. In my nearly two decades at SAU, I've held various roles within the nursing program, all driven by my passion for teaching and leading from a biblical perspective. We believe our students are created in the image of God, which inspires us to teach and lead with excellence. Our alumni are making a global impact, serving in clinical settings, leading healthcare organizations, educating future professionals, and improving the health of communities worldwide.

Alvin Kauffman DNP
Dean, School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences

Programs

Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical perspectives necessary for meaningful engagement in today's complex world.

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Campus Undergraduate

Biochemistry
Biology
Chemistry
Health and Exercise Science
Integrated Science Secondary Education
Nursing
Sports Management
Fitness

Online Undergraduate

RN to BSN

Graduate

RN to MSN Programs
BSN to MSN Programs
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Non-Degree

Post-MSN Certificates
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School of Nursing Mission Statement

The School of Nursing, Health, and Sciences exists to glorify God by providing a transformative education that cultivates leaders who value integrity and professionalism that results in ethical, compassionate, and client-centered care.

Faculty

Anil Joseph

Asst Professor of Health, Human Perform &Recreation

Mindy Rice

Associate Professor of Nursing

Michelle Heriford

Director of Nurse Practioner Program

Bruce Baldwin

Professor of Chemistry

Michael Buratovich

Professor of Biology

Bethany Ulrich

Associate Professor of HHPR

Dawn Day

Professor of Nursing, Chair, Graduate Nursing

Alvin Kauffman

Associate Professor of Nursing

Mary Broda

Associate Professor of Nursing

Aaron Wyman

Professor of Biology

Lesley Jackson

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Sharyl Page

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Delores Jackson

Professor of Nursing

Alison Stoughton

Associate Professor of Nursing

Mitchell Zigler

Professor of Physical Therapy

Michael Nydegger

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Kelly Velker

Assistant Professor of Nursing

Audra Balcer

Assistant Professor of Biology

 

Accreditation and Awards

Nursing College of Distinction

SAU was recognized as a Nursing College of Distinction for the last six years!

Top MSN Program in the U.S.

RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #1 MSN online program in Michigan and #4 MSN online program in the entire U.S. for 2025!

Best Ranked Nurse Practitioner Program in Michigan

RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #1 Nurse Practitioner program in Michigan for 2025!

Top Ranked RN to BSN Nursing Program in Michigan

RegisteredNursing.org ranked SAU as the #2 Online RN to BSN program in Michigan in 2024.

Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Ranked #1 in Best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.

#3 Best Online AGNP Program

Ranked #3 in Best Online AGNP Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.

#3 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Program

Ranked #3 in Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs by Nurse Practitioner Online.

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Alt

What our students say about Nursing, Health, and Sciences

"Choosing the nursing program at SAU was like finding a second home. The community is genuinely welcoming, and the professors truly care—it's more than just education; it's about knowing you by name and your story. The nursing program has given me hands-on experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. At SAU I know I'm also being equipped to serve others with compassion and faith”

Maria Nelson, Nursing, Class of 2025