CLEMSON — The National League for Nursing has named Clemson University’s School of Nursing a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education, one of the highest honors in the nursing education field.

Since 2004, only 35 nursing programs nationwide have garnered the Center of Excellence designation, according to the league. The honor will be recognized formally at a summit in September.

Clemson’s School of Nursing was recognized for its sustained excellence in student learning and professional development, as well as continuous quality improvement in teaching, research and service, according to the group.

“These deserving nursing education programs model excellence,” said National League for Nursing President Marsha Howell Adams. “Their visionary leadership sets the standard for nursing education to build a strong and diverse nursing workforce to advance the health of the nation and the global community.”

According to Deborah Willoughby, undergraduate coordinator at Clemson’s School of Nursing, the award is an indication of the school’s outstanding students and the faculty and staff’s dedication to excellence in innovation.

“Above all, it is a reflection of our commitment to educate nurses who will make a difference in health care with their skill, creativity and compassion,” she said.

“This is wonderful honor for the School of Nursing and Clemson as a whole,” said Brett Wright, interim dean of the College of Health, Education and Human Development, which houses the School of Nursing. “It aptly recognizes the school’s status as one of the country’s top programs and shows that the school is producing some of the best-prepared nurses in the nation.”

Clemson’s School of Nursing offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, as well as a bachelor’s program for registered nurses and an accelerated second degree program for those who have a bachelor’s degree in another field. The school also offers an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in health-care genetics, the first program of its kind in the nation.

Based in Washington, D.C., the National League for Nursing is an organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education, offering professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants and public policy initiatives.