By Natalie Blando-George
August 21, 2026
At Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, excitement is in the air as faculty, students, and staff embark on the 2026-27 academic year, brimming with opportunities, achievements, and milestones
Accreditation news
In May, Binghamton’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program achieved accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), affirming its commitment to excellence and leadership in physical therapy education
Two months later, Decker’s Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program was granted accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE), highlighting the program’s dedication to maintaining high standards in its curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes
“Achieving accreditation for our Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Occupational Therapy programs is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dean Mario R. Ortiz, PhD, RN, PHCNS-BC, FNP-C, FNAP, FAAN. “These accomplishments reflect Decker College’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier education and to preparing future leaders in healthcare.”
New students
An exceptional new cohort of more than 80 undergraduate students began Decker’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program when classes resumed on Aug. 18.
“Welcoming a new cohort of undergraduate nursing students is always heartwarming. New students bring fresh energy, perspectives, and compassion that will influence the health of others in communities locally, nationally, and globally,” said Ann Fronczek, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing and director of the undergraduate and PhD nursing programs. “Faculty members mentor new students on this new academic and professional journey. These shared perspectives help Decker College prepare future leaders for nursing.”
While nursing is the college’s sole undergraduate degree at present, Decker offers an array of minors open to students in any major at Binghamton:
To further enrich the student experience, the Division of Health and Wellness Studies offers more than 40 different course options each year (with multiple sections of each), helping approximately 2,200 undergraduates fulfill their physical activity/wellness General Education requirement each semester while promoting lifelong well-being
This fall, the college also welcomed new graduate student cohorts to its Doctor of Nursing Practice, PhD in Nursing, MS in Nursing, Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Master of Public Health, and MS in Speech and Language Pathology programs. Altogether, over 75 new graduate students began their programs this month.
Two Decker groups, however, got a jump-start on their studies. About 35 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students began their journey in May when the college welcomed its fourth cohort to the three-year program. Other summer starters are students in the Baccalaureate Accelerated Track (BAT) nursing program. These driven individuals hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and have returned for an intensive, one-year program leading to a BS in Nursing. Decker welcomed more than 75 BAT students in May.
New faculty and staff
In addition to new students, Decker College has hired several new faculty and staff members since May (adjunct faculty are not listed). They are:
- Mary Babola, office assistant, Division of Speech and Language Pathology
- Michael Bermudez, clinical associate professor, Division of Occupational Therapy
- Jun Ryan Carreon, clinical assistant professor, Division of Nursing
- Shelley Dugas-Thomas, clinical assistant professor, Division of Nursing
- William Larsen, clinical associate professor, Division of Nursing
- Laura Lunger, clinical associate professor, Division of Nursing
- Jennifer Muriithi, clinical associate professor, Division of Occupational Therapy
- Jacqueline Murrer,senior staff assistant, Dean’s Office
- Ellie Priscott, enrollment and advising specialist, Division of Advising and Academic Excellence
- Rebecca Sullivan, clinical instructor, Innovative Simulation and Practice Center
Public health and nursing collab
Decker College has consistently launched new academic programs, and this year is no exception. In June, the college began offering a Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Science (MS) in Community Health Nursing double-degree program, which provides exciting opportunities for graduates with expertise in both fields
“While this is an excellent choice for any student interested in public health and community health nursing because it allows them to complete the program in three years instead of four, it is especially beneficial for international nurses who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing from their home country but do not have U.S. nursing licensure,” said Yvonne Johnston, DrPH, MPH, MS, RN, FNP, associate professor and founding director of the Division of Public Health. “These students can be provisionally accepted into the program, giving them the time to study for and take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCLEX) licensure examination within the first year.”
Construction update
Work continues at the Binghamton University Clinical Center at Park (18 Park St., Johnson City, New York), which is adjacent to the Health Sciences Building where most of Decker College is housed. This 68,000-square-foot building eventually will be home to Decker College’s divisions of occupational, physical, and speech-language pathology, including clinics and the Motion Analysis Research Lab (MARL), which will be relocated from the University’s Vestal campus. At present, the plan is to move divisions, clinics, and labs in two phases during 2027 and 2028.
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Health, Campus News, Decker
