KANSAS CITY, MO. — Research College of Nursing (RCoN) – the region’s largest and longest-standing single-purpose nursing institution – today announced the appointment of Amy Townsend, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, as president. Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of experience in higher education and healthcare leadership to RCoN, which is consistently ranked among Missouri’s top 10 nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac. Research College of Nursing is affiliated with Research Medical Center. Together, they share a foundation of more than 257 years, a commitment to investing in the region, and core principles that honor the strength, passion, and wisdom the nursing profession brings to hospitals, education, and the community.

In her new role, Dr. Townsend will lead strategic academic planning and oversee all undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure RCoN continues to deliver best-in-class nursing education, preparing the next generation of clinical leaders. The college currently enrolls over 165 students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program.

A results-oriented nursing executive, Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of leadership experience in healthcare education, with a track record of advancing institutional effectiveness, fostering program innovation, and enhancing student and faculty engagement. She is recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, and strategic planning across diverse academic programs, including nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, and nutrition. Most recently, she served as President of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, where she led the institution through a strategic transition, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensured program quality and accreditation standards were upheld. In earlier roles at Cox College, including Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, she directed successful reaccreditation processes, expanded program capacity, unified academic departments, and implemented data-driven systems that enhanced outcomes and operational efficiency.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Research College of Nursing. In September 2024, HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, broke ground on a new 78,000-square-foot Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. It is slated for completion in early 2026, coinciding with the college’s 120th anniversary. The $36.5 million investment in RCoN’s parent organization, HCA Healthcare, will support the college’s growth and long-term vision. 

Since welcoming its first class in 1905, RCoN has graduated more than 6,500 professional nurses and remains a vital source of clinical excellence for the Kansas City region and beyond.

“Dr. Townsend’s deep experience in academic leadership and her forward-thinking approach make her the right leader for this exciting next chapter at Research College of Nursing,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “As we continue investing in nursing education through the new Center for Clinical Advancement, her guidance will be key to ensuring RCoN remains a national model for innovation and excellence. We are proud to welcome her to the HCA Midwest Health family and look forward to the lasting impact her leadership will make on our students, our hospitals, and the communities we serve.”

The affiliation between RCoN and Research Medical Center reflects a shared commitment to excellence in both nursing education and patient care — a partnership that continues to shape the region’s healthcare future.

“As the leader of Research Medical Center and a proud alumna of Research College of Nursing, I know firsthand — and witness every day — the vital role highly skilled, compassionate nurses play in delivering exceptional patient care,” said Research Medical Center CEO Kirk McCarty. “As our dedicated and passionate RCoN board members learned during the interview process, Dr. Townsend’s leadership and proven track record will further strengthen the bridge between nursing education and clinical practice, guided by the shared values of excellence, integrity, and service to our community. Together, we will ensure that RCoN graduates are not only well-prepared for the realities of today’s healthcare environment but also inspired to lead its future.” 

“It is an incredible honor to join Research College of Nursing at such a transformational time,” said Dr. Townsend. “RCoN has a long-standing legacy of excellence in nursing education, and I look forward to building on that foundation to prepare students for the evolving demands of healthcare. Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners, we will continue advancing academic innovation, supporting student success, and empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose and compassion.”

Dr. Townsend earned a Doctor of Education in Nursing Leadership from Northcentral University in Phoenix, where her research focused on the impact of transformational leadership on faculty satisfaction. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nurse Educator from Cox College, where she received the Academic Excellence Award, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit ResearchCollege.edu.