College cracks Top 25 in research funding

The Michigan State University College of Nursing has cracked the Top 25 in the most recent Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research rankings.

The nonprofit is the authoritative ranking on National Institutes of Health funding among major health-related colleges. In the nursing rankings, MSU earned a ranking at No. 25, up from No. 35 last year and No. 69 in 2020. The college’s ranking has jumped 45 spots since 2020; MSU has the second-highest NIH-funded college of nursing in the state.

“We are grateful for the support of the National Institutes of Health in our commitment to conducting high quality rigorous and impactful research,” said Interim Dean Linda Weglicki. “Through their support, we have been able to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges through our work in symptom science management, health promotion and illness prevention, and health services research.”

The college recorded nearly $3.4 million in NIH funding during the one-year judging window — which concluded last fall — and is up from $2.7 million the year prior. Weglicki said this jump in funding would not have been possible without Associate Dean for Research Dr. Susan Buchholz, the mentorship from senior and emeriti faculty researchers and the college’s Nursing Research Office team.

Several researchers are currently engaged in major NIH-funded initiatives. Dr. Jiying Ling is working on a multi-year project to address behavioral well-being in youth, Dr. Lorraine Robbins is wrapping up her project focused on fighting childhood obesity, Dr. Ashlee Vance is working on a nursing program for advancing training in health and social determinants (N-PATHS) and Dr. Rebecca Lehto is offering support for bereaved friend and family caregivers of cancer patients. The college is off to a strong start in NIH funding in 2026 with Dr. Patty West recently receiving a three-year, $507,666 grant for her work using virtual reality to promote physical activity among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

“The MSU College of Nursing continues to move up in the rankings,” said Buchholz. “We are thankful for the impactful work funded by the National Institutes of Health, as the College of Nursing continues to imagine and work toward a healthier world for all of us.”

Learn more about the College of Nursing’s research areas.

 

Published March 5, 2026.