It was aces all the way for highly recruited Louisiana Tech University nursing graduates meeting a critical need in the health care industry. Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing reported a 100 percent pass rate for the National Council Licensure Exam by all of its 2017 nursing graduates. “This achievement reflects the exceptional quality and dedication of Louisiana Tech’s students and faculty,” said Dr. Donna Hood, director of Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing. “This faculty continues to provide cutting-edge experiences for our students in partnership with health care agencies across north Louisiana.” The 100 percent passing rate continues the tradition of excellence of Louisiana Tech’s program. The first-attempt pass rate average for Louisiana Tech nursing graduates over the past three years is 99 percent.  In addition to the individual success of the graduates, the program was selected as the State of Louisiana Undergraduate Nursing Program of the Year, for the second consecutive year by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. That award was determined by a panel of judges composed of nursing leaders from nine states. Nominations addressed the program’s commitment to selecting, retaining and educating future nurses, innovation in nursing education, National Council Licensure Examination first-time pass rates for the past two years and faculty and student involvement in their professional organizations. Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing is committed to excellence in the education of students of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds preparing them to enter an ever changing health care environment as competent practitioners of nursing. The educational environment fosters critical thinking which is achieved through interaction of faculty with students, is responsive to community needs, is cognizant of regional and national trends in health care delivery, and recognizes its responsibility for research and scholarly activity, and service. Written by T. Scott Boatright – boat@latech.edu