Nursing education is challenged to meet a growing demand for nurses, while substantiating the quality of the educational experience as well as the achievement of desired student outcomes. The National League for Nursing (NLN) Centers of Excellence (COE) in Nursing Education(TM) program represents high performing nursing schools which utilize evidence-based innovation, perform continual research to authenticate efficacy of the innovation; establish high benchmarks for their nursing schools and programs; and demonstrate steadfastness to continuous quality improvement. This research sought to identify the characteristics of re-designated NLN COE(TM); the similarities and differences in characteristics of relevant activities, initiatives, pedagogies and outcomes for re-designated NLN COE(TM) and lessons to be learned from identification of these characteristics. A content analysis of the final applications of six re-designated NLN COE(TM) in the category of "Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development," was conducted. The identified characteristics of excellence were connections through relationships, communities of learning and service, support for students and faculty, connections through technology, use of innovation and a system focus. Ideas or initiatives noted as the lessons learned from the exemplars included the: culture of excellence; simulation for competency and capstone assessment; partnerships-connection; mentoring and engagement in the community. Findings of this research included the application of Deming's philosophy of quality to nursing education, the identification of the benefits of the support and preparation given to preceptors on the pipeline, importance of support for faculty as well as students, considerations to strengthen the application process for earning a designation as a NLN COE(TM). The characteristics and educational practices identified in this research represent best practices from exemplary schools of nursing that are exceptional and should be emulated by others. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]