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West Tennessee Healthcare and the University of Memphis Lambuth Announce Significant Nursing Endowment 

February 10, 2016- Jackson, Tenn. - West Tennessee Healthcare and the University of Memphis Lambuth are creating a partnership that will have a significant impact on the education of health care professionals in West Tennessee. As part of a larger fundraising effort by UofM-Lambuth, a 2.5 million dollar endowment, funded by West Tennessee Healthcare, will provide scholarships to students enrolled in the Loewenberg College of Nursing at the University of Memphis Lambuth. The announcement was made during a press conference held on the Lambuth campus. 

The University of Memphis President, Dr. M. David Rudd, in accepting the generous gift on behalf of the University of Memphis, remarked, "We are extremely grateful for the generous endowment from West Tennessee Healthcare.  This gift will provide advanced training which will prepare our West Tennessee nursing practitioners to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing healthcare industry." 

The nursing scholarships will be available to students pursuing a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree as well as students pursuing a RN-BSN degree.  Recipients of the scholarship will be residents of Jackson-Madison County or a contiguous county. 

Bobby Arnold, President and CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare said, "As the largest provider of healthcare services in West Tennessee, it is essential that we have an available, highly skilled and educated nursing workforce. West Tennessee Healthcare's investment in the endowment creates an opportunity for local individuals to obtain their nursing degree here at the University of Memphis Lambuth and for employment opportunities in Jackson." 

In responding to the announcement of the scholarship, Jackson Mayor Jerry Gist said, "The West Tennessee Healthcare nursing scholarship endowment for the University of Memphis Lambuth demonstrates the commitment from community stakeholders to make long-term investments in workforce development. Jackson is unrivaled in the quality and integrity of its workforce. Our people are our greatest asset. Advanced education and training gives our work force a ready advantage to meet the needs of new and expanding industries." Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris added, "West Tennessee Healthcare, the Foundation, and the University of Memphis Lambuth are organizations that continually show their commitment to our community. This endowment creates an opportunity to strengthen the available workforce for our region's largest industry which will have a lasting positive impact for many years."

This scholarship will have a significant impact as well on workforce development and on the work that the Jackson Chamber is doing.  Kyle Spurgeon, Chamber president, said, "A trained and readily available workforce is the most important element of securing new jobs for any community.  The scholarship  endowment and partnership between West Tennessee Healthcare and the University of Memphis Lambuth will provide a pathway for nursing career opportunities already available in Jackson."

The endowment will be managed by the West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation under the direction of Frank McMeen.  Kathy Watts, Chair of the Foundation's Board of Trustees said, "The Foundation has a long and successful track record of endowment management. The outcomes from this endowment will have a major impact on so many lives of West Tennesseans."

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Jennie Gibson, Marketing and Communication Dept. UofM Lambuth
731-425-1944
jjgibson@memphis.edu