MOUNT OLIVE – UNC Health Wayne has partnered with the University of Mount Olive (UMO) to launch a new Nursing Scholarship Program designed to ease the financial burden for aspiring nurses and strengthen the healthcare workforce in Wayne County and the surrounding region. At this time, UMO is the only institution with access to this unique scholarship opportunity.
“This scholarship partnership between UMO and UNC Health Wayne opens doors for our nursing students to pursue their education with less financial burden and empowers students to serve their communities with skills and compassion,” said UMO Division Chair of Nursing Kristin Mozingo.
The program is open to junior-level UMO nursing students who are working toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Applicants must be in good standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded beginning with the second semester of the junior year and may be renewed for up to three semesters, for a total award of up to $7,500 per student. Approximately 10 scholarships will be awarded each year.
“At UNC Health Wayne, we are proud of our dedicated nursing team and the high standard of care they deliver every day,” said Dr. Jessie L Tucker, III, President of UNC Health Wayne. “This partnership with UMO helps ensure that well-prepared, compassionate nurses will continue to support our hospital and the communities we serve. By partnering with UMO, we are helping talented students stay local, learn local, and serve local.”
UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in meeting regional workforce needs. “Collaborations like this one with UNC Health Wayne allow us to align education with the real needs of today’s healthcare system,” Croom said. “Together, we are preparing the next generation of highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will serve Wayne County and eastern North Carolina with excellence.”
Applications are open now for eligible UMO nursing students. Applicants will be required to submit a completed application, academic transcript, current FAFSA, a short video, and an essay as part of the selection process. For more information or to apply, interested UMO nursing students should contact Nicole Balsamello at nbalsamello@umo.edu.
