Mount Olive, N.C. – In a strategic move to address the growing demand for qualified nurses in Eastern North Carolina, UNC Health Wayne and the University of Mount Olive (UMO) have formed a two-year partnership aimed at expanding nursing education and workforce development in the region.
The new collaboration will establish a direct pipeline between UMO’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and clinical opportunities at UNC Health Wayne, offering students valuable hands-on experience and access to continuing education resources. The agreement also includes over $50,000 annually in scholarship funding from UNC Health Wayne to support junior and senior nursing students at UMO.
In addition to student support, the partnership provides professional development for existing hospital staff, including tuition assistance, bilingual certification incentives, and participation in a nationally recognized RN residency program. UNC Health Wayne will also offer relocation and commitment incentives to attract new graduate nurses to the hospital’s workforce.
“This partnership is a meaningful investment in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Dr. Jessie Tucker, President and CEO of UNC Health Wayne. “By supporting our students and workforce through education and opportunity, we are strengthening our local talent pipeline and advancing patient care.”
Key features of the agreement include:
- Clinical rotations and on-site instruction led by a dedicated UMO nursing faculty member
- Use of UMO’s state-of-the-art Simulation Lab for training and skills development
- A joint advisory committee to oversee program quality and effectiveness
- Financial and career support for both students and current hospital staff pursuing degrees in nursing and allied health fields
The partnership originated from conversations between UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom and Dr. Tucker. “This began as a simple discussion about the need for more qualified nurses,” said Dr. Croom. “Through that dialogue, we recognized the shared mission and values between our institutions. This agreement represents a tangible step toward solving the nursing shortage in our region.”
Dr. Burt Lewis, UMO Vice President for Academic Affairs, emphasized the impact on local students. “This partnership provides a clear and affordable pathway for students in Wayne and surrounding counties to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. By aligning our academic programs with real workforce needs, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and serve in their own communities.”
The memorandum of understanding includes an option for renewal and sets the foundation for future program expansion. Both institutions remain committed to enhancing healthcare access and quality through innovation and collaboration.
For further inquiries, contact Will Collins, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 919.587.4792.
