Lincoln, Neb. – The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing unveiled the inaugural group of Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholars on Monday. The scholarship program, made possible by a $1.5 million endowment from the Bedford Falls Foundation‑DAF, will support 100 UNMC nursing students over the next three years.
How the scholarship works
Each scholar receives an average award of $5,000 per year, which can be applied to tuition, books, or other educational expenses. The funds are not limited to a single campus; students may attend UNMC’s Omaha, Lincoln, Scottsbluff, Kearney, or Norfolk locations and still qualify for the award.
Addressing a critical workforce gap
UNMC highlighted that Nebraska currently faces a shortage of almost 6,700 registered nurses, with nine counties reporting no nurses at all. By reducing the financial barriers to nursing education, the Conway Scholarship aims to increase the pipeline of qualified clinicians who will serve communities across the state.
Dean Sharp‑McHenry’s remarks
“We are excited to partner with the Bedford Falls Foundation in educating the next generation of nurses,” said UNMC College of Nursing Dean Lepaine Sharp‑McHenry, DNP. “The inaugural cohort of Conway Scholars represents the promise, dedication and commitment of Bill Conway Jr. in supporting nursing students nationwide. We are proud to recognize our first Conway Scholars and are grateful for their commitment to prepare themselves as compassionate, transformative clinicians.”
Impact on local families and faith communities
The scholarship aligns with the values of traditional families and faith‑based communities that rely on strong, accessible health care. By enabling more Nebraskans to become registered nurses, the program helps ensure that families have trusted caregivers close to home, reinforcing the state’s commitment to compassionate, faith‑informed service.
Looking ahead
UNMC plans to track the progress of the scholarship recipients and measure the program’s effect on the statewide nursing shortage. The university hopes the initiative will inspire additional private‑public partnerships aimed at strengthening Nebraska’s health workforce for years to come.
For more information about the Conway Nursing Scholarship or to apply for future cohorts, visit the UNMC College of Nursing website.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
