West Tenn. Healthcare announces $2.5 million partnership with U of M Lambuth

JACKSON, Tenn. — West Tennessee Healthcare officials announced a $2.5 million endowment, hoping to not only help students with their educational costs but to give them opportunities after they graduate.

“I want to say ‘thank you’ to West Tennessee Healthcare for a $2.5 million gift to support our college of nursing,” University of Memphis President Dr. M. David Rudd said at a news conference.

Students enrolled in the Loewenberg College of Nursing will now be able to receive scholarships from this endowment. Caitlin Johnson is one of those students.

“It felt more at home being a small campus, and all the people made me feel very welcome there,” Johnson said about her experience so far.

West Tennessee Healthcare President/CEO Bobby Arnold believes this will help fill a major need at his hospitals.

“This will no doubt be a big step toward meeting the need of our community for more RNs in the future. It will certainly provide great opportunities, educational opportunities and employment opportunities,” Arnold said.

Madison County leaders said it’s a step forward for the labor force.

“To have that industry, you have to have a steady supply of trained personnel to be able to continue to operate and provide that care,” Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris said.

After graduation, health care leaders said they hope these students will stay in West Tennessee, which is something students say they’re excited about.

“I just really love helping people, and this just gives me a good opportunity to give back to the community,” Johnson said.

Recipients of this scholarship are required to be residents of Jackson-Madison County or an adjacent county. They’re also for students pursuing a traditional bachelor of science in nursing degree or an RN-BSN degree.