November 2, 2023
Seven Henderson State University senior nursing students will receive financial aid thanks to an agreement with CHI St. Vincent.
The students were awarded $1,250 for both the first and second semester of their senior year based on academic performance, essays, and a desire to work for CHI St. Vincent after graduation for at least 18 months.
The CHI St. Vincent Pathways Program through the Henderson Foundation included an initial $20,000 commitment and will provide $2,500 in financial aid for up to eight nursing students each year.
“The Pathway Program assists students financially,” said Dr. Kristina Shelton, chief academic nursing officer at Henderson. “The program can also provide CHI St. Vincent with graduates who work in their facility and are committed to staying.”
Pathway Program recipients must complete a memorandum of understanding and promissory agreement with CHI St. Vincent. A signing ceremony was held Oct. 17 at the Henderson nursing building.
The students signing the agreement were:
- Alejandro Santos, Hot Springs
- Kylie Wornick, Norman
- Lunden Cotton, Arkadelphia
- Karlie Hernandez, Kirby
- Gabriela Velazquez, Amity
- Mayra Altamirano, Hot Springs
- Astrid Jasso, De Queen
“CHI is investing in our students’ education, and in turn, the students are committing to provide quality patient care for CHI St. Vincent patients and their families.” Shelton said. “We are grateful for this opportunity to partner with CHI St. Vincent to serve the healthcare needs in our community.”
“The partnership CHI St. Vincent has with Henderson State University has been priceless over the years. We have many of their former students who are excellent nurses in many different roles that allow us to give exemplary care to the patients in our community.” Teresa Lambert, Vice President Patient Care Services and Assistant Chief Nursing Officer CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs said. “It is an honor and a pleasure for CHI St. Vincent to support the Henderson State University nursing students. They are our community's future nurses and leaders in healthcare.”
Henderson State University offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Licensed Practical Nursing degrees on campus and RN to BSN program online. The Master of Science in Nursing program includes tracks for Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Executive Leadership and Administrative. For information, please visit hsu.edu/nursing.