Empowering Future Healthcare Heroes: Maury Regional Health Launches Endowments for APSU’s Health Programs – ClarksvilleNow.com

Austin Peay State University (APSU) has teamed up with Maury Regional Health in a five-year partnership aimed at boosting healthcare education. They’ve established two funds to support students and faculty in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) and nursing programs.

These new funds—the Maury Regional Health MLS Endowed Fund of Excellence and the Maury Regional Health Nursing Endowed Fund of Excellence—will enhance training and scholarship opportunities for students in APSU’s MLS program and the School of Nursing.

APSU President Mike Licari emphasized the need for collaborations like this, especially given the current healthcare staffing shortages in the region. “We’re preparing our students to be ready for the workforce while ensuring they receive top-quality education,” he stated.

The partnership will provide support divided over five years, with early funding focusing on building the endowments. As a part of this initiative, APSU will dedicate two spaces in the new Health Professions Building, naming them the Maury Regional Health Nursing Simulation Hub and the Maury Regional Health Student Collaboration Lobby.

Kris Phillips, Vice President for Alumni, Engagement and Philanthropy at APSU, highlighted how this partnership will enhance educational resources. “We can now train students with better equipment and provide more scholarships, which will help ease their financial burdens,” she explained.

The MLS fund will cover various needs, from equipment purchases to student scholarships, while the nursing fund will focus on improving simulation technology and supporting faculty development.

Jeff Pierce, human resources director at Maury Regional Health, echoed the importance of investing in healthcare education. “Today’s educational investments ensure better patient care tomorrow,” he said. The partnership not only benefits students but also addresses the ongoing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the local community.

In fact, according to recent data, the demand for nurses is projected to grow by 6% by 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), further highlighting the significance of this partnership. With APSU students gaining clinical experience at Maury Regional Health facilities, both organizations are working together to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Middle Tennessee.

This collaboration brings a promising future for students and the healthcare field, showcasing how education and community partnerships can lead to transformative results.



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