Brief Overview of Situation
This year, the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation proudly awarded over $80,000 in scholarships to 44 associates from the Rutherford Campus. Recipients are attending 18 different academic institutions and pursuing programs ranging from associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as Nursing, Business Administration, and Imaging, as well as certificate programs for EMT and A-EMT.
These scholarships are awarded through a comprehensive application process that considers financial need, commitment to education, alignment with healthcare workforce demands, and recommendations from leadership.
I feel very blessed for my own health and the ability that I have been given to be able to make a difference in patients' and families' lives during such an uncertain time. God had a calling when he brought me to Murfreesboro, TN and I believe it was to show many patients' His grace during the times when it is easiest to give up on it.
Allison, Medical Surgical Nurse
Dive Deeper into the Problem that Ascension Helped Solve
The Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation maintains seven scholarship funds that may be applied for by both nurses and techs in multiple fields of medicine to further their education. This allows them to increase their knowledge base, building an ever more skilled nursing force that is vital for quality patient care. For many recipients, further education would not be possible without this assistance.
What is happening today?
The Scholarship application process begins in April of each year, and applications are due in May. Each application comes before the Scholarship Review Committee, which is made up of Foundation Board members, representatives from nursing leadership, and benefactors representing the funds. We thank everyone who helps make these scholarships possible.
After the applicants are selected by the review committee, different amounts are awarded based on the benefactor’s desires.
The seven scholarship funds include:
Clara and Ed Delbridge Nursing Scholarship Fund – A gift from the Christy-Houston Foundation made this fund possible in 2006 to provide nursing school scholarships to hospital associates.
Friends of Nursing Fund – Created in 2007 by then Vice President of Patient Care Services Michael Bratton, this fund provides money for educational seminars for the Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital nursing staff.
Granville Bouldin, Sr. Scholarship Fund – To honor retiring Christy Houston Foundation Director Buck Bouldin, this fund was created in 2003. Scholarships are available to Saint Thomas Rutherford associates seeking education in radiology, physical therapy, and diagnostic laboratories.
Jean Hastings Memorial Nursing Scholarship Fund – In honor of his late wife Jean, former Rutherford Hospital CEO Arthur Hastings created this fund in 2003 to provide scholarships for Middle Tennessee State University nursing students.
Pallie Jones and Lib Walker Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fund – Created in 2014, this fund was endowed by Pallie and David Jones in memory of Pallie’s mother and fellow nurse, Lib Walker. This fund provides scholarships to Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital associates attending nursing school.
Saint Thomas Rutherford Emergency Physicians Scholarship Fund – Providing emergency department nurses and techs the opportunity to continue their education, this scholarship fund was created in 2014 by doctors Sherry and Russ Galloway.
Sloan-Rice Nursing Scholarship Fund – Created in 1993 in memory of Saint Thomas Rutherford associates Sue Sloan and Beverly Rice, this fund provides nursing scholarships for Saint Thomas Rutherford associates.
Unrestricted Fund– This fund was created in 1984 to provide monies for those areas of greatest need at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.