Gift Received by UNM College of Nursing to Fund Scholarships

Western Sky Community Care Supports DNP Students in Pursuit of Advanced Nursing Degrees

In a time when health care providers are facing increasingly complex patients and evolving treatment options, the importance of advanced education for nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives cannot be overstated. The College of Nursing at the University of New Mexico recognizes this need, and thanks to a generous gift from Western Sky Community Care, DNP students will have the financial support they need to pursue their advanced degrees.

DNP students, who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are transitioning from registered nurses to nurse practitioners or nurse-midwives, often face financial barriers when returning to school. Traditional grants and scholarships may not be readily available to these students who are already in the workforce. However, Western Sky Community Care’s donation will alleviate these financial burdens and allow students to focus on their studies without the worry of excessive debt after graduation.

The Medicaid managed care organization based in Albuquerque identified a need for nursing care in rural New Mexico, prompting them to fund scholarships for DNP students. The scholarships will support students who plan to work in areas such as rural health, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, nurse-midwifery, and maternal-child health. In addition to covering tuition and fees, the funds will also support students with housing, food, textbooks, transportation, and test preparation.

Interim Dean Carolyn Montoya expressed gratitude for Western Sky Community Care’s support, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on the education and future careers of DNP students. With this generous gift, aspiring nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives in New Mexico will have the opportunity to further their education and ultimately enhance the quality of health care in the state.