Rockhurst University Receives $630K From State In Support Of Nursing Education
This week Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced $5 million in grant funding for 13 Missouri colleges and universities, providing additional resources for nursing education programs statewide.
On the list is Rockhurst University, which will receive $630,000, the second-highest grant award for this round.
The grants are aimed at enhancing nurse training programs across the state to meet the growing need for qualified nursing professionals. At Rockhurst, the grant funds will bolster faculty recruiting and retention to support new program growth and expanding enrollment.
“Attracting and retaining high-quality faculty is one of the most important things we can do to continue building the strength of our nursing education programs,” said Kristina Henry, DNP, associate dean of nursing. “These instructors work side-by-side with our students from day one, through classroom work, simulation and in clinical practice to ensure they are ready upon graduation to serve where they are needed. They are a critical piece of our nursing education and the goal of meeting the need for nursing professionals today and in the future.”
It's the second time in as many years Rockhurst has received a grant for nursing training. In December 2023, the state awarded the University $450,000 from the state’s Nursing Education Incentive Program to fund nursing faculty positions and nursing faculty scholarships.
The competitive grants for this year were part of a special appropriation to the Missouri State Board of Nursing that was recommended and approved by Gov. Parson.
“These financial investments are evidence of Missouri’s commitment to invest in the pipeline of future nurses,” said Lori Scheidt, executive director of the Missouri State Board of Nursing. “Education is the foundation for addressing the nursing workforce shortage. These funds allow nursing programs to increase that pipeline and to leverage advanced technology.”
The state previously approved more than $7.9 million in grant funding through appropriations by the Missouri General Assembly in 2022 and 2023 for a total of nearly $13 million awarded.
