Federal grant for McKendree nursing
Senator Dick Durbin highlighted federal funding awarded to McKendree University's new nursing educator program — the cohort's first graduates are due this spring, aligning federal support with workforce and procurement cycles. The announcement underscores how targeted federal dollars are shaping program launches and staffing needs. (x.com)
McKendree’s Nursing Educator MSN program received $980,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending secured through the fiscal year 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. (mckendree.edu) The award is designated to cover tuition for 60 students enrolled in the MSN nurse educator cohort. (mckendree.edu) McKendree reports that more than 50 students from that cohort are expected to graduate this spring, with additional graduates scheduled to complete the program in December. (mckendree.edu) The grant is named the Building a Rural Nurse Educator Workforce through Academic-Practice Partnerships and is structured to serve 45 counties in southern and south‑central Illinois. (mckendree.edu) McKendree developed the initiative in partnership with Hospital Sisters Health System, Southern Illinois Healthcare, and several regional community colleges. (mckendree.edu) The university’s Division of Nursing notes it has offered the MSN in nurse education since 2005 and also delivers RN-to-BSN, Master of Health Administration, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs to rural healthcare leaders. (mckendree.edu) Senator Dick Durbin said he secured the $980,000 two years ago to launch the master’s-level program and described the cohort as a pipeline that will enable graduates to train additional nurses locally. (mckendree.edu)
