The following scholarships are open to students in all College of Nursing graduate programs:
Angela (CON BSN ‘65) and Richard Strawn are longtime supporters of our nursing programs through philanthropy and advocacy. She served as an invaluable resource on the Alumni Board for many years. Angie's career in nursing spanned over 50 years, spent mostly in nursing higher education and administration of nursing education programs.
When deciding how to leave a lasting gift to College of Nursing, Angie wanted to provide fellowship assistance at the graduate level to nurses who desired to become future nursing faculty out of concern for the nursing faculty shortage.
Requirements
Prospective or matriculating graduate degree nursing students planning a career in nursing education. Preference will be given to highly motivated students who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing by possessing a minimum 3.5 grade point average.
Asa A. O’Connor was known for his commitment to caring for others. He owned a Lansing-based building company and was an active member of his church. Although he passed away in 2018 following a long battle with cancer, his legacy shines through the many lives that were improved by knowing him.
Like mother, like son: Lyn O’Connor has demonstrated care throughout every aspect of her career. She earned her master’s degree from the MSU College of Nursing in 1985, adeptly balancing her education with the responsibilities of a working single mother. Afterwards, she spent the majority of her career as a nurse practitioner at Riverside Correctional Facility in Ionia, MI. Whenever possible, Lyn precepted nursing undergraduate and graduate students from several universities, including MSU. As a reflection of her impact, Lyn was awarded “Preceptor of the Year” by Grand Valley State University in 2002. She also served on the MSU College of Nursing Alumni Board for nearly twenty years.
Lyn has always been passionate about supporting the next generation of nurses.The Asa A. O’Connor and Lyn O’Connor Endowed Scholarship ensures that the legacy of care Asa and Lyn established over their lifetimes will inspire future Spartan Nurses to provide exceptional care to their patients and communities.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who are US citizens or permanent residents, demonstrate financial need and have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Preference is given to caretakers of a dependent.
After graduating with a BSN from the Michigan State University College of Nursing in 1997, Cpt. Sean Grimes was commissioned in the Army Nurse Corps. He first served as a critical care and emergency room nurse in Germany, then as an assistant head nurse in Kosovo. Grimes was ultimately deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom to treat soldiers wounded in combat. He volunteered for more than 80 patrols and raids. Grimes was known for his unwavering dedication to caring for soldiers.
Tragically, one week before his scheduled return home, Grimes’ life was cut short by an improvised explosive device during a combat patrol in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on March 4, 2005. He was the first U.S. military Physician Assistant killed in combat. The same year, a scholarship was established by his beloved family and has supported current and previous military-associated students since.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who are an Army Reservist, Army National Guard member, Active Army soldier, or honorably discharged veteran of these branches.
This fund was established by Shirley Bader Weis, an influential 1975 graduate of the MSU College of Nursing, in honor of her parents. Shirley’s goal for this scholarship was to assist nursing students in their difficulties with the cost of attending college.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need.
This scholarship was established to demonstrate the continuing commitment of College of Nursing alumni to the support and encouragement of future nurses in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students in good academic standing who demonstrate involvement in community activities and leadership abilities. FInancial need may be considered.
This scholarship was created to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Michigan State University College of Nursing. The goal is to support deserving students in need, helping them realize their dreams of receiving a nursing degree from Michigan State University.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students in good academic standing.
The mission of the College of Nursing at Michigan State University is to advance the health of individuals, communities and populations through inclusive and equitable nursing education, research, scholarship, and practice. This scholarship is intended to encourage students pursuing a nursing degree at the College.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who demonstrate sound academic achievement and leadership involvement in community service activities.
Paul (SS, BS ’70) and Teresa (CON, BSN ’72) Conlon Wehrwein are graduates of Michigan State University as is their son Eric Conlon Wehrwein (BUS, BA ’01; AL, BA ’01). In 2001, Teresa returned to Michigan State University as a faculty member and served as interim associate dean for academic and clinical affairs. When determining how to make this lasting gift to Michigan State University, the couple was significantly concerned about the growing nursing faculty shortage in Michigan and the nation.
Requirements
Prospective or matriculating graduate degree nursing students planning a career in nursing education in the College of Nursing at Michigan State University. Students with demonstrated financial need will receive priority (i.e. single parent, recent job loss, etc). Students should be in good academic standing and possess a minimum 3.5 GPA
This scholarship honors the memory of a beloved member of the College of Nursing community, Diana Houghtaling Roush (CON BSN ’75), who passed away on August 1, 2005. In 1991, she became a faculty member in the College, fulfilling a number of responsibilities, including the leadership role of Clinical Placements Coordinator. Diana worked to make contact with clinical agencies, and always made it a priority to act as an advocate for students.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students that are highly motivated and show great promise to contribute to the profession of nursing education. If no student is found that matches the above criteria, the scholarship may be granted to any graduate degree nursing student who demonstrates financial need.
This fund was established by Dr. Charles A. Gliozzo, a first-hand observer of the importance of nursing after his wife Marjorie suffered a stroke in 2012. He was impressed with the loving care conveyed to her during treatment and recovery. According to Dr. Charles A. Gliozzo, nurses and caregivers are the “backbone” to the medical profession.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who are current or previous care providers (defined as providing care to a family member or loved one). Recipients may be dependents of current or previous care givers and have an expressed interest in a career at a nursing home, skilled nursing center or assisted living facility. Priority will be given to an applicant who has at least one year of experience in a care facility, has an expressed interest in a career focused on gerontology and meets one or more of the criteria.
This scholarship was established to honor the legacy of Florence C. Kempf, who was the first director of Michigan State University School of Nursing when it opened in 1950. She remained in that role until her retirement in 1964. Florence was instrumental in developing the educational framework for what is now the College of Nursing.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students in good academic standing.
This scholarship was established by Leo Nothstine to honor his late wife, Florence Nothstine, and to encourage students who have demonstrated capacity to achieve educational and professional goals, the motivation to achieve these goals, and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.
Requirements
Undergraduate degree nursing students with four semesters or less remaining or a graduate student enrolled and in good standing. This scholarship is not to be an award for top grades but rather it is intended to help students who have demonstrated the initiative to help themselves by working at least part-time while attending school and who have financial need. Must be a resident of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, ohio, Pennsylvania or Wisconsin.
An educator for more than 40 years, the late Margaret F. Lorimer began her teaching career in elementary education in 1934. She also taught at secondary school, junior college, and university levels in the states of Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, and Michigan. Margaret earned her bachelor’s degree in English at Park University, her master’s degree in English-Education at Northwestern University, and her doctorate degree in Education from Michigan State University. She and her late husband, George Parsons, were longtime supporters of Michigan State University.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students enrolled in the College of Nursing who are in good academic standing and have at least 3rd year status as an undergraduate student, or entering/matriculating through a graduate or accelerated program.
Jerry and Julie Abraham aim to impact of the future of the MSU medical community after facing medical issues for decades. Their experiences in and out of hospital settings have proven to them the importance of highly trained medical professionals.
The Abrahams were especially impacted by nurses during their difficult medical journeys. The compassion, holistic care and education their nurses provided were a constant and form of comfort during treatments. It is this patient and support system education that Jerry and Julie wanted to address by establishing this scholarship, which will assist future nurses who exhibit a deep understanding of patient advocacy and education.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students. Preference will be given to those who expressed a desire to serve as an advocate for patients as demonstrated by coursework, internships, or involvement in an MSU-sponsored organization. Awards may be renewable as long as recipients continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Anita C. Dean received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics, Foods, and Nutrition and her Masters of Science in Institutional Administration from Michigan State University. She served as a First Lieutenant in the Women’s Medical Specialist Corps during World War II before teaching at Michigan State University from 1953 to 1981 in the College of Human Ecology.
This fellowship was established to honor her Anita's, Captain Glenn R. Dean, who died Oct. 9, 1950, in military operations in Korea.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students with the following:
High academic standing in graduate coursework.
Outstanding research proposal in health outcomes.
Outstanding recommendations of faculty.
Student documentation of scholarship such as presentations, publications, and the like. Must have a high level of skill in health outcomes research related to individuals and families within the context of community-based primary care.
Helen M. Kelley was a practicing registered nurse for 45 years. She believed that nothing would ever replace good bedside judgment, care, and the support of a dedicated nurse. This scholarship was created by Helen’s sons and daughter-in-law, all of whom are Michigan State University alumni, in her loving memory.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals at the CON. Recipients with financial need may be considered.
James Oesterreicher was called to create this fund after witnessing the care shown to his family by nurses. This scholarship is intended to support worthy and capable students enrolled in the College of Nursing.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students with preference given to students who are residents of the state of Michigan. Additional preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need. Awards may be renewable for an additional three years, allowing the recipient to benefit from the scholarship for a total of four years, as long as students maintain a 3.0 GPA, as well as expendable amounts allow.
Janet “Jan” May Wendorf passed away at 78 years of age on Jan. 24, 2017. Words can never fully describe Jan’s zest for life, country, friends,
God, and especially her family.
On several occasions, Jan played the role of hospice nurse for family members. Because she was not a nurse by trade, she had to research and educate herself on basic medical care, pain management and other skills that would help her loved ones live out their lives comfortably. Her actions, care, and compassion earned her the title of
“honorary nurse.”
Over the 78 years of her life, Jan created a legacy of friends, gifts, and love, with her family as her greatest pride and joy. Committed to carrying on her work, Jan’s family created the Janet M. Wendorf Endowed Scholarship.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who have contributed to their community through community service and plan to continue service as part of their career.
Janice Granger (CON BSN ’80) was a valued member of the College’s alumni family and had extensive ties to the community and to the state of Michigan. Jan, her surviving husband, Alton (ENG, BS ’54), and family have all demonstrated unwavering support of the Michigan State University College of Nursing over the years.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students having an overall grade point average of 3.0 with a track in gerontology preferred, and financial need determined by the College.
Marguerite (Sandy) DeWitt and her husband Richard DeWitt worked at Michigan State University for most of their careers. Sandy spent her time on campus tending to sick students as a nurse at the Olin Health Center. John worked in facilities and was an avid Spartan.
Sandy established the John A. Sandin, II and Dr. John A. Sandin, III Endowed Scholarship in the College of Nursing in loving memory of her brother and his son. As a former nurse, nursing students hold a special place in Sandy’s heart. She hopes that any student receiving this scholarship will practice their profession with compassion, excellence, and integrity.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students.
At the time that this scholarship was established, Krystal Owens was the Director of Student Affairs, College Registrar, and Director of Nursing Workforce Diversity in the College of Nursing. As a professional, everything comes back to Krystal’s "why", which is supporting college students to succeed. One of her greatest passions is challenging her students to seek opportunities to learn and grow while reminding them that they are not alone.
She realizes the journey to obtaining a college degree can be challenging for many students, particularly marginalized students who are often overlooked – first-generation college students, students of color, academically/economically disadvantaged students, and bereaved college students.
Supporting underrepresented students is personal for Krystal, and she fervently expresses to all her students – “You’re Not Alone.” Krystal hopes that the students receiving this scholarship do the necessary work worldwide – serve as allies to pursue health equity, work to close health care disparities, and provide compassionate, quality, and culturally competent care for all.
Requirements
Graduate and undergraduate degree nursing students with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher will be eligible to receive this award. Qualified recipients must identify with one or more of the following criteria: first-generation college student, financial need, individuals who exhibit leadership skills in the face of adversity or who have overcome significant obstacles as indicated in a personal statement, an active participant of the ACCESS program or future successor program, or a student who has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing diversity in the nursing workforce through current or past experiences including, but not limited to volunteer opportunities, completed coursework, community outreach involvement, or a personal statement.
Marjorie Holmes moved from California to East Lansing with her husband Robert in 1957. While he attended the MSU Veterinary School, she enrolled in the newly formed BSN completion program and graduated in 1960, then completing her MBA in 1961. She was eternally grateful to Michigan State University for the educational opportunities it provided, as it established the base for her professional career for the next 30 years.
In 1986 after a long illness, her husband Robert passed. On the advice of a friend, a scholarship was set up at the College of Vet Med, as well as the College of Nursing. As a nursing administrator, Marjorie was acutely aware of the nursing shortage and actively engaged in recruiting and retaining nurses.
This fund provides financial assistance to graduate students who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve educational and professional goals and the initiative to seek opportunities to further their progress.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing student who demonstrates financial need and has maintained a 3.0 grade point average.
This scholarship honors the late Mary Browder McCartney, formerly an assistant professor emerita for the College of Nursing. Mary held a strong interest in international student exchange activities. In 1991, she was appointed the College’s Director of International Activities and Programming and received the 1994 Ralph H. Smuckler Award for Advancing International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students in CON BSN, RN-BSN or Masters programs and who are planning to complete a study abroad within the next academic year (by end of Spring 2027). Must be signed up or committed to a study abroad. Preference given to students in the Nursing in London Program. If no students in this category apply, then other international nursing courses are to be considered. Must apply in writing to indicate professional goals and expected outcomes from the international experience.
This scholarship was established by the late Mary J. Milner-Estes (CON BSN ’64), whose nursing career spanned more than 30 years. She began her journey as head nurse at Pontiac State Hospital. In 1969, she graduated from Wayne State with a Master’s in teaching and went on to work at the Veterans Administration Hospital where she served in the capacities of Assistant Chief Nurse and Chief of the Nursing Services throughout the country. She also served on faculty at both Wayne State and Michigan State Universities.
In retirement, Mary married her childhood friend David Estes, traveled, and remained active with the MSU Alumni Association, the college’s alumni association, and her church. No matter where she went, Mary made it known that she was an MSU graduate.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students who are in good academic standings and have at least 3rd year status as an undergraduate student or entering or matriculating through a graduate or accelerated nursing program.
Angela (CON BSN ‘65) and Richard Strawn are longtime supporters of our nursing programs through philanthropy and advocacy. She served as an invaluable resource on the Alumni Board for many years. Angie's career in nursing spanned over 50 years, spent mostly in nursing higher education and administration of nursing education programs.
When deciding how to leave a lasting gift to College of Nursing, Angie wanted to provide fellowship assistance at the graduate level to nurses who desired to become future nursing faculty out of concern for the nursing faculty shortage.
Requirements
Prospective or matriculating graduate degree nursing students planning a career in nursing education. Preference will be given to highly motivated students who demonstrate financial need and are in good academic standing by possessing a minimum 3.5 grade point average.
A decorated veteran, Sgt. Leonard Bernard Graham III proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps at a young age. During his time in the military, Leonard made the decision to attend the Michigan State University College of Nursing upon his return home, where he would begin his journey as a future Spartan Nurse. As a caring, compassionate and bright individual, his choice of life path as a patient-centered nurse made sense.
Leonard spent four years in the Marines, including a tour of duty in Afghanistan. He traveled home to Wixom, Michigan in 2012 and began striving towards his goal of an acceptance letter to nursing school. His life tragically ended on his birthday at the age of 24.
Upon his death, Leonard’s parents graciously chose to preserve his memory in a way that would be most meaningful to their child; by helping university students achieve their aspirations in obtaining an MSU nursing education. “It’s my way of thanking him for being my son and making his dream come true for other people”, his father Leonard Graham II explained.
Requirements
Undergraduate degree nursing students who are active marine, reservist, or honorably discharged veterans of any armed branch.
William and Angeline Keehner valued education and saw it as the key to a rewarding life even though they did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Bill worked for Ford Motor Company and Angie was a homemaker. They loved to travel and spend time with their family and friends, and they contributed to their church and community. Through their sacrifice, all three of their children received graduate degrees; two of them are nurses. Their children established this award to honor their memory and thank them for their love and support.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who aspire to be excellent clinicians, leaders, educators, or researchers.
This scholarship was established by the late William G. and Marion E. Stuckle in appreciation for the quality healthcare that nurses throughout the world provide.
Requirements
Undergraduate or graduate degree nursing students.
This scholarship was established by Drs. Barbara and Bill Given to assist advanced practice students with a career interest in mental health.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students enrolled in the Nursing Practice or Doctorate of Nursing Practice Psych Mental Health Program and have a minimum 3.5 GPA.
Dean Carpenter worked as a nurse practitioner at the Neighborhood Service Organization Tumaini Center in Detroit. At the Tumaini Center, he provided medical outreach to the homeless and disadvantaged and acted as a preceptor to medical and nursing students at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Dean’s true passion was providing medical outreach to the homeless population in Detroit where he endeavored daily to positively impact lives.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who shall be selected based on satisfactory progression towards the completion of a Nurse Practitioner degree in the College of Nursing and have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to those who are committed to providing service to those who are economically disadvantaged (special consideration should be given to those involved in MSU’s Street Care Detroit program or Street Medicine Detroit) and those who have lived in Detroit or the metro-Detroit area (defined as Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.
Dean Carpenter worked as a nurse practitioner at the Neighborhood Service Organization Tumaini Center in Detroit. At the Tumaini Center, he provided medical outreach to the homeless and disadvantaged and acted as a preceptor to medical and nursing students at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Dean’s true passion was providing medical outreach to the homeless population in Detroit where he endeavored daily to positively impact lives.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who shall be selected on the basis of satisfactorily progression towards the completion of a Nurse Practitioner degree in the College of Nursing and have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to those who are committed to providing service to those who are economically disadvantaged (special consideration should be given to those involved in MSU’s Street Care Detroit program or Street Medicine Detroit) and those who have lived in Detroit or the metro-Detroit area (defined as Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.
Dean Carpenter worked as a nurse practitioner at the Neighborhood Service Organization Tumaini Center in Detroit. At the Tumaini Center, he provided medical outreach to the homeless and disadvantaged and acted as a preceptor to medical and nursing students at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. Dean’s true passion was providing medical outreach to the homeless population in Detroit where he endeavored daily to positively impact lives.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who shall be selected on the basis of satisfactorily progression towards the completion of a Nurse Practitioner degree in the College of Nursing and have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to those who are committed to providing service to those who are economically disadvantaged (special consideration should be given to those involved in MSU’s Street Care Detroit program or Street Medicine Detroit) and those who have lived in Detroit or the metro-Detroit area (defined as Wayne, Oakland or Macomb counties.
This scholarship was established by Barbara Given, a College of Nursing University Distinguished Professor Emeritus, to honor the lives of her parents, Gilbert and Leona Schumann. It was Gilbert Schumann, who died on April 18, 1993, who inspired the creation of this scholarship. Gilbert was a farmer, husband, loving father, and grandfather. Leona Schumann died on September 23, 2007, after several years of declining mobility. She had a long life as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Gilbert’s long battle with ill health raised concerns with Leona and their children about the adequacy of care that the elderly receive. It is for this reason that the Gilbert and Leona Schumann Scholarship will always be awarded to nursing students who exhibit a commitment to the care of the elderly.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students with an interest in adult chronic illness or completing a gerontology track at the College of Nursing. Preference is gerontology. Students shall be selected based on academic merit with a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average.
Henry and Costellia Talley created this scholarship in honor of both of their mothers; Annie D. Talley and Sallie Lou Hayes. Henry and Costellia were both raised by single mothers who supported their educational endeavors, while sacrificing their own dreams. Realizing the importance of education and the sacrifice their mothers made, they created this scholarship to assist future generations in their educational endeavors.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students in good academic standing in the Nurse Anesthesia Program.
The education Robert Konupek received at MSU was fulfilling and played a major role in his personal and professional development. His wife, Annette, is an Indiana University College of Nursing graduate who spent her career as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Over their marriage, Annette came to love MSU as much as Robert. Due to Annette's career and the couple's passion for First Responders, the fact that their company supplies frontline fire response equipment, and especially in the wake of the recent pandemic, Robert and Annette wish to support the education of future nurses by establishing the Robert and Annette Konupek College of Nursing Scholarship Endowment.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who are residents of the state of Michigan pursuing an advanced degree in the College of Nursing will be considered for this award. Preference will be given to students who are enrolled in the Nurse Practitioner Program or who have demonstrated an interest in working in Pediatrics or Public Health through extracurricular activities, research, completed coursework, and/or a written statement. This scholarship may be renewable.
Kathy Bobay, MSU College of Nursing alum '94, established the Carol J. Larson Scholarship in honor of her mother. Carol earned associate’s, bachelor's and master's degrees in Counseling. Although she had five children, she was enrolled in a Master’s in Library Science Program while working as a VP Registrar at a local community college when she passed. A Jackson, Michigan native, Kathy has honored her mother by following her example. After receiving an associate’s degree in nursing from Jackson Community College, Kathy earned a bachelor’s from Western Michigan University, and a master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from MSU. Following MSU, Kathy went on to earn her PhD in Nursing Administration from the University of Michigan and is currently a professor of Health Services Management and Nursing Informatics at Loyola University School of Nursing in Chicago.
Kathy has stated that her PhD degree, though tough, made her think differently about nursing and opened up opportunities she never knew existed.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students enrolled in the PhD program in the College of Nursing.
This scholarship was established by the family of the late John Dunkel, Associate Professor of Pathology at the College of Medicine at Michigan State University. It recognizes the family’s strong connection to the field of nursing and is intended to encourage baccalaureate-prepared nurses who have demonstrated the capacity to achieve their educational and professional goals.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students who shall be selected on the basis of academic merit with a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and evidence of research potential. Financial need may be considered. Preference will be given to students in the Ph.D. program.
The Emeline Hamilton Ph.D. Dissertation Endowment was established by Dr. Gwen Wyatt in honor of her mother's commitment to higher education for her children and for herself. A teacher, Emeline returned to college whenever credential requirements increased over the years. She earned a Master's in guidance counseling from Eastern Michigan University, serving as a tremendous role model for Dr. Wyatt and her siblings and an inspiration to attend college.
Gwen, a professor at the College of Nursing at Michigan State University, has focused her work towards research, specifically supportive care for cancer patients and caregivers. Her endowed gift to fund the Ph.D. dissertation is meant to focus on cancer or any other area of nursing.
Requirements
Recipients must be within one year of having successfully completed their dissertation.
Kathleen Nowicki Schwartz is a member of the College of Nursing BSN Class of 1971, as well as the MSU College of Business Executive MBA class of 1985, and has held various management positions in nursing and hospital administration since graduating from Michigan State University. Her husband, Michael Schwartz, served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 and has held faculty appointments at various universities as well as leadership roles in St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Members of the Jonathan L. Snyder Society, Kathy and Mike have established an endowed fund in the College of Nursing to enhance the excellence of the College and have funded a student commons in the Bott Building for Nursing Education and Research. In addition to their financial support, Kathy and Mike are passionate about giving back through volunteerism. Kathy has remained heavily involved in MSU alumni engagement efforts as well as other community activities, while Mike has served on many local and state health agency boards.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students enrolled in the College of Nursing Ph.D. program with a desired interest in becoming a nurse educator.
This fellowhship was established by Dr. Rebecca Lehto and Dr. James Miller. Dr. Lehto completed her undergraduate nursing education at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, Oregon, and graduate/postdoctoral studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor prior to coming to Michigan State University. Rebecca's clinical experiences as an oncology nurse sensitized her to the multifaceted challenges that patients with cancer face, problems that contributed to later research direction that focuses on cancer adaptation. Together with her husband, Dr. James Miller (Engineering Professor Emeritus at University of Michigan), they wish to promote the enrollment and continuing support of nurses pursuing their PhD at the MSU College of Nursing with the hope that such students would build a program of nursing research and a career that would contribute to nursing science in a research-intensive academic program.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing students enrolled in the PhD program in the College of Nursing who have indicated an interest in research that relates to oncology or chronic illness adaptation including but not limited to mental health, end of life, and palliative care issues will be eligible for this award.
This fellowship was established by the late Linda J. Spence, PhD, RN, whose career at the College of Nursing on the faculty spanned more than 40 years. She served on the committee that developed the initial master’s degree program as well as the committee that developed the PhD program. She participated in the implementation of the PhD program and remained committed to the need for well-prepared nurse researchers.
Requirements
Graduate degree nursing student in the Ph.D. program who has completed their first year or a fast track Ph.D. student who has completed their second year of Ph.D. coursework. The fast track student must have completed all master’s level core requirements. Recipients must be in good academic standing. This fellowship is renewable for one year as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing.