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DECATUR, Ill. -- and , part of Memorial Health, have announced a new partnership designed to strengthen the nursing workforce in Central Illinois while expanding opportunities for �鶹Լ�� Nursing students. 

The Decatur Memorial Foundation/�鶹Լ�� University will provide significant scholarship support, hands-on clinical experience, and guaranteed employment opportunities for eligible �鶹Լ�� students pursuing careers in Nursing. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by both institutions to address the growing demand for skilled nurses and improve access to healthcare throughout the region. 

Through the program, �鶹Լ�� students enrolled in the or programs may receive scholarship and tuition assistance totaling up to $50,000, along with paid clinical experience while completing their degree. Students participating in the program will gain more than 200 hours of hands-on patient care experience through per diem employment at Decatur Memorial Hospital while still enrolled at �鶹Լ��. 

In return for financial support and clinical training, participants commit to working full-time for 3 years at Decatur Memorial Hospital following graduation and licensure, thereby strengthening the local healthcare workforce. 

�鶹Լ�� University President Dr. Dean Pribbenow said the partnership highlights the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers while meeting critical workforce needs in the region. 

“�鶹Լ��’s School of Nursing has a long tradition of preparing exceptional nurses through our Performance Learning model,” Pribbenow said. “This partnership with Decatur Memorial Hospital allows our students to gain valuable real-world experience while receiving meaningful financial support. It also helps ensure that talented graduates can begin their careers serving the healthcare needs of Central Illinois communities.” 

�鶹Լ��’s School of Nursing is known for its hands-on approach, integrating innovative classroom strategies, simulation, and clinical experiences. Dr. Teresa Gulley, �鶹Լ��’s Director of the School of Nursing, said the new scholarship program builds on this foundation by allowing students to prioritize their education without the pressure of financial concerns. 

“The �鶹Լ��–Memorial Nursing Scholars Program is an incredible opportunity for our students,” Gulley said. “By easing financial burden, this program allows students to focus more fully on their academic and clinical preparation rather than working substantial hours to meet financial needs. This support promotes deeper engagement and helps students become highly competent, practice-ready nurses. Just as importantly, it reflects the strong partnership with Decatur Memorial Hospital and reinforces the quality of preparation our students receive as they transition into professional nursing roles.” 

The program also reflects the strong relationship between �鶹Լ�� and Memorial Health. Memorial Health has been the top employer of �鶹Լ�� nursing graduates over the past five years, and the new scholarship initiative is expected to expand that pipeline of highly trained professionals entering the regional healthcare workforce. 

“�鶹Լ��’s legacy of excellent nursing education makes them an ideal partner for us,” said Decatur Memorial Hospital President and CEO Tanya Andricks. “We’re proud to help talented future nurses get a great start in our community.” 

Memorial Health has academic partnerships with nursing schools across Central Illinois, including Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing, Illinois College, Lincoln Land Community College, Richland Community College, and the University of Illinois Chicago at Springfield. Each partnership has a unique focus, with a shared goal of increasing access to nursing education and building a stronger nursing workforce across Central Illinois. 

Students may apply to the Nursing Scholars Program during their junior or senior year after completing prerequisite coursework and must maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their participation. 

By investing in Nursing education and providing a clear path from the classroom to the hospital floor, the �鶹Լ��–Memorial Nursing Scholars Program will help prepare the next generation of nurses while strengthening healthcare services across Central Illinois. 

Current �鶹Լ�� Nursing students can learn more about this program at .