Donation Helps Bring Diversity to WSU School of Nursing
OGDEN, Utah – In support of a scholarship program that will benefit diversity in nursing, Intermountain Healthcare donated $75,000 to Weber State University’s School of Nursing. “It is imperative we get the word out to high school students, so they can be advised of courses that will help them become viable applicants and successful students,” said Susan Thornock, chair of the nursing school. “We have students currently who will benefit from this generous donation, but the largest amount will go to incoming students. The ultimate goal is to increase the diversity of nurses who are primary caregivers in our community hospitals and healthcare systems.”
In fall 2014, 16 percent of the declared nursing majors, who self-identified race, were ethnically diverse. As a result of the Intermountain donation, the nursing program will work with WSU’s Assistant to the President for Diversity, the Center for Diversity and Unity, Multicultural Student Center, Education Access & Outreach, and the Northern Utah Area Health Education Center to identify ways to attract a broader, multicultural student population.
“Leaders recognize the connection between a diverse nursing workforce and the ability to provide high-quality care to meet a variety of patient needs in our communities,” said Mikelle Moore, vice president of Community Benefit for Intermountain Healthcare. “We are pleased to support Weber State University’s nursing program in this significant effort that will benefit future nurses and also the many patients they will serve throughout their careers.”
WSU’s nationally accredited nursing program is in the Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions. The school graduates nearly 1,000 nurses annually and grants associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The flexible program offers courses in- person, online and in a combination of the two.
Intermountain Healthcare is a not-for-profit health system based in Salt Lake City. Recognized for its excellent clinical care and low costs, Intermountain strives to help people live the healthiest lives possible. For more information, visit intermountainhealthcare.org.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
- Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu - Contact:
- Susan Thornock, School of Nursing chair
801-626-6833 • sthornock@weber.edu