The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will endow $10,000 in scholarship funds toward the nursing program at WGU Tennessee, the state-endorsed, nonprofit online university launched nearly five years ago as part of Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Drive to 55” initiative.
“It’s important for us to be part of increasing the number of highly trained nurses providing excellent care to our neighbors across Tennessee,” said Karen Ward, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and WGU Tennessee advisory board member.
“We see this scholarship as a way to make sure more Tennessee nurses have the opportunity to benefit from a great education.”
WGU Tennessee will match the donation, immediately creating $2,000 scholarships for 10 new students.
“We’re grateful for the support of business leaders like BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee,” said Kimberly K. Estep, Ph.D., chancellor of WGU Tennessee. “Increasing the higher-educational opportunities available to adult students is vital to the development of a strong, skills-ready Tennessee workforce, which is what these scholarships are all about. This generous donation by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation will pay dividends for our state’s economic future.”
WGU Tennessee was launched in 2013 through a partnership between the state of Tennessee and nationally recognized Western Governors University. The online, fully accredited university has enrolled more than 4,000 students in less than five years.
The announcement comes on the heels of the news that Western Governors University has launched WGU Advancement, a nonprofit fundraising organization dedicated to increasing scholarship availability through partnerships with foundations, corporations, associations and individual donors. The nonprofit aims to provide more scholarships and opportunities for working adults to continue their educations and advance their careers. WGU Tennessee has given more than $1.5 million in scholarships to Tennesseans since launching in 2013. Those interested in learning more can visit
tennessee.wgu.edu.