Nash Community College Students Named 2025 UNC Health Nash Scholars
Nash Community College is proud to announce the selection of 11 students to the prestigious 2025 UNC Health Nash Nurse Scholars Program. This year’s cohort of 29 students marks the largest group to date and highlights the expanded reach of the program, which now includes partnerships with NCC, Edgecombe Community College, Wilson Community College, and Halifax Community College.
UNC Health Nash touts the program as “a transformative opportunity for aspiring nurses, providing not only financial support for tuition, books, and living expenses but also mentorship, professional development, and guaranteed full-time employment upon graduation”. The program was designed to empower the next generation of healthcare professionals who will make a significant impact on the community’s health and well-being.
This year, the following NCC students have been selected as part of the 2025 cohort:
- Aaron Barnes
- Mallory Batts
- Savannah Dunn
- TiJuan Lee-Floyd
- Taylor Leonard
- Taylor Rooks
- Ashley Mayo
- Kristin Murray
- Meredith Tart
- Arica Vaughan
- Valerie Velez
The program outlines that each scholar will be connected with an experienced mentor from the UNC Health Nash team and will participate in networking events designed to foster both professional and personal growth. As part of this expanded program, the students will gain the support and skills needed to succeed in the highly rewarding field of nursing.
“We are incredibly proud of these students and their commitment to becoming part of the future of healthcare,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “We also remain proud of the partnership we have with UNC Health Nash, including through the Nurse Scholars Program, where our students are gaining the opportunity to not only receive world-class training but also contribute to the health of our community as soon as they graduate. This is a win for them, for our community and for the future of healthcare in the region.”
The program’s core vision, “Where Education Meets Opportunity,” underscores the idea that nursing is not just a career—it’s a calling. UNC Health Nash is committed to helping these future healthcare leaders answer that calling by providing the resources, mentorship and support that will help them thrive in their education and careers.
NCC Director of Nursing Programs Krysti Coppock shared, “For Nash Community College nursing students, this nurse scholars program represents more than financial support; by investing in the education and professional development of Nash Community College nursing students, the nurse scholars program ensures a brighter future for nursing students and the patients they will serve. It is a model of how educational partnerships can address workforce shortages while empowering individuals to achieve their goals.”
UNC Health Nash Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Mary Strickland explained the importance of the program and its impact on local nursing students and the community.
“We are proud to offer this program that allows UNC Health Nash to partner with local colleges to invest in and help develop the next generation of nurses here in eastern North Carolina,” Dr. Strickland said. “Programs like this help build a strong pipeline of nursing talent that ultimately benefits our local education system, our hospital, and our community as a whole. I am excited for the 29 scholars who will undoubtedly make a major impact on our community’s health and wellbeing as they pursue their calling as a nurse through this incredible opportunity.”
