Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) and Regional Medical Center (RMC) have taken a significant stride in enhancing their longstanding partnership. On Friday, May 17, 2024, leaders from both institutions came together to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), solidifying their collaborative efforts by introducing a 20% tuition scholarship for eligible RMC employees.
The newly established scholarship, set to be available for Jax State’s upcoming summer terms including Summer 4-Week, Summer II, and Summer Block 2, aims to support RMC employees in furthering their education and training. The application process is designed to be accessible, with all RMC employees, regardless of classification, eligible to apply.
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., President of Jax State, underscored the significance of the MOU signing, stating, “This MOU signing is a testament to the friendship and collaboration between our two entities. We are deeply grateful to RMC for the partnership, opportunities for our students, and healthcare they provide for our community. This expansion brings mutual benefits that further enhance the quality of healthcare and education in our community.”
Louis Bass, President and CEO of RMC, echoed Dr. Killingsworth’s sentiments, expressing excitement about the strengthened partnership. “It’s always a pleasure and an honor for us to be able to work with Jax State. We’ve done so many things together, from the Student Health Center to the South Complex to this scholarship. This initiative is another testament to our commitment to the professional development of our healthcare workforce and the enhancement of the overall quality of healthcare provided to the community.”
Previously, the partnership scholarship was exclusively targeted towards RMC nurses and respiratory therapists participating in the RN-BSN or Respiratory Therapy Bridge programs. However, under the new MOU, all classifications of RMC employees are eligible to apply, and the scholarship is no longer limited to these specific programs.
Dr. Betsy Gulledge, Jax State’s Chief Nursing Administrator, lauded RMC as a crucial partner in nursing education, stating, “We’ve always had a great relationship with RMC and open lines of communication. I would consider RMC to be our most significant collaborating clinical partner over the years, always looking for ways to improve the experience for students.”
The signing of the new MOU signifies a continued commitment by both Jax State and RMC to foster educational and professional growth opportunities for their employees, ultimately benefiting the broader community through enhanced healthcare services and education.
