UNM Health Sciences has announced that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) will be donating a $1.6 million gift to support The University of New Mexico College of Nursing. This generous contribution will aid in supporting Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science (ABSN) students, advanced practice Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, and facilitate the creation of an endowed faculty professorship within the college.
According to a press release by UNM Health Sciences, this donation is aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by students as they pursue second careers or advanced nursing roles. The establishment of an endowed faculty professorship is expected to enhance faculty recruitment, with a focus on experts in midwifery, perinatal health, maternal-child health, and women's health. This initiative aims to contribute to the education of future nurses and address the shortage of healthcare workers.
In the same press release, BCBSNM Vice President of Medicaid Nancy Smith-Leslie stated, "It’s important to invest in our workforce of health care professionals, including nurses and nurse practitioners. A well-trained workforce is essential to expanding access to care and improving quality of care in our state."
Montoya expressed her gratitude towards BCBSNM for their commitment towards investing in nursing education. She said, "These dedicated students are returning to school to pursue their degrees and contribute to their communities. They represent the future of our state. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico for their commitment to investing in our nurses and nurse practitioners. Undoubtedly, this support will greatly benefit the health of all New Mexicans."
The UNM College of Nursing holds a distinguished position among the 115 Carnegie Classified R1 universities nationwide and proudly claims the top spot as the No. 1 Nursing School in New Mexico. With an enrollment count reaching 1,185 nursing students, the college awards over $850,000 in scholarships, according to the About webpage provided by UNM College of Nursing.
