Douglas Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences, CEO, UNM Health System | University Of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
The University of New Mexico Foundation has announced a donation of $252,500 from UNM alumni and philanthropists Arishanda and Doug Campbell. This contribution will enhance nurse residency scholarships at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and support the nursing workforce in rural New Mexico through the UNM College of Nursing.
The Campbells' donation includes a non-endowed gift of $126,250 to create a nurse residency scholarship fund. This fund aims to recruit and retain top nursing talent, recognizing nurses' essential role in bridging health equity and access gaps at SRMC. By alleviating financial burdens, the scholarship will enable nurses to pursue further education without compromising their livelihoods. The scholarship will encourage nurse residents to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), addressing a critical funding gap despite the N.M. Opportunity Scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs: 78% of nursing residents at SRMC do not hold a BSN upon hiring.
Additionally, the Campbells' matching gift of $126,250 will allow the College of Nursing to expand its training to rural sites throughout New Mexico. Experience in rural environments increases the likelihood of graduates practicing in those settings. The gift will provide stipends, housing, travel, and other expenses for students during rural rotations and support faculty coordination.
“This generous gift opens a pathway for our nurses to further their professional development. Our nurses encounter distinct challenges while serving our rural communities. This gift helps overcome the financial hurdles often impeding the pursuit of advanced degrees, which are crucial for career advancement. I extend my personal thanks to Arishanda and Doug Campbell for their innovative support of our nursing staff, which will positively influence patient care and family outcomes at SRMC,” said Jamie Silva-Steele, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHE, President of UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center.
Arishanda Campbell has over 20 years of nursing experience in various roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2000 from the UNM College of Nursing. After graduating, she joined the New Graduate Nurse Residency program at UNM Hospital and later worked at Boulder Community Hospital and Longmont United Hospital. In 2023, she relocated back to Albuquerque as a case manager for Bosque Trails Hospice.
Douglas Campbell is an entrepreneur with expertise in aerospace, defense, and energy storage industries. He is the former CEO of Solid Power and co-founded Roccor. Campbell holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in civil engineering from UNM.
For more information on how you can support these programs, please contact Anndee Wright Brown at Anndee.wrightbrown@unmfund.org.
