Scholarships Change Lives, Create Legacies

By: Lisa Alexander, CFRE President, CoxHealth Foundation

Matching Gift O er, Your Response Needed

I was about to quit nursing school when the letter came in the mail that I had received a scholarship.” This was the opening line of a thank you note from a recipient of 2020's scholarship awards. It went on to say that she had been working two jobs, raising two children and even with support from her family, she still was struggling to a ord school. I would like to add that her GPA on the application for her scholarship was a 3.9.

Education is expensive no matter where students attend. The fact that this very bright and obviously, very committed student came close to ending her nursing path, is tragic. Federal

Despite all our efforts, there are never enough scholarships to go around...

funds are limited in higher education. If a student has a previous degree before coming into a nursing or other program, the student does not qualify for federal aid. Many of our Cox College students are older, married, and have families. To add a student loan on top of car loans and mortgages is often not an option. This is why scholarships have become so vital to Cox College students. In many cases, the scholarship is what opens the door to the student being able to pursue a nursing or health science career.

The Burge Class of 1961 established a scholarship that honors their classmates.

In 2020, the Foundation received the largest number of applications in our history. Fifty-two nursing scholarships (from $250$5,000 a semester) are in place. All other degrees have scholarships created out of unrestricted funds gifted to Cox College. Despite all efforts, there are never enough scholarships to go around to all the students with financial need. The expansion of nursing from 250-400 students creates even greater demand.

It is our goal in 2021 to grow the scholarship

opportunities. The result will be more highly qualified students choosing Cox College. It allows these students to put their focus back on their education and graduate on track to a successful career. This goal has been assisted by the estate of

the late Art White, and his wife Ruth Ann. A matching gift of $100,000 has been offered to encourage our alumni and friends to support scholarships. Secondly, a non-nursing Health Professions Scholarship Endowment has been created by the Whites. This gives Cox College its first dedicated scholarship dollars for all non-nursing programs. We have from now until May 1 to capture the full match of the $100,000 pledge. If it is in your heart and ability to make a gift, your gift will be doubled! Donations can be made online at coxhealthfoundation.com or by calling the CoxHealth Foundation at 417-269-7109. These are tax-deductible gifts. Select an existing fund or create one of your own. Thank you for helping your alma mater to continue to empower the next generation of health professionals with your support.

Mrs. White and her 1989 nursing scholarship recipient Sherry H.

ASN Nights & Weekends

A program that fits your lifestyle

Are you looking for a career change, but need to keep Testifying before working? Good news! We have night and weekend classes State Senate available for our ASN program! Call our Admissions/ Recruitment team at 417-269-3401 or scan in the QR code to go to our website.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Over the last year, Cox College has been fortunate to witness e orts by CoxHealth and its leaders to guide our organization through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health system, led by Steve Edwards, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness concerning the spread of the virus, educate local and state leaders concerning the need for a plan for immunization, and gone to great lengths to help prepare to serve those patients impacted by the pandemic. More than 150 patient beds have been added across the system, including a 51-bed COVID ICU that was built in only two weeks. When many schools went virtual, CoxHealth began its School Care Program, which allowed employees to continue to work while their children were educated in a safe space. Employee funds for crisis needs and time off related to COVID-19 were approved by CoxHealth’s Board of Directors totaling more than $3.8 million. In addition to work related to COVID-19, CoxHealth completed and opened the new Cox Monett Hospital, as well as three super clinics in Nixa, Ozark and Monett.

We are so proud to be part of this organization, and help prepare future health care leaders for this community!

Photo right: Governor Mike Parson and Steve Edwards tour the new COVID ICU.