Gov. Nixon Announces Grants Statewide For Nursing Education

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon visited two university campuses Thursday to announce nearly $850,000 in grants to help students across the state who are seeking an education in nursing.

Speaking in Columbia, Nixon said $150,000 would be used to "fund scholarships to nine doctorial students pursing careers in nursing."

"Employers in Missouri need more nurses," Nixon said, adding that the funds will not only be good for "our health care system, but for our economy."

In addition to the grant for Mizzou, grants were awarded to six other schools across the state, including: $150,000 for Truman State University in Kirksville; $124,115 for Lincoln University in Jefferson City; $144,134 for Missouri State University in Springfield; $148,032 for Research College of Nursing in Kansas City; $149,978 for the University of Missouri - St. Louis; and $131,266 for the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

The grants are part of Nixon's 'Caring for Missourians' initiative, which he launched in 2009 to increase the number of nurses, physicians, and other health professionals being educated by Missouri institutions. Funds were expanded for the program in December 2010 by tapping revenue from license fees.

University of Missouri Chancellor Brady Deaton lauded the program, which he said should be continued to help produce more well educated medical professionals.

"Our care needs are growing," Deaton said. "These projects need a bipartisan effort."

The grants are awarded to students by the Missouri State Board of Nursing by a competitive application process. The money, Nixon said, can be used to hire new faculty, purchase new equipment, and expand scholarships.