Public Relations

Local man receives outstanding care and offers scholarship to NWACC Nursing program

BENTONVILLE (Friday, Sept. 14, 2007) – Dr. Jesse Coker of Rogers has made a gift to the NorthWest Arkansas Community College nursing program.  His gift will establish a scholarship for a need-based scholarship for a current nursing student. 

Dr. Coker was hospitalized earlier this year and was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers.  He was so impressed with the quality of care given by his nurse, who happened to be an NWACC nursing graduate, that he decided to create a $1,000 scholarship for the College’s nursing department. 

The scholarship will be named in honor of one of his close friends, Sue Verwey, who is a member of the NWACC nursing faculty.

“His heartfelt generosity will assist the College in fulfilling its mission of providing affordable and accessible higher education in northwest Arkansas,” College President Dr. Becky Paneitz said.  “By helping to remedy the nursing shortage, we are contributing to the improved economic health of our community and state.”

The NWACC nursing program fulfills a critical need to train and prepare nurses, Director of Nursing Education Elaine Holloway said.  There is no shortage of interest in the nursing profession, which is indicated by the numerous qualified applicants who apply to the College’s program each semester, she said. 

“This scholarship will target a student who is in need of financial assistance, and I am excited that we will be able to assist one of our students next year through the generosity of Dr. Coker,” Holloway said.

For more information about NWACC or the NWACC Foundation call 479-619-4184.

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Pictured left to right are NWACC Director of Nursing Education Elaine Holloway, Dr. Jesse Coker, NWACC nursing faculty Sue Verwey, and NWACC Associate Director of Development Meredith Brunen.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Jim Hall at jhall@nwacc.edu.