Bedford Falls Foundation invests in medic-to-nurse pathway at ECU
A generous gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF will launch a first-of-its-kind initiative at East Carolina University to establish a medic-to-nurse pathway that will bring military medics through the accelerated Bachelor of Science program in the College of Nursing.
A new medic-to-nurse pathway will bring military medics through the accelerated Bachelor of Science program in the College of Nursing. The medics will learn to be practice-ready, registered nurses through courses and labs, such as the nurse anesthetist simulation lab. (ECU Photo)
The five-year, $2 million partnership strengthens the relationship between ECU and the military and will bridge the transition between active military service and careers in community health care.
“The Bedford Falls Foundation’s generous investment in the College of Nursing will enhance pathways for veterans to become Pirate nurses,” Chancellor Philip Rogers said. “When donors support our mission and strategic priorities, our entire university benefits. This innovative partnership will enhance ECU’s commitment to veterans and respond to the need for more health care providers in our region.”
Through the grant, the College of Nursing (CON) will offer partial scholarships to students and clinical faculty support, the college’s student success program and matching funds for National Health Service Corps-funded doctoral students.
The private Bedford Falls Foundation, along with the Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF, its associated donor advised fund, each established by Carlyle Group co-founder and co-chairman Bill Conway Jr. and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway, focuses its philanthropy on nursing education. Their name was inspired by the town in the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
The Conways’ vision, and the backbone of their philanthropy, is to empower individuals with the skills and opportunities to find fulfilling employment and to ensure access to safety-net services for our most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Bim Akintade, dean of the college, describes the investment as far more than a gift.
“This is a powerful endorsement of nursing as a vehicle for transforming the health and well-being of North Carolinians,” Akintade said. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Conway family and the entire Bedford Falls Foundation for their extraordinary generosity and their visionary belief in the promise of Pirate nursing.”
Akintade said North Carolina faces significant challenges in health care access and delivery and the Bedford Falls Foundation’s support will unlock new possibilities for aspiring nurses, helping them realize their potential and, in turn, extend their impact across the region.
Educating More Nurses
A grant-funded initiative will help the College of Nursing remove barriers and provide scholarships for qualified military medics to become Pirate nurses. As nursing students, the medics will participate in simulation labs for hands-on learning. (ECU Photo)
In the first year, the gift will provide scholarships for eight Conway Military Medic Scholars, named in honor of Joanne and William Conway. The program expects to have 16 scholars each year for years two through five.
“I am genuinely excited about the future we will build together,” Akintade said. “What excites us most about this initiative is the opportunity to welcome some of the world’s most skilled and battle-tested medics into the nursing profession.”
Akintade said veteran medics, such as Green Berets and Navy special operations medics, can be among those who transition into careers in nursing as they move from active duty into civilian life.
“This program offers them a clear and efficient route to continue their service in a new form. These individuals have received elite training and demonstrated extraordinary courage and clinical expertise under the most demanding conditions,” Akintade said. “It would be a missed opportunity not to channel their experience, maturity and dedication into improving health care delivery across North Carolina. This program will do just that and will do so in a way that honors their service while strengthening our health care workforce.”
Pathway to Success
Akintade said the Bedford Falls Foundation’s support enables the CON to remove barriers and provide scholarships for qualified applicants and essential resources for faculty who will lead and sustain this initiative.
Military medics who already hold a bachelor’s degree and meet the qualifications can be practice-ready registered nurses in approximately 18 months.
“We are confident that once these veterans become Pirate nurses through the accelerated pathway, they will thrive in the program and be exceptionally well-prepared for our graduate-level offerings,” Akintade said. “Their unique experience and academic foundation will position them as outstanding candidates for advanced practice and leadership roles in nursing.”
The partnership between the CON and the Bedford Falls Foundation has been years in the making. Akintade said the relationship is grounded in a shared belief in the power of nursing to transform lives and communities.
“Creating opportunities to lift the financial burden is critical and meaningful, especially for those who want to continue serving our country through becoming future nurse leaders”, said Bill Conway. “We are honored to partner with ECU’s College of Nursing and support the next generation of nurses, while strengthening the ability to serve communities across eastern North Carolina.”
Faculty and staff from CON and units across multiple areas of campus collaborated to prepare for the potential program. The Office of National Security & Industry, University Advancement, the ECU Health Foundation, ECU Financial Aid, University Scholarships and the Office of Research Administration all played a part in the launch of the new initiative.
“From the beginning, we were confident that the outcomes of our programs would affirm that investing in Pirate nurses is a wise and meaningful choice,” he said.
Dr. Thompson Forbes, associate professor of advanced nursing practice and education, has been instrumental in shaping the vision for the CON’s advanced military medic pathway.
“Upon recognizing the extraordinary training and experience veterans have, he immediately saw the opportunity to channel their skills into nursing careers that offer boundless potential,” Akintade said. “His leadership has helped create a pathway that honors their service, expands their professional horizons, and redefines how we deliver care, making it a win for our students, our state and the communities we serve.”