Empire State University has announced a memorial scholarship in honor of Dr. Bridget Nettleton, the founding Dean of the School of Nursing. The scholarship honors Dr. Nettleton’s work in nursing, bridging the gap between health care and academia by supporting nursing education, building a pipeline for new nurses, and promoting nurse retention and advancement in the field.
Her career started in nursing as a Staff Nurse at St. Clare’s Hospital. She began her journey as a nurse educator and became the Assistant Director at Albany Medical Center and then a Director for the School of Nursing at Samaritan Hospital. From there, she held several positions at Excelsior University in the School of Nursing: Nurse Educator, Associate Dean, Interim Dean, and her greatest accomplishment, Dean. She then took a position at Empire State University as Dean for the School of Nursing and Allied Health.
In addition to this new opportunity for students, members of the university community will also be able to help make a difference through SUNY Empire’s Day of Giving: Go Higher for Empire.
The scholarship is available to students in the School of Nursing and Allied Health who meet the Empire State University Foundation’s criteria. It may be automatically renewed for eligible recipients until completion of their degrees. Preference will be given to students who have completed an associate degree through the Joint Nursing Degree Program at Nassau Community College, or other programs that build the pipeline for new nurses, and students who enhance diversity within the nursing field. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible and the submission of a FAFSA and nine-credit pre-requisite may be waived for nursing students.
Those who would like to contribute to this scholarship should visit www.sunyempire.edu/gohigher and make a gift directed to the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Health Care Scholarship.. One hundred percent of gifts will be directed to support SUNY Empire students through the Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Health Care Scholarship.