Foundation provides $68,000 in scholarships to senior nursing students

While summertime at College of the Ozarks means a break from classes, for most C of O students, it’s usually one of the busiest times of the year.

Senior nursing students Courtney Weibel and Samuel Womble

Senior Cheyenne Martin, 22, hasn’t had much of a summer break since starting at C of O. In fact, this summer will be the first summer that her plans do not include holding down two fulltime jobs – one on campus to cover the cost of her room and board and one off-campus to help pay fees and living expenses. This summer, she’ll be focusing her time and energy on learning all she can about being a nurse.

Martin is one of 10 C of O senior nursing students receiving a $6,800 scholarship from Skaggs Foundation to cover the cost of her room and board and other fees incurred during the final year of her college career.

“This means a lot to me personally,” says Martin who will be fulfilling her externship requirements this summer by working 40 hours a week on the step down unit at Cox Medical Center Branson. “This allows me to focus on my education and not worry about money so hopefully I can be a better nurse.”

Savannah Peach, 21, says the scholarship lifts a huge burden off her shoulders and will allow her to keep her focus on her future nursing career.

“My dad is fully disabled,” she explains. “All of the resources my mom brings in has to go to support them. This scholarship means that I don’t have to be burdened this summer with finding the money I need for my last year in school.”

Peach plans to graduate debt-free and hopes to be able to help her parents once she graduates.

“My dad, he’s my inspiration and my strength,” she says.

Cheyenne Martin and Savannah Peach

Peach will be fulfilling her externship in the post-surgical unit at Cox Medical Center Branson. Following graduation, she plans to remain in the area and work in the emergency room or critical care unit.

When classes resume this fall, Peach, Martin and the other nursing students will return to a very full schedule complete with classes, course requirements and working 15 hours a week on-campus to cover tuition.

The Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing was founded by and is directed by Dr. Janice Williams. The school celebrated its 10^th year in 2017. The school has achieved outstanding results since inception -- earning accreditation, producing amazing results on the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®), and showing a 100 percent satisfaction rate among employers and alumni.

The senior nursing student scholarships were made possible through a grant to College of the Ozarks through the Skaggs Legacy Endowment. Skaggs Legacy Endowment was established in 2013 and is a restricted endowment fund dedicated to improving access to health care, supporting healthy lifestyles, child and family safety, dental care, mental health and substance abuse. Since the inception of the endowment fund, Skaggs Foundation has awarded more than $3 million to organizations serving Stone and Taney counties.