Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Humana announced a $125,000 investment to support nursing students and further advance the excellence of EKU’s School of Nursing. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to addressing Kentucky’s healthcare workforce shortage and expanding access to high-quality care across the Commonwealth.
The gift from Humana establishes the Humana Scholars Program at EKU, including $50,000 for nursing scholarships and another $75,000 to help reduce personal barriers for EKU students pursuing nursing degrees.
“With Humana’s expanded support, we are strengthening the workforce with the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “An investment in nursing education is an investment in the health and well-being of the Commonwealth that creates a sustainable pathway for nurses who will serve our communities for years to come.”
Kentucky continues to face healthcare shortages. According to the Kentucky Hospital Association 2025 Workforce Survey Report, hospitals reported 2,821 open registered nurse positions in 2024, an 11.5% vacancy rate, with some specialties experiencing greater shortages.
“We know many people have the compassion and aptitude necessary for a rewarding career in nursing, but life’s challenges might hamper their ability to get a degree,” said Kathy Driscoll, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCM, chief nursing officer for Humana. “While traditional academic scholarships provide essential support, additional resources can enrich the student experience and help future nurses thrive. This enhanced support is intended to help students as they pursue a fulfilling and successful nursing education.
Humana employs more than 10,000 nurses nationwide, many within its CenterWell Home Health business, underscoring the company’s direct investment in developing and supporting the next generation of nurses who will expand access to care in communities across Kentucky and beyond.
Today’s announcement marked the second award this year under the new Humana Scholars Program, designed to help train and support a pipeline of skilled nurses, with an emphasis on home-health nursing. The first award was announced in February as part of a partnership between Humana and Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville.
This is also the second time in a little over a year that Humana has partnered with EKU. In February 2025, Humana contributed $75,000 toward a partnership with the university and the Kentucky state government to support a home-health simulation lab on campus and to equip faculty with resources to help students who may be struggling with social needs.
Dr. Brooke Bentley, chair of EKU’s School of Nursing, said, “We are sincerely grateful Humana has chosen to partner once again with the EKU School of Nursing. Together, we share a commitment to helping our nursing students overcome both academic and nonacademic barriers, positively shaping their lives and enhancing the health of the patients and communities they will serve throughout their careers.”
“Nurses are on the front line of our health care workforce, and it’s wonderful to see Humana and Eastern Kentucky University once again coming together for the good of the commonwealth and the nursing community,” said Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman. “Public-private partnerships like these are a valuable tool in making Kentucky a leader in health care and ensuring that career opportunities in such an important field are more accessible.”
EKU’s School of Nursing demonstrates strong outcomes for its graduates and the communities they serve. In 2025, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program reported a 100% employment rate. Five years after graduation, 80% of EKU associate nursing graduates are employed in Kentucky, BSN graduates earn median wages of $77,299, and master’s degree recipients earn median wages of $111,462, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics Postsecondary Feedback Report.
EKU Nursing is ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs and The Princeton Review’s Best Online Nursing School Master’s Programs for 2026. EKU offers degrees from Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice for all stages of a nursing career.
The initial recipients of the Humana Nursing Scholarship are Peyton Moening from Lexington, Odunayo Adebisi from Richmond and Emma Picklesimer from Flatwoods..
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