Hillsdale Hospital News

Hillsdale Hospital Awards $100K in Tuition Assistance to Nursing Students

Future of Nursing Academic Assistance Program Announces 2022 Recipients

HILLSDALE, Mich.—At its Board of Trustees meeting yesterday evening, Hillsdale Hospital recognized the 2022 recipients of its Future of Nursing Academic Assistance Program: Mary Adams and Kaileigh Hollis. After completing an application and interview process, Adams and Hollis were selected to each receive tuition assistance of up to $10,000 per year for five years as they pursue their nursing education.

Kaileigh Hollis (left) receives a certificate recognizing her Future of Nursing tuition assistance award from Hillsdale Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Meghan Campbell (right).

“We are proud to announce that Mary and Kaileigh are our 2022 Future of Nursing recipients,” Meghan Campbell, chief nursing officer, said. “These talented students will join the legacy of individuals who have been recipients of this program in the past and are now serving our community as dedicated, caring, highly-skilled nurses at Hillsdale Hospital.

Recipients of the Future of Nursing Academic Assistance Program commit to working at Hillsdale Hospital upon completion of their associate degree in nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), along with their nursing license. For every year of tuition assistance received, the recipient commits to serve one year as a Hillsdale Hospital employee.

Kaileigh Hollis (left), Mary Adams (center), Hillsdale Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Meghan Campbell (right)

“We love to grow our own, supporting the education of Hillsdale County graduates as they pursue a career in this rewarding field,” Campbell said.

Adams graduated as valedictorian from North Adams-Jerome High School on Sunday and will attend Jackson College in the fall studying nursing. During her high school career, Adams, who played varsity basketball, softball and volleyball, was a Scholar Athlete recipient. She was a member of the student council, National Honor Society and the National Technical Honors Society. She was also part of the Hillsdale Community Youth Foundation.

“The thought of being a patient’s support, companion, and advocate gives me great satisfaction in my own life,” Adams said in her application essay. “I am willing and eager to put in the time, energy and work to become the best healthcare professional I can be.”

Hollis also graduated from North Adams-Jerome High School on May 22 and will pursue her nursing education at Alma College starting this fall. Hollis served as National Honor Society chapter president this year and Student Union president all four years of high school. She was also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars and the student council. In her senior year, Hollis received the Good Citizen Award.

“I came from a family that helps people when they are most vulnerable,” Hollis said in her application essay. “By working in healthcare, I can set an example for my kids to help others instead of turning their heads acting like they did not see them.”

For the past 20 years, Hillsdale Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to higher education with the Future of Nursing program. Since 2001, the hospital has awarded academic assistance to more than 55 students and paid for more than $3 million in tuition.