麻豆代天府

KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 4, 2026

The Wellstar School of Nursing at 麻豆代天府 hosted its annual Scholarship Reception on March 4, 2026, welcoming students, donors, faculty, and community partners for an afternoon celebrating philanthropic impact and scholarly student success. Interim dean Laurie Tis, associate deans, scholarship recipients, and donors gathered to recognize the collective investment supporting the next generation of nurses.

During her opening remarks, Dr. Tis highlighted Wellstar College鈥檚 longstanding partnership with Wellstar Health System, which spans nearly three decades. A transformational $8.75 million donation from Wellstar in 2020 has helped more than double enrollment in the Wellstar School of Nursing over the past five years. A portion of that gift established the Wellstar Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, which currently supports 51 scholars and plays a critical role in addressing Georgia鈥檚 ongoing nursing shortage.

The program also recognized the Wellstar Tom and Betty Phillips Elite Honors Nursing Cohort, a distinctive four鈥憏ear scholarship initiative for high鈥慳chieving Honors students pursuing nursing. Now entering its fourth year, the program supports nearly 100 students. Among them is Aliyah Johnson, a junior nursing major, President鈥檚 Parliament Scholar Ambassador, and scholarship recipient, who thanked donors for their commitment to education and community impact. 鈥淭hank you for investing not just in our education, but in the future patients, families, and communities we will serve,鈥� Johnson said. 鈥淭hank you for believing in changemakers.鈥�

Student scholar Violet Riggle, also recognized during the reception, shared how scholarships have shaped her academic journey. A President鈥檚 Parliament Scholar Ambassador and a recipient of the Wellstar Tom and Betty Phillips Elite Honors Nursing Scholarship, Riggle emphasized the importance of financial support in allowing students to focus on their goals. 鈥淭hese scholarships have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my studies without the burden of financial stress,鈥� she said.

The reception concluded with closing remarks from Karen Carlisle, senior director of development, who acknowledged the many donors, families and community partners whose generosity continues to strengthen nursing education at KSU, including those who have established memorial scholarships, endowed funds, and the Dr. Betty L. Siegel Distinguished Chair in Health and Wellness. 

Story by Lisa Walker
Photo by Darnell Wilburn, Jr.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 麻豆代天府 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. 麻豆代天府is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 麻豆代天府is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.