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Sarah Rhoads, dean of the UAMS College of Nursing, addresses scholarship recipients and donors during the Sept. 22 reception. Image by Bryan Clifton

College of Nursing Recognizes Scholarship Recipients, Donors

Oct. 7, 2026 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Nursing hosted a Sept. 22 reception to recognize scholarship recipients and express gratitude for the alumni and community members who have offered their support.

This year’s reception included several members from the inaugural class of the Chancellor’s Scholars Program, a new initiative that provides full-tuition scholarships to high-achieving students. The program awarded scholarships to 10 students from the College of Nursing — five from the college’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program on the Little Rock campus and five from its accelerated BSN program in Northwest Arkansas.

Callie Kilburn, a student in the traditional BSN program, said the Chancellor’s Scholarship has relieved financial stress for her and her parents. Kilburn said she is leaning toward a career in pediatric nursing, but she is also interested in continuing her education after she earns her BSN.

“Getting this scholarship allows me to put my full focus into becoming a better nurse,” she said. “I’m very thankful to have this opportunity.”

Chancellor’s Scholars are selected based on academic merit, evaluated through a holistic review of the applicant’s academic record. Selection considers objective measures of academic performance, the rigor and consistency of prior coursework, and demonstrated commitment to scholarly excellence, as assessed by the admissions or scholarship selection committee within each college. Recipients also must be Arkansas residents.

Scott and Alisa Lancaster of Batesville, who provided funding for one of the Chancellor’s Scholarships in the College of Nursing, said the program will play an important role in shaping the future of Arkansas’ healthcare workforce. They encourage others to give to the program so that more students can benefit in the years to come.

“Alisa’s career as a nurse gave us a firsthand understanding of the difference a caring healthcare professional can make,” Scott Lancaster said. “We support the Chancellor’s Scholarships because we believe in giving the next generation of nurses the opportunity to serve others and make a lasting impact in the lives of patients and families.”

Alisa Lancaster is a College of Nursing alumna who dedicated much of her career to serving at UAMS.

The College of Nursing awards hundreds of scholarships each year. Students who attended the reception represented more than three dozen of those scholarships, many of which were established through the generosity of individual donors.

Sarah Rhoads, Ph.D., DNP, dean of the College of Nursing, noted that economic factors such as higher gas prices have caused additional strain for students, many of whom spend 50 to 60 hours per week on course work and have limited ability to financially support themselves.

In response to students’ needs, the College of Nursing this year increased its average scholarship award to $2,800, Rhoads said. Two years ago, the average scholarship was about $2,300.

The college, which in the past has awarded scholarships near the start of each academic year, is also planning to give out a second set of scholarships in the spring. Rhoads said the new round of awards will help students as they take courses during the summer, when it is sometimes more difficult to obtain financial aid.

“I’m really proud of all the steps we’re taking to put our students in the best position to excel in their education,” she said.

Walt Nickels, RN, who graduated from UAMS with his BSN degree in 1994, shared his perspective as a former student and a current donor. He talked about the lessons he’s learned during his career, including the importance of taking care of oneself mentally, physically, and financially.

Nickels encouraged the students to remember how they felt when they received their scholarships, which were funded through small gifts as well as large ones. He said he defines wealth not based on money but rather on a person’s ability to give back to others.

“You can pay it back one day as you go through your career, and it’s a great feeling,” he said. “It’s a different kind of wealth, but it means a lot.”