In 1965, a young nephrologist moved to Jackson to begin a storied career in academic medicine that touched numerous lives and helped make kidney dialysis affordable and accessible statewide. Today, Dr. John D. Bower’s legacy lives on through The Bower Foundation and its recent healthcare education grants to Mississippi State University-Meridian’s Bachelor of Social Work and new Master of Science in nursing programs.
The grant funds nursing scholarships for the state’s first direct-entry accelerated Master of Science in nursing, or MSN, program, which admitted its first students this fall. This unique program offers a 12-month pathway to practice as a registered nurse for those who hold a degree in a non-nursing field. With this, the program will help alleviate the growing nursing shortage across the Magnolia State. Located in downtown Meridian’s historic Deen Building, the program has access to several highly esteemed Mississippi healthcare systems, team-based learning spaces and a state-of-the-art interprofessional simulation center.
“Since 1996, the Bower Foundation has funded Mississippi health and healthcare projects,” said The Bower Foundation CEO Anne Travis. “The introduction of the new MSN program from MSU-Meridian will not only strengthen the nursing workforce, but also contribute to the delivery of high-quality healthcare service to Mississippians.”
Mary Stewart, dean of nursing at MSU-Meridian, said the scholarships will remove financial barriers for Mississippi residents interested in becoming professional practice-ready nurses.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift for our inaugural class,” Stewart said.
The Bower Foundation, which directs its funds and energies into making sustainable, systemic improvements in the state’s health and education infrastructures, will also help advance student recruitment and advisement efforts and fund workforce scholarships to assist community college students entering the social work program at MSU-Meridian.
“The healthcare workforce is a priority of the foundation,” Travis said. “The commitment of MSU-Meridian to expand healthcare education opportunities in east Mississippi is a significant step toward enhancing the healthcare workforce in the state.”
The grant comes at a crucial time in Mississippi’s healthcare landscape, according to Angela Savage, MSU-Meridian’s social work program director.
“Historically, the mention of social work has been aligned with child protective services, and while that is an area of focus, the need for social workers in physical and mental health is absolutely tremendous,” Savage said. “This grant makes healthcare social work relevant. It will help fill those gaps, particularly in rural healthcare.”
The Bower Foundation grants, which inspire motivated students to pursue healthcare degrees and support those enrolled in a healthcare curriculum who might otherwise be prevented from graduating, continue the philanthropic efforts of its late founder.
“MSU is extraordinarily proud to partner with The Bower Foundation as we expand our healthcare and social work programs in East Central Mississippi,” said David R. Shaw, MSU provost and executive vice president. “These programs on the Meridian campus are addressing critical needs in our state, and The Bower Foundation has an excellent track record of supporting programs that are recognized leaders in addressing Mississippi’s health.”
By Meaghan Gordon
