WGU announces new scholarship opportunity for nursing students

Western Governors University (WGU) has announced a new scholarship opportunity for nursing master's degree students honoring the leadership and healthcare career of outgoing American Organization of Nurse Executives President Linda Knodel.

WGU will award the Linda Knodel Nursing Leadership and Management MSN Scholarship to one M.S. in Nursing–Leadership & Management student every quarter who exemplifies the spirit and commitment to leadership that Knodel has exemplified in her more than 30-year career in nursing leadership. The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,000 ($500 per six-month term renewable for up to four terms), will be applied toward WGU's already-low tuition of $3,250 per term for nursing master's degree programs. Applications are currently being accepted at www.wgu.edu/knodel.

"WGU honors the vision that Linda continues to bring to her professional work and the model she represents to new leadership students. Linda embodies professional commitment, grace and leadership and in so doing, helps develop our next generation of nurse leaders." said Dr. Jan Jones-Schenk, National Director of the College of Health Professions at WGU. "These scholarships will help the best and brightest nurses move into positions of leadership and continue the legacy of nursing leadership in this country."

Knodel is a Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for St. Louis-based Mercy and was recently appointed to sit on WGU's Nursing Program Council. A Wharton nursing executive fellow, Knodel earned a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minn., and a master's degree in nursing from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. She also recently published a book, Nurse to Nurse: Nursing Management.

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be newly enrolling students who have been officially admitted to the university and must complete an interview with a scholarship counselor. This is a competitive program, and scholarships will be awarded based on the student's academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations.