In a four-year agreement, BMH-GT, NMMC and OCH have agreed to join together in a partnership with The W and fund three nursing faculty positions with gifts totaling $458,344.

Scott Rawles, MUW's vice president for institutional advancement, said. "We're excited about Oktibbeha County Hospital joining this effort. It has already impacted our ability to bring in more students."

The agreement provides two new associate degree in nursing faculty this fall and one baccalaureate degree in nursing faculty member starting in February 2004. The goal is to produce more of the well-trained, well-qualified nurses The W produces who can meet the need for nurses at the partners’ hospitals.

Arthur C. Kelly, Oktibbeha County Hospital administrator and CEO, said "We recognize the superior work that MUW has provided in training personnel for our area. With the critical need for nurses, this effort will help address the shortage."

Martha Fulcher, OCH director of nursing and W alumna, added, "We get to participate in the students' training while they are attending The W and form relationships with them. We want to be proactive and do our part in helping address the nursing shortage."

MUW's Division of Nursing serves about 250 students in three distinguished programs of study leading to an associate, bachelor or master of science in nursing degree. A majority of The W's nursing graduates can be found in hospital, clinic and health care settings throughout the state.