On December 9, Asbury University Nursing received a $400,000 workforce development grant through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund to support student scholarships in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. The award includes $200,000 in state funding from CPE, matched dollar-for-dollar by CHI Saint Joseph Health, Asbury University’s healthcare workforce partner. The Healthcare Workforce Collaboratory announced the award at The Campbell House in Lexington, which convened healthcare leaders, educators, and workforce partners from across the Commonwealth.
Enacted by the General Assembly in 2023, the HWIF primarily supports scholarships for students pursuing in-demand healthcare professions. To be eligible for funding, postsecondary programs must partner with private healthcare employers, who match state funding awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
“We are thrilled to partner with CHI St. Joseph in this initiative,” said Asbury University President Dr. Kevin Brown. “CHI’s leadership has agreed to provide approved students with tuition scholarships for Nursing at Asbury University. Upon graduation, those students will be guaranteed employment at CHI.”
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to removing financial barriers, expanding access to nursing education, and strengthening Kentucky’s nursing workforce,” said Dr. Connie Lamb, founding director of Asbury University’s Department of Nursing. “Through the combined investment of CHI Saint Joseph Health and the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund, we are not only opening doors for future nurses. We are improving access to healthcare and quality of life across the Commonwealth by building a sustainable pipeline of highly skilled, compassionate nurses committed to serving their communities.”
Asbury University welcomed its first class of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in the fall 2025 semester, expanding the University’s offerings in the health professions under the Shaw School of Sciences. Scholarship applications will open in January 2026 for all currently enrolled and incoming students.
In August 2024, Asbury University welcomed Dr. Connie Lamb as Founding Director and Associate Professor of Nursing to lead the development and launch of the University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Under her leadership, Asbury Nursing has been established with a clear focus on academic excellence, clinical preparation, and Christ-centered formation—preparing graduates to serve with competence, compassion, and purpose.
Learn more about Asbury University Nursing and the other health professions programs, including Pre-Medicine, Pre-Dental, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, and Pre-Physical Therapy.