The School of Nursing at Belmont University recently honored recipients of the New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Scholarship with a dinner to promote leadership and professionalism. The scholarships are funded by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation to support underrepresented students in Belmont’s accelerated second degree nursing program. The event was organized by Dr. Anita Chesney and Dr. Carrie Harvey, who coordinate the scholarship program at Belmont. To date, the School of Nursing has received $200,000 in scholarship funds.
The event was attended by the NCIN grantees, as well as several community nurse leaders from the Nashville area. The distinguished guests shared their experiences and offered advice and opportunities to the scholarship recipients. Community nursing leaders from Tennessee Nurses Association (District 3), Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, and Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority challenged the students to succeed and become involved in professional nursing organizations. Featured speakers included Richard Phidd, RN, BSN, and Laura Kelley, RN, MSN (pictured above), who serve as nurse managers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Also recognized at the dinner were Angelle Richardson, RN, and Lori Kelso, RN, for their participation and contribution to the School of Nursing’s Alumni E-mentoring program.
The School of Nursing is part of the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences & Nursing.

Dr. Amelia Bryant, RN, MSN, president of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority challenged students to become involved in community action and leadership.

RWJF Fellow and Belmont nursing student Michael Bell offered the invocation and blessing.