The college has been selected along with 27 others nationwide to take part in the second phase of the project, which seeks to institute reforms and initiatives to improve student success in rural areas.

The Radiography and Logistics and Warehouse Management programs will launch with the Fall 2025 semester.

The $2 million ADN-to-BSN Completion Grant will allow the college to partner with Central Michigan University to provide a streamlined pathway for nursing students.

Ferris State University has partnered with Grand Rapids Community College, Davenport University, and Grand Valley State University to help students earn nursing degrees.

The recognition was awarded by the National Security Agency and the school will retain the recognition until 2029.

The support comes from Kelli and Scott Parsons in honor of Kelli’s mother Oleta Burkeen, who was a Murray State University nursing faculty member and longtime supporter.

The university is the first in the state of Kentucky to have achieved this award, which is one of the highest offered by the Special Olympics.

The partnership will result in the Senior Workforce Program, which will serve adults aged 55 and over as they pursue new skills and workforce training.

The anonymous donation totals $2 million and has brought the total amount raised for the project to $9.25 million, which is $750,000 short of the goal.

Irene and Don Dizney donated funding to establish the Donald R. and Irene S. Dizney Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, the first endowed deanship in the university’s history.