Humana’s $125,000 investment in the university’s School of Nursing will provide students with nursing scholarships and help remove barriers to education for aspiring nurses.
Eastern Kentucky University has received a $125,000 investment from Humana. The investment establishes the Humana Scholars Program and supports the School of Nursing through student scholarships to help remove barriers to education for aspiring nurses. Humana partnered with the School of Nursing in 2025 to help support a home-health simulation lab on campus, and earlier in 2026 to create a pipeline of skilled nurses to work in home health.
According to an article on Eastern Kentucky University’s website, Kathy Driscoll, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCM, who serves as the chief nursing officer of Humana, was quoted as saying of the investment, “We know many people have the compassion and aptitude necessary for a rewarding career in nursing, but life’s challenges might hamper their ability to get a degree. While traditional academic scholarships provide essential support, additional resources can enrich the student experience and help future nurses thrive. This enhanced support is intended to help students as they pursue a fulfilling and successful nursing education.”
The state of Kentucky currently faces shortages of healthcare workers, including nurses. This investment from Humana is intended to help ease the shortages by helping prepare more individuals for healthcare careers and removing the barrier of cost from earning a degree. This investment includes $50,000 for nursing scholarships and $75,000 to help students who are facing personal barriers to their education.
Dr. Brooke Bentley, who serves as the chair of the School of Nursing, said, “We are sincerely grateful Humana has chosen to partner once again with the EKU School of Nursing. Together, we share a commitment to helping our nursing students overcome both academic and nonacademic barriers, positively shaping their lives and enhancing the health of the patients and communities they will serve throughout their careers.”
University president David McFaddin added, “With Humana’s expanded support, we are strengthening the workforce with the next generation of healthcare professionals. An investment in nursing education is an investment in the health and well-being of the Commonwealth that creates a sustainable pathway for nurses who will serve our communities for years to come.”
The three students who are the first recipients of the Humana Nursing Scholarship are Peyton Moening, Odunayo Adebisi, and Emma Picklesimer.
For more information about Eastern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.