MCC Associate Degree Nursing Program students who received scholarships from Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center are celebrated during a reception. With them are College leaders and Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center officials.
"By becoming a nurse, I want to make a difference in someone else's life by nursing them back to health and helping them live healthy lives."
That's how Meridian Community College Associate Degree Nursing Program student Rebecca Campbell explained her reason for pursuing a nursing career. "Not only do I want to care for others, but I want to make a difference," she said.
Campbell, who is 20 years old and from Toxey, Alabama, is on her way to becoming a nurse, and thanks to Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, she was one of seven MCC students who received scholarships to continue their studies in the College's ADN program.
The scholarships are $2,500 each.
For 36 years, ADN students at the College have benefited from scholarships from the Meridian-based medical center. Recipients are full-time students who post grade B or better in nursing courses and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Faculty evaluations and personal essays are also used in the selection process.
At a luncheon honoring the students and guests, John Anderson, Administrator/CEO of Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, said, "Nursing is no less than a calling. It is a critical service."
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner noted that the partnership between MCC and Baptist Anderson is strong. "We are so thankful for this," he said.
Echoing his comments, MCC Associate Vice President of Nursing and Health Care Education Dr. Lara Collum added, "Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center is a career partner to MCC, and this partnership enhances our nursing program. I am grateful for your support and collaboration. The scholarships will impact lives and help students reach their career goals, so your investment in these students makes a difference, and we thank you for that."
Dr. Collum said the seven recipients are "very hard-working students in their program."
Mallory Ross, 33, of Florence, was the recipient of the Dr. Jeff Hollingsworth Scholarship. Dr. Hollingsworth, the grandson of Dr. Jeff Anderson, was a cardiovascular surgeon in Jackson and was instrumental in getting the Cardiac Catheterization program started in Meridian. Dr. Hollingsworth passed away in 1986. This scholarship was established in 1988 to honor Dr. Hollingsworth.
Rebecca Campbell, 20, of Toxey, Alabama, received the Dr. Jeff Anderson Scholarship. Dr. Jeff Anderson founded Anderson Infirmary in 1928. At that time, the hospital had room to accommodate 30 patients and was staffed by three physicians and a handful of nurses. Dr. Anderson's vision for the future and his commitment to providing quality medical care for the residents in East Central Mississippi and West Central Alabama are the foundation of what has now grown to be Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, a 400-bed medical center with over 160 physicians representing more than 38 specialties. The scholarship was created in 2004 to honor Dr. Anderson.
Emily Arias, 20, of Bailey, was awarded the Dr. W. J. Anderson III Scholarship. Dr. Anderson was the son of Dr. William J. Anderson and the grandson of hospital founder Dr. Jeff Anderson. Dr. Anderson was a general surgeon from 1962 until his retirement in 1998. Dr. Anderson served as president and chairman of the board of directors at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center until his death in October 2002. This scholarship was created in 2003 to honor Dr. Anderson's visionary leadership in the hospital.
Amber Lewis, 31, of Florence, received the Reuben S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship. Johnson began his 47-year service at Anderson Regional Medical Center in 1947. He was president and chairman of the board for 38 years. He was instrumental in the successful transformation of the hospital from a small infirmary to what became Anderson Regional Medical Center. Johnson also served as the internal management consultant from 1976 until he died in 1994. The scholarship was created in 2007 to honor Johnson's many accomplishments.
Receiving the Dr. William J. Anderson Jr. Scholarships was Keleigh Moore, 20, of Meridian. Dr. Anderson was the son of Dr. Jeff Anderson, the founder of the hospital. Dr. Anderson served as a general surgeon at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. The scholarship was created in 1988, a year after his passing, to honor the many accomplishments of Dr. Anderson.
Keri Hans, 27, of Meridian, received the William J. Gunn, Esquire, Scholarship. Gunn began his service at the medical center in 1965 as secretary to the board of directors and general counsel for the hospital. In 1967, he became a board of directors member and continued his faithful service until his death in August 2001. The scholarship was created in 2002 to honor Gunn's service to the hospital.
Andrea Sciple, 29, of DeKalb, was the Baptist Anderson Board of Directors Scholarship recipient. The board works behind the scenes to ensure that Dr. Jeff Anderson's vision to give quality health care to the people of our region is carried out. Each member brings expertise in a different area that enhances the quality of care given to patients. These individuals work tirelessly and with very little recognition for their labor. The scholarship was created in 2012 to recognize the valuable contributions of each board member.
To learn more about MCC nursing, go to meridiancc.edu/nursing. For more information about Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, visit andersonregional.org.
