Baptist Health Paducah, Murray State University partner to award nursing scholarships

PADUCAH, KY (March 31, 2026) — Baptist Health Paducah, in partnership with Murray State University, has awarded its first scholarships through the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s Workforce Development Incentive Fund, a statewide initiative designed to address critical healthcare workforce shortages.

The scholarships are funded through the Healthcare Workforce Investment Fund (HWIF), established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2023. The program provides full-tuition support to students pursuing high-need healthcare careers, including nursing, while strengthening the pipeline of nurses across the Commonwealth.

This partnership represents a $500,000 investment in the future nursing workforce, including $250,000 awarded through the Council on Postsecondary Education and a $250,000 match from Baptist Health Paducah, with support from the Baptist Health Foundation Paducah. The funding will provide up to 10 scholarships of as much as $50,000 each to help students complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees at Murray State University.

The first three scholarship recipients have now been selected following a competitive application process led by Murray State’s scholarship committee.

“The students were selected through a rigorous application process at Murray State University,” said Marilyn Riley, DNP, Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Health Paducah. “They had to meet specific criteria, including GPA, communication skills, and faculty recommendations. We are so excited to have these three students join our nursing team upon graduation.”

Eligible applicants must be Kentucky residents, enrolled in a BSN program, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to serving in rural Kentucky. Students also complete a comprehensive application that includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement outlining their passion for nursing and future career goals.

Scholarship recipients agree to practice as licensed or certified healthcare professionals in Kentucky for at least one year per academic year funded, up to two years. Through this partnership, recipients will fulfill that commitment by working at Baptist Health Paducah after graduation.

“The real focus of the grant is to assist students who are enrolled in nursing programs while also helping healthcare organizations address the ongoing nursing shortage,” said Riley. “Programs like this are critical to building a strong, sustainable workforce for our region.”

In addition to receiving scholarship support, all three inaugural recipients are currently serving as Student Nurse Externs at Baptist Health Paducah, gaining valuable hands-on experience while completing their education.

This marks the first Workforce Development Incentive Fund award for both Baptist Health Paducah and Murray State University, and the first such award in western Kentucky. The initiative is part of a broader statewide effort, with more than $10 million allocated to support healthcare workforce development through education and provider partnerships.

Baptist Health Paducah plans to continue awarding scholarships through the program as funding allows, further strengthening its commitment to developing the next generation of nurses and improving access to care across the region.

For more information about nursing opportunities at Baptist Health Paducah, visit Nursing Careers at Baptist Health Paducah - Baptist Health.