Villanova’s College of Nursing Welcomes Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Scholars

Ten Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing scholars enjoy their first day on Villanova’s campus on May 20th before beginning classes in the second-degree accelerated nursing program. They are (L to R) Flower Habte, Lou Pagnoni, Dorris Ogbuehi, Emily Lang, Gregory Calucci, Mona Akhlaghi, Anthony Ruffo, Jordona Ndon, Shawn Ellison, and Lauren Dornin.


Villanova University College of Nursing has welcomed ten Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) scholars to campus to begin the 14-month second-degree accelerated program –called BSNExpress—for adult learners who are earning their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

The NCIN Scholarship Program, initiated in 2008, was developed to help alleviate the shortage of nurses and increase diversity in the workforce. The grants provide scholarships to college graduates from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds who are transitioning into nursing in an accelerated BSN program.

The College received a grant of $100,000 to award scholarships to ten students who met the criteria consistent with the goals of the NCIN program. Four men and six women who were admitted into the class beginning May 2010 received the scholarships, and as part of their program, a Leadership Development Plan has been established to facilitate successful transitioning into the nursing profession and to foster leadership development for each RWJF NCIN Scholar.

“The plan provides support and advocacy in the areas of academics, professional development, community involvement and mentoring,” said BSNExpress Program Coordinator Maryanne Lieb, MSN, RN. “Based on personal experience and professional goals, the Scholars are mentored by nurse leaders who share a mutual interest, and also serve as advisors to prospective students who have applied to the following class,” she continued. All RWJF NCIN Scholars meet monthly for seminar participation, collaboration and open discussion. To support the activities proposed in the Leadership Development Plan, the BSNExpress program received an additional $1,500 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.