By Jordan Beach
The Pickens Scholars program was established in 2017 to support Reinhardt students residing in Pickens County. The program financially supports the education of students across many disciplines, including nursing.
Reinhardt University raises funds to enable Pickens County students at Reinhardt to earn their degree just down road from their hometowns. Students like Baylee Pendley ’22 is especially grateful for the support as a first-generation college student.
Bailey Pendley is a first-generation student nurse studying at Reinhardt.
“This scholarship means a lot to me because I am the first of my family to go to college and it is amazing to get some help along the way to get towards my dream career,” said Pendley, of Jasper, Ga. “I’m very thankful for this opportunity.”
Reinhardt’s Cauble School of Nursing & Health Sciences will introduce its sixth cohort of student nurses at the White Coat Ceremony this fall. Being able to know everyone’s name within her cohort and build friendships in the small group settings of Reinhardt’s nursing program led Pendley to become an Eagle as she pursues a career as a labor and delivery nurse.
“I chose Reinhardt because it felt very much like family. Everyone is always willing to help you no matter the situation and I really liked that about Reinhardt.”
With the Pickens Scholars program, Greta Nichols can pursue her nursing degree without worrying about finances.
Greta Nichols ’22 of Talking Rock, Ga. also chose Reinhardt on her way to working with women’s health and labor and delivery.
“It was a brand-new program, and the dean was very encouraging and inspiring when talking about RU’S new school of nursing,” said Nichols. “As a plus, it was the closest nursing school to home.”
The Cauble School of Nursing & Health Sciences recently opened a campus location at the start of this year, remaining in Jasper. Reinhardt University and the newest extension of campus is not only close to home, it provides one-on-one support and education from faculty, Nichols’ favorite aspect of the program.
As a Pickens Scholar, Nichols can focus on her education and career goals without feeling stressed about finances.
“It is an absolute blessing,” said Nichols. “It is one worry taken off my mind in a time when all I should worry about is academics, not finances.”
Supporting Reinhardt’s Pickens Scholars program enables students like Baylee Pendley and Greta Nichols to learn how to serve the community and reach their dreams of becoming nurses. To learn more, visit our website or contact Dale Morrissey, senior director of community engagement, at DSM1@Reinhardt.edu, or 770.720.5506.
