USA College of Nursing Awarded $2.15 Million HRSA Grant for EMPOWERED Program
Posted on October 26, 2026
The University of South Alabama College of Nursing has received a four-year, $2.15
million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support nursing
workforce development and expand educational opportunities for students from
disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The University of South Alabama College of Nursing faculty have developed and
expanded this outstanding project that increases opportunities for nursing students
who
are from disadvantaged backgrounds,” said Dr. Heather Hall, dean of the USA College
of Nursing.
The funding will support the College’s EMPOWERED Program, short for Expanding
Mentorship, Pipeline development, Opportunity, Workforce Readiness, Experience, and
Retention through EDucation.
Led by Dr. Jo Ann Otts, associate professor in the College of Nursing, the program
is
designed to strengthen recruitment, retention, graduation, and employment outcomes
for nursing students from economically and geographically vulnerable backgrounds.
“HRSA’s investment in the EMPOWERED Program represents an important
commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce and expanding opportunities for
students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue nursing careers,” Otts said.
The program will focus on increasing the number of students from disadvantaged
backgrounds who enroll in and graduate from nursing degree programs. It will also
expand academic, social, and financial support for students and strengthen mentorship
opportunities through faculty and preceptor recruitment and retention.
Otts said the impact of the program extends beyond the students who will directly
benefit from the grant.
“By expanding the pathways to nursing education and strengthening the preparation
of
future nurses, the EMPOWERED Program will help build a strong, well-prepared
nursing workforce to meet the healthcare needs of South Alabama and the Gulf Coast
region,” she said. “Ultimately, the impact extends beyond our students to the patients,
families and communities they will serve."
The EMPOWERED grant team includes Dr. Rebecca Thomas, Dr. Beth Emley, Dr. Kelly
Stauter, Dr. Kim Jordan, Dr. Paula Levi, Dr. Shanda Scott, and Erin Masson.
The grant is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration, Bureau
of Health Workforce.
