By: Anna Hoffman
The University of Florida College of Nursing has received a landmark $2 million gift from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, setting the stage for a bold new approach to nursing education and workforce development in Florida.
This two-year grant, beginning in January, comes at a critical moment when Florida faces a projected shortage of more than 59,000 nurses in the next 10 years. In direct alignment with the college’s Elevate 2029 four-year strategic plan, the Kenan Trust’s investment introduces a comprehensive, place-based solution designed to accelerate
practice readiness, expand access and strengthen the pipeline of nurses serving high-need communities.
“The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust is honored to partner with the University of Florida’s College of Nursing to strengthen programs and fund scholarships to meet the vital need of educating more nurses to serve the state of Florida,” said Kenan Trust leadership.
At the heart of the effort is the Florida Commitment Scholarship Program, which will provide debt-free pathways for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, who are ineligible for traditional financial aid. These scholarships will prioritize students who are committed to serving Florida’s health care workforce after graduation. The grant will also transform how students learn and practice. From their first semester, BSN students will have the option to step into paid roles as care technicians within
UF Health hospitals and practices, gaining hands-on experience and building confidence in real-world settings.
Simulation and technology have become essential pillars of modern nursing education, offering safe, controlled environments where students and professionals can practice critical skills and collaborate without risking patient safety. Support to expand the college’s simulation programs and introduce virtual reality technology will bring
complex clinical scenarios to life across all UF Health campuses, allowing students and nurses to learn through the latest hands-on technology while overcoming physical and spatial barriers.
The College of Nursing will also integrate mobile clinic outreach opportunities for students to gain real-world community experience. These mobile outreach rotations will immerse students in rural and underserved communities through UF Health’s specialty units, such as cancer, stroke and obstetrics and gynecology. Together, these experiences will prepare graduates not only to pass the NCLEX but to lead in environments where adaptability and innovation are essential.
“This gift from the Kenan Trust is a game-changer for nursing education and health care access in Florida,” said Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, MBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC, dean of the UF College of Nursing and system chief nurse executive for UF Health. “By removing financial barriers and accelerating clinical readiness, we are creating a model that not only meets today’s workforce needs but sets a new standard for how nursing education can drive health access and innovation. We are deeply grateful to the Kenan Trust for their visionary support and commitment to the future of nursing.”