Seated are UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom and UNC Health Wayne President and CEO Dr. Jessie Tucker. Standing are representatives from both UMO and UNC Health Wayne. (UMO Photo)
MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive (UMO) and UNC Health Wayne have entered into a new partnership to expand educational and career opportunities for aspiring nurses across Eastern North Carolina.
Outlined in a two-year Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the region’s healthcare workforce needs. Key elements include clinical placements, scholarships, faculty support, and career incentives for UMO nursing students and UNC Health Wayne employees.
“This partnership provides a clear and affordable pathway for students in Wayne and surrounding counties to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree,” said Dr. Burt Lewis, UMO Vice President for Academic Affairs. “By aligning our academic programs with real workforce needs, we’re creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, and serve in their own communities.”
The agreement includes over $50,000 in annual scholarships for junior and senior UMO nursing students, along with additional funding for UNC Health Wayne employees pursuing BSN degrees. These financial resources aim to remove barriers for aspiring nurses and boost regional recruitment and retention.
The partnership was born from a conversation between UMO President Dr. H. Edward Croom and UNC Health Wayne President and CEO Dr. Jessie Tucker. “This began as a simple discussion about the need for more qualified nurses,” said Dr. Croom. “Through that dialogue, we recognized the shared mission and values between our institutions. This agreement represents a tangible step toward solving the nursing shortage in our region.”
“This partnership is a meaningful investment in the future of healthcare in our region,” said Dr. Tucker. “By supporting our students and workforce through education and opportunity, we are strengthening our local talent pipeline and advancing patient care.”
One of the partnership’s cornerstones is the expansion of clinical training opportunities. UNC Health Wayne will serve as a clinical site for UMO’s BSN students, providing hands-on experiences within a regional healthcare setting. Additionally, the health system will contribute $50,000 annually toward the salary of a UMO clinical instructor stationed onsite, enhancing the faculty support available to students in the field.
“This relationship will allow our students to complete meaningful clinical experiences at a hospital that serves the very community many of them call home,” said Dr. Lewis. “That’s a powerful connection that enhances both learning and local impact.”
In addition to academic training, the partnership offers robust workforce incentives. New graduate nurses hired by UNC Health Wayne are eligible for a $15,000 commitment incentive, with structured bonuses distributed over three years. Relocation assistance of up to $10,000 is also available depending on distance.
UNC Health Wayne has committed to multiple scholarship and support programs, including:
$2,500 annual scholarships for full-time employees pursuing degrees after one year of employment.
A $1,500 per year education assistance program for employees working toward a BSN at UMO.
Participation in the Vizient New Graduate RN Residency Program with stipends and part-time work allowances.
Bilingual certification bonuses, clinical ladder advancement opportunities, and career mobility incentives.
UMO and UNC Health Wayne have committed to ongoing collaboration through a joint advisory committee, which will meet regularly to assess progress and explore additional partnership opportunities. The MOU also outlines joint simulation training, continuing education, and co-branded materials to promote the partnership.
“This is more than an agreement—it’s a model we hope to replicate,” said Dr. Lewis. “By combining educational access, financial support, and local employment, we are building a sustainable solution to a critical regional need.”
Discussions are already underway to explore future phases of the partnership. While specifics are still in development, both institutions are committed to expanding the scope and impact of their collaboration.
“The most exciting part of this agreement is its potential,” Dr. Lewis emphasized. “This partnership shows what’s possible when academic and healthcare institutions work together to meet real-world challenges.”
Dr. Lewis offered this message to students, faculty, and the broader UMO community: “This partnership exemplifies how UMO is stepping forward to meet the needs of our region. It’s a testament to our mission, values, and vision for the future of nursing education in Eastern North Carolina.”
For more information about the UMO Nursing Program, visit umo.edu/nursing.
