University Communications and Marketing

MSU Billings Foundation receives grant to fund 10 nursing scholarships

Tiffini Gallant, Alumni/Foundation Marketing Coordinator at MSU Billings Foundation
(406) 657-2252, tiffini.gallant@msubillings.edu

MSU BILLINGS NEWS — Nursing students in need at Montana State University Billings have additional financial support next fall, thanks to a grant to the MSU Billings Foundation. The Charles M. Bair Family Trust granted the foundation $30,000 for the 2019-20 academic year, which will fund 10 new $3,000 scholarships for students pursuing nursing degrees at the university.

News of the grant was received Monday, and couldn’t have come at a better time. MSU Billings Chancellor Dan Edelman says the demand for qualified nurses continues to grow, and the university is committed to serving as a major workforce educator for Yellowstone County, the state of Montana, and beyond.

“MSU Billings understands the importance of healthcare programs, being that we are located in the healthcare hub of Montana,” said Chancellor Edelman. “We offer nursing programs through City College and the university campus and would love to see enrollment grow in the future. Through the donation of funds, more students will have a chance to pursue their passion, which starts with obtaining a degree from MSUB.”

Vicki Trier, dean of City College at MSU Billings, says nursing is an expensive degree field due to extra fees, certifications, and background checks that add to typical tuition costs. With more than 50 percent of students in MSUB nursing programs being older than age 26, many study nursing hoping to earn a living wage to support their families.

“The majority of City College’s nursing students are of non-traditional age who are raising families and working while trying to attend college. Many are single parents who have to work due to financial constraints,” Trier said.

The scholarships made possible by the Charles M. Bair Family Trust will go a long way toward easing the financial burden of education-related costs for MSU Billings and City College non-traditional nursing students with demonstrated financial need.

The Charles M. Bair Family Trust was established to commemorate the legacy of the Bair family. Their dedication to philanthropic work in Montana is carried on through the trust, which grants financial contributions to qualifying organizations.

For more information about the nursing scholarships, contact Jennifer Ries, scholarship officer at the MSU Billings Foundation, at (406) 657-2339 or jennifer.ries@msubillings.edu.

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