HCA Richmond donates additional $500,000 to existing VCU scholarship fund

By Malorie Burkett

Hospital Corp. of America has donated an additional $500,000 to Virginia Commonwealth University’s Scholarship for Emerging Healthcare Leaders.

The gift follows a $1 million endowment made in 2003 to the Department of Health Administration in VCU’s School of Allied Health Professions. HCA established the scholarship to recruit and sponsor graduate education in health administration.

“HCA's gift helps increase the competitiveness of the department in attracting the best students to the MHA program from an ever-widening geographical perspective, said Stephen Mick, Ph.D., Arthur Graham Glasgow professor and chair of Health Administration. “It also is a service to prospective executives and leaders in the field by making it possible for them to afford to enroll in our educational program.”

The scholarship pays for full tuition for two academic years. Depending on the available funds, additional expenses such as books, fees and a monthly stipend may be covered.

Scholarship selections are based on merit, demonstrated leadership skills and financial need. Nominations come from the scholarship director and include efforts to pursue qualified students from diverse backgrounds.

“This additional gift will help VCU assure that students have the opportunity to pursue careers in health administration,” said Marilyn Tavenner, president of HCA’s Atlantic division and a 1989 graduate of VCU’s Masters in Health Administration program. “We are committed to educating students and continually developing up-and-coming talent in this field.”

In addition to the scholarship gift, HCA also has donated $250,000 to the Department of Health Administration to help fund a new recruiter position over a three-year period.

The recruiter will seek qualified candidates for admission into the MHA program, visiting colleges and universities around the country to publicize the programs in health administration at VCU and to make clear the existence of a number of scholarship programs available.

“HCA is exercising excellent stewardship in recognizing the need for stronger incentives for the very best people to enroll in health management programs,” said Mick.

For more information, visit http://www.had.vcu.edu/.