Coker University has received $2 million to expand healthcare education as part of multiple projects across South Carolina that have received funding from the Second FY 2024 Spending Package.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made funding requests from applications to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Other institutions, counties, and hospitals across the state also received aid to expand healthcare programs. 

Coker plans to use the $2 million to advance the University's healthcare education as the university emerges as a healthcare leader in the Pee Dee. The allocation across the state shows a focus on improving healthcare as the needs of healthcare workers are high, and Coker plans to bridge the gap in the rural Pee Dee. 

Coker also plans to add specific programming based on the needs of the region. 

News of this grant follows an award to The Child and Family Resource Foundation, alongside Coker University, for $300,000 from The Byerly Foundation for a program to support the mental health needs of youth in the Hartsville community. The program will offer training opportunities for Coker students studying to become Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. 

Coker University’s hybrid nursing program offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, Health Professional-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN bridge, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Coker’s nursing program boasts a total of 152 students in its second year of operating. 

The nursing program partners with Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center for scholarship aid and student experience in the medical center’s simulation lab, which was created to help with the education of Coker’s students.

“This $2 million grant marks a pivotal moment for Coker University as we strive to meet the evolving needs of our community and beyond,” shared Coker President Dr. Natalie Harder. “With this funding, we are poised to expand our healthcare offerings, empowering our students to make a meaningful impact in their field and beyond.”

With the funding, Coker will be able to launch this healthcare education advancement completely by Fall 2026. 

Coker University launched its nursing program in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The program has grown to now offer degrees at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. For more information about the Coker’s nursing programs, visit www.coker.edu/nursing.