The University of Central Florida (UCF) has received a $2 million grant from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust to support students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. The funding aims to help address Florida’s ongoing nursing shortage, which is projected to reach more than 59,000 nurses by 2035 according to the Florida Hospital Association.
The grant will provide scholarships and additional support services for UCF’s accelerated second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This program allows individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to transition into healthcare careers. The College of Nursing’s Knight Nurse Academic Center for Success (KNACS), which offers tutoring, group study sessions, coaching, and academic wellness workshops, will also benefit from restored services thanks to this donation.
Of UCF’s 17,000 nursing alumni, approximately 85% remain in Florida for their careers. Kris Hysler ’23BSN is one such graduate who switched careers after her father became ill and now works at the Orlando VA Medical Center.
Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible for federal financial aid or grants, making private scholarships critical for supporting their education and career transitions. Over the next three years, $1.8 million of the grant will be used to award 360 scholarships of $5,000 each—covering full tuition and educational expenses—to second-degree BSN students starting with the Summer 2026 cohort through Summer 2028. An additional $200,000 will fund Student Nurse Association membership fees, conference travel costs, and KNACS operations.
The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust was founded in 1965 with a focus on empowering people through education and community investment; it has awarded over $860 million in grants since its inception.
“We are extremely grateful to the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust for this incredible gift that will transform lives,” says Sharon Tucker, dean of UCF’s College of Nursing. “By investing in much-needed future Knight nurses, this gift will ensure a brighter future for UCF students and a healthier future for our communities.”
This marks the first time UCF has received funding from the Trust; only eight nursing programs nationwide were selected as recipients.
“Philanthropy has the power to be a catalyst for change and this gift from the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust is a shining example,” says Rod Grabowski, senior vice president for Advancement and Partnerships at UCF. “By investing in second-career nursing students, the Trust is not only transforming individual lives but also helping to solve one of Florida’s most pressing healthcare challenges. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and vision in empowering the next generation of Knight nurses.”
