Lenoir Community College Names Nursing Labs in Honor of UNC Health Lenoir, Expanding Partnership for Nursing Scholarships

Lenoir Community College (LCC) celebrated the naming of two nursing labs in honor of UNC Health Lenoir on Monday, October 28. The event marked a deepening partnership between LCC and the local healthcare system, with representatives from both institutions in attendance. The collaboration includes a newly established scholarship program to support aspiring nurses in the region.

UNC Health Lenoir’s generous contribution provides selected LCC nursing students with a $7,000 scholarship as well as a monthly stipend. The program aims to remove financial barriers for local students, allowing them to focus on their studies and develop critical healthcare skills. Six students make up the inaugural cohort of the scholarship program: Marilian Adams, Monica Bolanos, Madison Dunford, Anna Nicole Houston, Hayley Jones, and Tiffany Warren.

Dr. Rusty Hunt, president of Lenoir Community College, emphasized the importance of this partnership in nurturing local talent. “This partnership is a great opportunity to grow our own talent locally and allows our students to focus on their studies and not their finances,” Dr. Hunt said. “We are grateful for UNC Health Lenoir’s commitment to supporting our students and investing in the future of healthcare in our community.”

Dr. Crystal Hayden, President and CEO of UNC Health Lenoir, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the healthcare system's dedication to giving back to the community and supporting local education. “This partnership is a meaningful way for us to make an impact,” said Dr. Hayden. “We’re honored to support LCC’s nursing students as they prepare to serve our community, bringing skilled, compassionate care to those who need it most.”

The scholarship program and the newly named nursing labs represent UNC Health Lenoir’s commitment to supporting the educational development of future healthcare professionals in Lenoir County. This initiative not only strengthens the bond between LCC and the hospital but also reinforces their shared goal of improving access to quality healthcare in the region.

Pictured left to right are Rod Evans, LCC Board of Trustees Vice Chair; Claire Paris, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of UNC Health Lenoir; Maxine Cooper, LCC Board of Trustees Member; Crystal Hayden, DNP, RN, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of UNC Health Lenoir; Dr. Rusty Hunt, President of Lenoir Community College; Randy Smith, LCC Board of Trustees Chair; Brad Mantha, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UNC Health Lenoir; and Cindy Cronkhite, Executive Director of Human Resources at UNC Health Lenoir. 

Pictured left to right are Dexter Floyd, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member; David Edwards, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member; John Marston, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member; Cale Grady, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Chair; Crystal Hayden, DNP, RN, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of UNC Health Lenoir; Dr. Rusty Hunt, President of Lenoir Community College; Charles T. Taylor, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member; Rep. Chris Humphrey, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member; and Keith King, LCC Foundation Board of Trustees Member.