The Bedford Falls Foundation-Donor Advised Fund invested $1.5 million into the Capstone College of nursing to support in-state programs and scholarships.
The Foundation works to remove financial barriers that prevent students from attaining high-quality nursing education with the goal of addressing the nationwide nursing shortage. The investment will provide around 60 scholarships to in-state students pursuing nursing.
According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, there will be a projected shortage of 14,000 nurses in Alabama, as 39,000 nurses indicated retirement plans by 2027.
“Bedford Falls Foundation’s extraordinary commitment marks a historic moment for both our college and the state of Alabama, as this is the first funding the foundation has provided within the state,” said Julie Sanford, dean of the Capstone College of Nursing. “Their investment strengthens our mission to prepare highly skilled nurses who will serve communities across Alabama and beyond.”
Earlier this year, the University announced a plan to double nursing enrollment to address the statewide nursing shortage. This funding will help more students access nursing school at the University.
The Capstone College of Nursing is ranked as the #22 Best Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program in the country according to the U.S. News rankings. The college also has a 99.6% National Council Licensure Examination pass rate among its 2025 BSN graduates.
“We are pleased to support students at the University of Alabama,” said Bill Conway Jr., who established the Bedford Falls Foundation and Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF, along with his late wife, Joanne Barrett Conway. “The nursing shortage is critical. If we can play even a small part in addressing this need by supporting future nurses, then we are proud to do so.”
