The Musgrave Foundation’s scholarships empower students to chase their dreams by providing crucial financial support. 

Those who receive the graduate nursing scholarship are able to make an impact in Missouri’s health care landscape.  

The scholarship benefits universities across the Ozarks, supporting the retention of current graduate nursing students and creating the next generation of Missouri nurses.   

Missouri State University graduate nursing students can apply for the graduate nursing scholarship through the Missouri State University Foundation. 

Since 2021, 17 MSU graduate nursing students have received the scholarship. 

“Scholarship support at Missouri State is extremely valuable. Some students couldn’t attend without it,” said Debbie Branson, director of foundation relations at MSU.   

About the scholarship 

The Musgrave Foundation’s graduate nursing scholarship program covers a large part of tuition costs. Each year, the MSU Foundation submits a grant application to the Musgrave Foundation to request funding for the graduate nursing scholarship. This year, the grant was $30,000, with six students receiving $5,000 in the 2024-2025 academic year.   

Recipients must be in good academic standing, enrolled fulltime and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. They also must complete the MSU Foundation Scholarships application.  

Donor-funded scholarships are privately donated funds given to MSU students each year. They come from private gifts to the university made by individuals, groups or companies. Students receive scholarships based on criteria such as major, high school attended, academic achievement, leadership and financial need. 

Recipients of the scholarship must be enrolled in one of the following programs: 

• Doctor of Nursing Practice.  
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). 
• Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). 
• MSN Nurse Educator. 

Serving the underserved  

A five-year average of MSU’s FNP graduates indicates that 98% remained in Missouri and 56% worked in rural settings to provide health care to underserved populations.   

Amid a nursing shortage, MSU graduate nursing programs address the evolving health care landscape. Many graduates focus on rural health and primary care, equipping them to bridge gaps in access to quality health care. 

“We’re in a nursing crisis right now. It’s important to know this scholarship doesn’t fund your typical nursing program. It’s for nurses who are preparing to become frontline caregivers,” Branson said. 

By reducing their financial burden, students can focus on clinical experience and become equipped to address health care challenges. 

“For the last 40 years, the Musgrave Foundation’s grantmaking has created brighter futures for so many in Springfield and southwest Missouri,” said Bridget Dierks, vice president of programs for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO). “We’re grateful to carry on Mrs. Musgrave’s charitable legacy well into the future.” 

The Musgrave Foundation legacy  

The Musgrave Foundation began in 1983 with Jeannette L. Musgrave’s vision. It supports many charitable projects in Springfield and southwest Missouri. Its grants surpass $20 million, upholding Musgrave’s vision for community impact.  

The CFO manages the scholarship program. 

“I’m extremely grateful to Jeanette Musgrave for her love of nursing and progressive foresight to generously give to nurses seeking to provide patient care,” said Dr. Melissa Penkalski, graduate program director and associate professor at MSU.  

“I’m certain she would be proud to see the impact she has made and continues to make in health care and our communities. I’m also appreciative to the CFO for stewarding Jeanette’s wishes.” 

A call to action  

Initiatives like the Musgrave Foundation’s scholarships are vital for supporting the next generation of nurses as the demand for skilled health care professionals increases. By investing in education, the foundation is investing in the health and well-being of our communities for generations to come.  

“It’s amazing how many students the Musgrave Foundation is helping across the Ozarks,” said Jacqui Coones, executive director of prospect development at MSU.  

There is an urgent need for more individuals and organizations to help and uplift aspiring nurses on their journey to transforming lives. 

Explore graduate nursing programs