The Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship

A way forward for nurses and nursing

In 2023, Joanne and William E. Conway Jr., prominent Washington, D.C.-area philanthropists and supporters of nursing education, made a historic gift to the UNC School of Nursing through their foundation, the Bedford Falls Foundation. This transformative investment established the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship for undergraduate students and the Conway Faculty Scholars Program for MSN-to-DNP students, alleviating the financial barriers to pursuing a nursing degree and strengthening the nursing workforce with highly trained, passionate Carolina Nursing graduates.

In addition to launching these two scholarship programs at Carolina Nursing, the Bedford Falls Foundation has helped establish a Student Success Center that provides vital academic and social support for students, while also investing in faculty development. Together, these initiatives reflect the Foundation’s enduring and far-reaching commitment to advancing nursing education and strengthening the profession.

About the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship

The Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship provides financial support for undergraduate students at Carolina Nursing. The selection of Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholars is a thoughtful annual process that involves the University’s Office of Scholarship and Student Aid and School of Nursing’s Office of Student Affairs. Awards decisions are made before the beginning of the fall semester.

How To Apply

All Carolina Nursing undergraduate students with demonstrated need are eligible – all you need to do is complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered.

“I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship and the generosity of the Conways. Being able to go after my dream of becoming a nurse with less of a financial burden is an amazing feeling. I am going to use the funding to make the most of my time here at Carolina Nursing, both inside the classroom and in the clinical setting with my patients.”

Zoe Clark, BSN 2025

Advance, NC

“I truly appreciate the fact that I can be a part of something bigger than myself. It makes me feel seen and as if my hard work is not going unnoticed. This scholarship is pushing me to be the best student that I can be so that I can play my part in changing the world, one patient at a time.”

Binta Diallo, BSN 2025

Silver Spring, MD

“I cannot find words to express the extent of my gratitude for this generous scholarship. This scholarship has helped to alleviate the burden that the cost of higher education places on myself and many other students. Because of this scholarship, I will be able to more wholeheartedly engage in both my studies and the pursuit of making positive change in the world of healthcare.”

Kathlyn Mauck, BSN 2025

Mount Airy, NC

About the Conway Faculty Scholars Program

The Conway Faculty Scholars Program fully funds tuition and fees for MSN-to-DNP students, allowing them to earn both a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and a Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education. Designed as a two-year, full-time experience, the program supports master’s-prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who aspire to advance their clinical expertise while preparing for impactful careers as nurse educators.

To be eligible for the Conway Faculty Scholars Program, students must fulfill the following requirements: 

In addition to the courses in the MSN-DNP curriculum, Conway Faculty Scholars will enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education (GCNE) and successfully complete three required courses (total of 9 credits) with a grade of ‘P’ or higher.

Serve as a Teaching Assistant (TA) during the fall or spring of the second academic year. This TA role provides hands-on experience to build expertise as nurse educators.