A transformational gift strengthens the future of nursing in Southern Indiana

At IU Health, we know that exceptional care begins with exceptional people. Nurses are at the heart of everything we do at the bedside, in our communities and on every step along a patient’s journey. As Indiana continues to face a critical nursing shortage, strengthening the pipeline of skilled, compassionate nurses has never been more important.

That’s why we are deeply grateful to Bloomington philanthropists Connie and Steve Ferguson for a landmark gift that will help expand nursing education in southern Indiana and elevate the longstanding partnership between IU Health and Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington.

Together with a $10 million investment from IU Health, this generous commitment creates new opportunities for students, supports nurses throughout their careers and helps ensure our communities have access to the care they need – today and for generations to come.

Philanthropy that Builds on Partnership

For years, IU Health and Ivy Tech Bloomington have worked side-by-side to address workforce needs through innovative education and clinical training models. This latest investment builds on that strong foundation, allowing the partnership to grow in both reach and impact.

“We were motivated by the idea that Indiana can train more nurses by building on the strong foundation that’s already in place,” said Connie and Steve Ferguson. “By expanding evening and weekend classes, and clinical training capacity, this approach increases the nursing pipeline statewide and helps more students from the region become caregivers in our communities.”

Their vision centers on expanding access, especially for students who need flexible pathways into nursing, while strengthening the systems that support nurses once they enter the profession. Through this commitment two new endowed funds will help expand nursing education and professional advancement across southern Indiana.

• Connie & Steve Ferguson Nursing Expansion Endowment  – Supports the Lee J. Marchant School of Nursing at Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus, including support for the college’s only evening nursing cohort and growing capacity in nursing programs. The endowment also supports faculty salaries and professional development, facility and equipment upgrades, and expanded clinical training throughout southern Indiana.

• South Region Nursing Scholarship Endowment – Provides support to the lU Health Nursing Scholar Program in the South Region, providing financial assistance to nursing students who commit to post-graduation employment with lU Health, and investing in continuing education and credentialing of existing nurses at lU Health South Region.

Addressing a Critical Need Together

Indiana faces a shortage of approximately 4,300 nurses statewide. In southern Indiana, where access to care is deeply connected to workforce availability, this challenge directly affects patients, families and communities.

Innovative models already underway at Ivy Tech Bloomington, such as evening and weekend programs, have shown expanding training beyond traditional hours can dramatically increase capacity while making the most of existing resources. This investment allows those models to scale, expanding clinical opportunities across the IU Health South Region and helping more students move from education to employment close to home.

“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare,” said Denzil Ross, president of IU Health’s South Region. “This commitment will help ensure a skilled workforce is here to care for our southern Indiana communities and visitors for generations to come.”

Investing in People. Strengthening Communities.

Philanthropy has the power to do more than fund programs. It can deepen partnerships, accelerate innovation and create lasting solutions to complex challenges. Through the generosity of Connie and Steve Ferguson, and IU Health and Ivy Tech’s shared commitment to nursing education, this initiative reflects what’s possible when vision and partnership come together.

At IU Health Foundation, we are proud to steward gifts like this one. It’s an investment that doesn’t just respond to today’s needs but helps shape a healthier future for Indiana. When we invest in nurses, we invest in care. And when philanthropy leads the way, it makes all the difference.