The Dean of the College of Nursing has responsibility for setting the College's funding priorities based on program needs. Priorities are updated regularly to reflect both current and anticipated necessities, and are listed here as guidelines for individual donors when choosing where gifts may be directed. Donors are by no means restricted to this list and should feel free to discuss any ideas with the Dean or Director of Development. Contributions to this endowment help support the only graduate nursing program in Montana. The program is rurally-focused and allows graduates to practice independently.
Nurse practitioners are in very high demand in the job market.
Gifts are especially needed to help defray expensive distance delivery charges. Funding is being sought to purchase equipment, upgrade laboratory space and assist with logistical planning. To best keep pace with the dynamic health care environment, as well as meet demographic changes in the U.S. population, the College has been investigating the design of expanded options within the current graduate program. By increasing the graduate endowment, funds will be available for planning and implementing future programs. To help increase the percentage of these important faculty in the College, funds are being sought to build on a current program that awards financial incentives to existing faculty who pursue doctoral or other advanced education.