The University of New Mexico Foundation is pleased to announce a significant gift of $252,500 from UNM alumni and philanthropists Arishanda and Doug Campbell. This generous contribution will enhance nursing education scholarships at UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center – a campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC) – and support the nursing workforce in rural New Mexico through the UNM College of Nursing.
The Campbells’ donation includes an unendowed grant of $126,250 to establish a critical nursing education scholarship fund. This fund aims to recruit and retain the best nursing talent and recognizes the important role nurses play in bridging health equity and access gaps at SRMC. By reducing the financial burden, the scholarship enables nurses to pursue advanced training without jeopardizing their livelihood. This scholarship will encourage nursing assistants to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), filling a critical funding gap despite the NM Opportunity Scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs: 78% of nursing assistants at SRMC do not have a BSN when hired, underscoring the need for this support.
In addition, the Campbells’ matching gift of $126,250 is a critical financial injection that will enable the College of Nursing to expand its education to rural locations throughout New Mexico. Experience in rural areas increases the likelihood that graduates will practice in those areas. The Campbells’ gift will cover stipends, housing, travel and other costs for students during rotations in rural areas and support faculty coordination to ensure the success of these rotations and make a positive impact on the communities served.
“This generous donation provides an opportunity for our nurses to advance their professional development. Our nurses face unique challenges working in our rural communities. This donation helps overcome the financial barriers that often prevent them from obtaining advanced degrees that are critical to career advancement. I would like to personally thank Arishanda and Doug Campbell for their innovative support of our nursing staff that will positively impact patient care and family outcomes at SRMC.”
— Jamie Silva-Steele, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHPresident, UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
About the Campbells
Arishanda Campbell has over 20 years of experience in a variety of nursing roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the UNM College of Nursing in 2000. After graduating, she participated in the New Graduate Nurse Residency program at UNM Hospital and later worked at Boulder Community Hospital and Longmont United Hospital. In 2023, she moved back to Albuquerque and continued her hospice care as a case manager for Bosque Trails Hospice.
Douglas Campbell is an entrepreneur with expertise in aerospace, defense, and energy storage. He is the former CEO of Solid Power, a leading developer of solid-state rechargeable batteries for the electric vehicle market. He also co-founded Roccor, a supplier of components to the small satellite industry. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in civil engineering from UNM and was named one of the 2021 Most Admired CEOs by the Denver Business Journal.
For more information about supporting these programs, please contact Anndee Wright Brown at [email protected].
