Golden LEAF Awards Fayetteville State University $500,000 for Nursing Simulation Expansion
Investment will expand clinical training capacity at the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology School of Nursing.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Fayetteville State University has received $500,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation to expand simulation training capacity at the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology School of Nursing, providing additional clinical learning resources as the university prepares for continued growth in the program.
The Golden LEAF Board of Directors approved the award Aug. 6 through its Open Grants Program. Funding will support the purchase of high-fidelity simulation technology for an additional laboratory space, allowing nursing students to practice clinical decision-making, patient assessment, and treatment in realistic, controlled settings before working directly with patients.
“The Golden LEAF Foundation has long understood that meaningful economic development starts with investing in the people and institutions that serve North Carolina communities,” said Chancellor Darrell T. Allison. “We are grateful to President and Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton, Board Chair Brian Raynor and the entire board for their continued investment in our region. This partnership expands Fayetteville State University’s ability to create pathways into critical professions while contributing to the long-term vitality of the communities we serve.”
“Access to a skilled healthcare workforce is essential to the long-term economic growth of North Carolina communities,” said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. “Golden LEAF is proud to support Fayetteville State University as it expands high-quality nursing education and provides students with the hands-on training needed to enter this critical profession. This investment will help strengthen the pipeline of nurses prepared to meet employer demand in Southeastern North Carolina and other economically distressed areas of our state.”
The funding comes as FSU prepares to serve more nursing students. The North Carolina Board of Nursing recently approved the university to double its prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing enrollment capacity to 300 students, creating a corresponding need for additional clinical learning space and resources.
“Simulation allows students to develop clinical judgment, communication and patient care skills in an environment where they can learn, practice and build confidence before providing hands-on care,” said Christy Swinson, DNP, associate dean of the School of Nursing. “The Golden LEAF investment allows us to expand those learning opportunities while maintaining the quality and rigor of our nursing education.”
Beyond the classroom, the funding supports a workforce pipeline already responsive to local needs. Approximately 80% of FSU registered nursing graduates from the past three years remain in North Carolina, with roughly 70% living in some of the region’s most economically distressed communities. Cape Fear Valley Health has hired 66 FSU nursing graduates over the past three and a half years alone.
“This progress is a testament to the outstanding leadership of Dr. Christy Swinson and the exceptional work of our faculty and staff, whose dedication to student success continues to move Bronco Nursing forward,” said Erin N. White, Ph.D., dean of the Lloyd College of Health, Science and Technology. “For us, expansion is not simply about enrolling more students; it is about graduating more highly prepared nurses, and we are deeply grateful for the investments in that vision.”