Doctoral Study Scholarship Policy

Purpose: The purpose of this policy to enhance the recruitment and retention of doctoral prepared nurse educators in the Greater Kansas City area through the funding of doctoral study for individuals pursuing a PhD or DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice).

Eligibility: Individuals must be a faculty member in a full-time position at the nursing programs at Avila University, Research College of Nursing/Rockhurst University, or William Jewell College and be accepted into a regionally accredited doctoral program and have a definitive plan of study.

Scholarship Program Information: Compensation for each year will be up to $5,000 for a period not to exceed 5 years for a total amount of $25,000. (Special consideration will be given for those completing their coursework in less than 5 years. Contact The Research Foundation for more information.) The period of one-year may be defined as beginning in the fall, continuing through spring and summer. For each $5,000 utilized, the faculty member is required to commit one-year of employment as a faculty member in the Greater Kansas City community following completion of the doctorate. If the faculty member does not complete the work agreement, the faculty member will need to repay the loan amount that corresponds with the remaining years of work commitment. If the faculty member does not complete the doctorate, he/she must repay the total amount of the loan. The funding may be used for tuition, books, fees, travel and other expenses associated specifically with doctoral study and as approved by The Research Foundation.

The Research Foundation will offer a minimum of six loans per academic year. Faculty will be expected to sign a promissory note for each year of funding. The funding will be considered taxable income to the individual. Distribution of funds will be made following submission of the annual report, which would detail the previous year’s coursework and projected plan of study for the next year. The report should be submitted to The Research Foundation and the faculty member should also provide a copy of the report to their Nursing Program Administrator or Nursing Dean.

Procedure: Applications for funding must be made to Nursing Program Administrator by December 1. The Nursing Program Administrator will forward the application with his/her recommendation to The Research Foundation by January 1. Applications will include a detailed academic plan of study with projected expenses. The Research Foundation will make awards by March 1. At that time an agreement/promissory note with conditions of payment and employment will be signed by each recipient. Recipients will continue to receive the annual award if it is determined by The Research Foundation that satisfactory progress is evident.

Individuals may request a one-year leave for extenuating circumstances based on Board approval. Individuals may choose to utilize increments of funding for selected portions of their study rather than the full amount of $25,000; however, only increments of $5000 will be considered. It will be the determination of each Nursing Program Administrator as to whether faculty may utilize other existing institutional policies such as academic leave in conjunction with this funding.

Application Requirements:

  1. Completed Doctoral Study Scholarship Application form.
  2. Essay: Essay should not exceed 1000 words.
    • Identify and analyze current trends in nursing and higher education that will have an impact on your role as a faculty member.
    • What would you forecast as the most profound change yet to occur in the
      education/practice environment?
    • How would your doctorate education facilitate your approach to this change?
  3. Submission of a definitive plan of study.
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Professional colleague and one from your
    Nursing Program Administrator or Nursing Dean.
  5. Submit Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  6. Submission of official transcript. Please submit transcripts of any and all undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Send completed application form and required information to:
The Research Foundation
2316 E. Meyer Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64132
(816) 276-4218