UofM Lambuth partnership receives $1M grant to help create first dedicated Nursing Virtual Reality Lab in region

Nov. 22, 2021 — The University of Memphis Lambuth in partnership with the Tennessee College of Technology in Jackson, the K-12 systems in Hardeman, Fayette, Haywood and Henderson County, Jackson State Community College and UT-Martin has been awarded a $1 million grant from for the GIVE 2.0 proposal: SW TN – Partnership for Allied Care Expansion (PACE): An Allied Health and Nursing Educational Pathway for Student Success.

“This proves yet again that educational institutions in West Tennessee work hand-in-hand to meet the workforce development needs of our healthcare system, and we are excited to do that,” said Dr. Niles Reddick, dean of the UofM Lambuth.

The UofM Lambuth plans to create the first dedicated Nursing Virtual Reality Lab in the region.

"This grant will support the creation of the first dedicated Nursing Virtual Reality Lab in this region and in the state of Tennessee,” said Brad Harrell, clinical professor, assistant dean of Nursing at the UofM Lambuth and director of the MSN Program in the Loewenberg College of Nursing. “This funding also supports individuals completing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree; thus, reinforcing the healthcare workforce pipeline from career start to degree completion."

The University of Memphis Lambuth has reached a record enrollment for the third straight year with 1,448 for the fall 2021 semester, breaking marks of 1,321 in 2020 and 1,070 in 2019. It has experienced a remarkable 35.3% increase in enrollment over the past three years. The UofM began operations at the Lambuth campus 10 years ago with 246 students in fall 2011 and has an enrollment growth of 489% to fall 2021.

The UofM Lambuth offers 17 bachelor’s degrees.