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  • Tidelands Health awards scholarships to current, future health care professionals

Published on June 02, 2026

Tidelands Health awards scholarships to current, future health care professionals

Tidelands Health is providing scholarships to nine current and aspiring health care professionals.

Through the health system’s McRoy and Jo Skipper Initiative for Learning and Teaching, Tidelands Health recently awarded nearly $30,000 in scholarships to four local high school graduates and five current health care professionals pursuing health-related degrees at two- or four-year institutions.

“At Tidelands Health, we are honored to support individuals who are committed to building careers in health care,” said Jeremy Stephens, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Tidelands Health. “This scholarship program reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the workforce in the communities we serve. We commend this year’s recipients for their hard work and their dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Four 2026 high school graduates each earned $1,000 scholarships: Laurel Krauss, a St. James High School graduate who plans to pursue nursing at the University of South Carolina; Tiller Kennedy, a Williamsburg Academy graduate who plans to pursue nursing at Charleston Southern University; Grace Bratcher, an Andrews High School graduate who plans to study biological sciences at the University of South Carolina; and Aeryn Smith, a Waccamaw High School graduate who plans to pursue health sciences at Coastal Carolina University.

High school scholarship award winners

Five Tidelands Health employee partners each earned $5,000 scholarships. Jon-Allen Wilson is pursuing a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on nursing education at Western Governors University. Zachary Mor is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Chamberlain University, and Nicholas Footman is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Coastal Carolina University. Courtney Thomas and Shanise Baker are pursuing associate degrees in nursing at Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Scholarship recipients excelled in a competitive application process that included submitting an essay detailing their passion for health care and outlining their career goals.

Tidelands Health scholarship award winners

Scholarships are funded through donations to Tidelands Health.

“The generosity of our donors makes opportunities like this possible for students and team members who are pursuing careers in health care,” Stephens said. “By investing in education today, we are helping ensure high-quality care for our region in the years ahead. We congratulate the recipients and are proud to be part of their journey.”

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.