51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ

PLAINVIEW, TX — The Sally Society, a women’s giving group at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ Baptist University, announced the establishment of a new endowed scholarship for nursing students in Plainview during its annual Power of the Purse fundraiser luncheon on Tuesday, April 14.

The gathering included 100 inducted Sally Society members — donors who contribute at least $1,000 annually and help determine the group’s yearly project — as well as guests attending the silent and live auction event that raises funds for various efforts impacting 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ students. The event featured an interview between host Teresa Young, associate vice president of advancement at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ, and Sally Society liaison Dr. Rebekah Grigsby, dean of the Mieth School of Nursing, currently housed at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ’s San Antonio campus. At the conclusion of the interview, Young surprised Grigsby by announcing the new scholarship. The plaque was presented by Addison Pratt, development officer for scholarships at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ.

“When we began planning the event and decided to celebrate our successful nursing program and the newly announced expansion into the Plainview campus, the Sally Society members thought a scholarship was the perfect way to kick off the new venture,” said Young, noting the group established another scholarship early in its founding 16 years ago. “We realized we could have it all done by the April event and surprise Dr. Grigsby, and that made it all the more fun.”

Grigsby’s facial expression at the announcement and presentation of the plaque was priceless.

“This was a wonderful surprise. I was excited to be here, and it was delightful. I am astounded by this kind gift for our students. Students who get into nursing have a passion for what they’re going to do, but sometimes the expenses can be a barrier,” said Grigsby. “We are grateful that this will help them pursue their passion and complete their nursing degree and, in the future, impact others through their nursing care.”

The Sally Tucker 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ Nursing Endowed Scholarship is starting as a $25,000 endowed fund, producing scholarships in time for the new Plainview cohort of nursing students to benefit in 2028. Named for the wife of Dr. James 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ, who helped found the university and sacrificed much time and financial support for its success, the Sally Society was proud to encourage students pursuing these important careers through additional scholarship support.

“We know how important nursing jobs are and how they are always in demand. The Sally Society is so proud that we will be helping raise up new nurses here in West Texas and want to be among the first to champion these brave new students,” said Young. “The importance of scholarships to our students at 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ cannot be overstated, and the group was excited to lend support in this way.”

The nursing scholarship accepts additional donations should 51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ alumni or friends wish to honor nurses they know or support the education of future nurses. For more information, contact Pratt at (806) 291-3430.

51Æ·²èÔ¼ÅÚ is currently enrolling pre-nursing students for the Fall 2026 semester at the Plainview campus in anticipation of the first main campus nursing school cohort in Fall 2028. Enrolling in pre-nursing now allows students to meet all prerequisites for application to the Mieth School of Nursing in Fall 2028.