Kent State's Conway Scholars program is a scholarship initiative in the College of Nursing made possible by a significant philanthropic investment from the Bedford Falls Foundation Donor Advised Fund. The program helps nursing students overcome financial barriers to completing their degrees and entering the nursing workforce.
2026-27 Conway Scholars gathered in September at the college to meet faculty, leadership and other cohort members to kick-off the year. Students received a special commemorative pin and created gratitude messages that were shared with the Foundation.
In April 2026, Kent State announced a $1.8 million gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation Donor Advised Fund to establish scholarship support for junior and senior nursing students. The commitment reflects a shared goal of expanding access to nursing education while helping address the nation's ongoing shortage of nurses.
The Conway Scholars program provides financial assistance during the junior and senior years of nursing education, when students are progressing toward degree completion and preparing to enter professional practice. By reducing the financial burden of college, scholarships can help students devote more time and energy to coursework, clinical experiences and preparation for their nursing careers.
The Bedford Falls Foundation and its related donor-advised fund were established by Bill Conway Jr., co-founder and co-chairman of global investment firm The Carlyle Group, and his late wife, Joanne Barkett Conway. Their philanthropy focuses on removing financial obstacles to high-quality nursing education and helping educational institutions address the nursing workforce shortage.
The foundation's approach is to partner with colleges and universities to help students access education and prepare for meaningful careers. Rather than awarding scholarships directly to individuals, it provides funding through educational institutions. Kent State's $1.8 million award represents its first grant from the foundation.
The gift also supports Kent State's broader mission to prepare compassionate, skilled nurses who can meet the needs of patients, families and communities. For students, the impact is personal: less financial pressure can mean more time to focus on learning, clinical training and becoming the nurses their communities need.
