Albuquerque, NM – The UNM Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant donation of $252,500 from UNM alums and philanthropists Arishanda and Doug Campbell. This generous contribution will enhance nurse residency scholarships at Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC) and support the nursing workforce in rural New Mexico through the UNM College of Nursing.

The Campbells' donation includes a non-endowed gift of $126,250 to create a vital nurse residency scholarship fund. This fund aims to recruit and retain top nursing talent, recognizing nurses' essential role in bridging health equity and access gaps at SRMC. By alleviating financial burdens, the scholarship will enable nurses to pursue further education without compromising their livelihoods. This scholarship will encourage nurse residents to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), addressing a critical funding gap despite the N.M. Opportunity Scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs: 78% of nursing residents at SRMC do not hold a BSN upon hiring, highlighting the necessity of this support.

In addition, the Campbells' matching gift of $126,250 is a crucial boost that will allow the College of Nursing to expand its training to rural sites throughout New Mexico. Experience in rural environments increases the likelihood of graduates practicing in those settings. The Campbells' gift will provide stipends, housing, travel, and other expenses for students during rural rotations and support faculty coordination, ensuring these rotations' success and positively impacting the communities served.

Jamie Silva-Steele, President of UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center (SRMC), expressed gratitude for a significant donation. “This generous gift opens a pathway for our nurses to further their professional development.  Our nurses encounter distinct challenges while serving our rural communities. This gift helps overcome the financial hurdles often impeding the pursuit of advanced degrees, which are crucial for career advancement. I extend my personal thanks to Arishanda and Doug Campbell for their innovative support of our nursing staff, which will positively influence patient care and family outcomes at SRMC.” 

Arishanda Campbell has over 20 years of nursing experience in various roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2000 from the University of New Mexico's College of Nursing. After graduating, she joined the New Graduate Nurse Residency program at UNM Hospital and later worked at Boulder Community Hospital and Longmont United Hospital. In 2023, she relocated back to Albuquerque, continuing her hospice care support as a Case Manager for Bosque Trails Hospice.

Douglas Campbell is an entrepreneur with expertise in the aerospace, defense, and energy storage industries. He is the former CEO of Solid Power, a leading developer of all-solid-state rechargeable batteries for the electric vehicle market. He also co-founded Roccor, a small satellite industry component supplier. Campbell holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of New Mexico and has been recognized by the Denver Business Journal as a 2021 Most Admired CEO.

For more information on how you can support these programs, please contact Anndee Wright Brown at Anndee.wrightbrown@unmfund.org.