A vibrant rural healthcare system requires not only an ongoing commitment to the education of current employees and the future healthcare workforce, but also to creating reciprocal partnerships across the region to improve healthcare for all. Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (AHEC) recognizes the efforts of healthcare educators and providers who are helping achieve this mission.

2024 Partnership Matters Award

Southwest Indiana AHEC’s 2024 Partnership Matters Award was presented to Carol Collier-Smith, Chief Operating Officer at ECHO Community Healthcare, who has been an active AHEC Advisory Council member for nearly 10 years. Because of her leadership, medical, physician assistant and nurse practitioner students experience ECHO’s unique culture and mission during clinical rotations, while AHEC Scholars have learned about women’s health and midwife services through observation experiences.

Collier-Smith, who has worked at ECHO for nearly 24 years, plans to retire from her post in September. “Carol has always been a champion of AHEC, and her willingness to foster a reciprocal partnership between ECHO Community Healthcare Center and AHEC has been invaluable,” says Jane Friona, Executive Director of Southwest Indiana AHEC. “We recognize her for her tremendous engagement, commitment and support of the AHEC mission, and we wish her the best in her upcoming retirement.”

2024 Outstanding Preceptor Awards

Southwest Indiana AHEC presented Outstanding Preceptor Awards to Allyson Wehrheim, PA-C, and Erin Sievers, PA-C, both affiliated with Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana. Through AHEC collaboration, both providers precept students from the University of Evansville Physician Assistant (PA) Program, primarily those interested in learning about primary health care in a rural/medically underserved community. Both preceptors, they typically precept about a dozen students each academic year.

Wehrheim is a Knox County native who graduated from Butler University with her MPAS. A recent student comments, “Allyson was an amazing preceptor!! She was nice and answered my questions. She was open to letting me see so many of her patients. I had a wonderful experience at this site.”

Sievers is also from Knox County. She completed her undergraduate studies and MPAS at Butler University. One of her students describes her as “fantastic,” adding, “She is a preceptor but also makes you feel very comfortable with performing new procedures and asking questions. The learning environment is very friendly, and I enjoyed and looked forward to driving to the site every single day.”

“After college, Wehrheim and Sievers both returned to their hometown of Vincennes to make a positive impact on the community,” says Friona. “Southwest Indiana AHEC recognizes their dedication to educating future health professionals by sharing their passion and clinical knowledge by precepting students, which is critical to the long-term health of rural communities.”

Southwest Indiana AHEC began as a regional center in 2008 and is hosted by the University of Southern Indiana in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Southwest Indiana AHEC is part of a national network with a mission to improve health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training, and retention of a diverse health workforce for underserved communities.

VINCENNES, Ind. June 10, 2024 – Vincennes University has received dual recognition from Forbes Advisor, being named one of the Best RN-to-BSN Online Programs in 2024 and one of the Best Affordable RN-to-BSN Online Programs of 2024.

This national recognition highlights VU’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible nursing education that empowers registered nurses to advance their careers with a flexible option. Nurses with bachelor’s degrees earn higher salaries and have additional leadership opportunities.

The VU RN-to-BSN degree offers registered nurses the ability to earn a bachelor’s degree 100 percent online, making it a perfect choice for students who need flexibility in their schedules.

College of Health Sciences and Human Performance Dean Michelle Cummins said, “VU has a long history of producing high-quality nursing professionals. Our first-rate faculty is fully dedicated to ensuring student success, and we’re proud of the outstanding support services available to our online students, which makes a positive impact on them and the communities they serve.”

VU is the only institution located in Indiana that made the Best Online RN-to-BSN Degree list. The Top 10 also includes the University of Florida, Western Carolina University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Wichita State University, University of Arkansas, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of the Cumberlands, Central Michigan University and Florida Gateway College.

VU is one of only three higher education institutions outside of the state of Florida in the Best Affordable Top 10 and is the only university located in the Midwest.

This dual recognition for VU’s RN-to-BSN online bachelor’s degree solidifies the University’s reputation as a leading institution for nursing education, offering excellent value and exceptional learning experiences. By excelling in program excellence and affordability, VU is dedicated to supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals without financial barriers.

Students can continue working while striving to achieve a bachelor’s degree. VU students can complete the RN-to-BSN degree online in as little as 16 months or extend their length of study for up to five years. Students may also be eligible for tuition deferment, potentially delaying tuition payment until the end of each semester. Previously completed general education and pre-licensure nursing courses will transfer without an expiration date. Academic advisors and faculty are available to VU students throughout the week. The RN-to-BSN Program offers further flexibility with three entry dates in August, October, and January.