A Name for the Nursing Program
Earl and Nancy Hutto Endow the Future of Northwest Florida Nurses
In 2018, the Earl Hutto Foundation made a $250,000 commitment to name the Earl and Nancy Hutto Master of Science in Nursing program at the University of West Florida School of Nursing in the Usha Kundu, Maryland College of Health.
The gift created a scholarship for students pursuing a graduate degree in nursing, as well as an operational endowment for undergraduate and graduate UWF School of Nursing students.
"This gift allows us to shape the future of nursing education and will enrich our ability to prepare nursing leaders who will care for our families, friends and neighbors for years to come," says UWF President Martha D. Saunders.
The Huttos are active members of the community and their church, First Baptist Church of Pensacola. Earl, a Navy veteran, served three terms in the Florida House of Representatives and eight terms in the U.S. Congress, where he was known for his commitment to traditional values and strong leadership on national security issues.
He and his wife, Nancy, have a history of shared service to Northwest Florida—now marked by their generous gift to the University.
"UWF means a great deal to this community because people don't have to go any distance to find a good university and get the training and education they need to make a life," Earl says. "We like to see other people do well, and that's why we give."
The gift will support high impact learning practices in the UWF School of Nursing, including hands-on clinical fellowships, professional development opportunities and research. It will also fund facility improvements and equipment to enhance the learning environment.
The Huttos were inspired by Earl's mother, Ellie, who did not have the resources to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse.
"We felt like the time had come to give back," Nancy says. "We are very happy to play a part in the good work UWF is doing to prepare their students to serve our community."
The Master of Science in Nursing offered by UWF is an innovative and flexible program that prepares nurses for advanced roles in leadership and doctoral studies. Students pursuing the MSN may specialize in one of three areas: nursing education, nurse executive or family nurse practitioner.
To learn more about ways you can make a difference for students at UWF, like the Huttos, contact Robin Zimmern at rzimmern@uwf.edu or 615-473-5204.