Jo Ellen Smith Scholarship

The Jo Ellen Smith Scholarship was established in 1973 to honor Jo Ellen Smith's dedication to the field of nursing and her heroism. Jo Ellen Smith gave her life in service to the needy of the New Orleans area while working as a nursing student on a mission of mercy. The scholarship helps deserving students who share in Jo Ellen's philosophy and have chosen to study for careers in healthcare to fund their course of study. Awards are made on the basis of academic excellence and involvement in community services, promoting the continued availability of excellent local medical practitioners through local medical institutions. Every spring, partial scholarships are awarded to deserving students in qualified nursing curriculums. Scholarships are awarded for tuition only, commencing with the fall semester. Scholarships are not automatically renewed and must be applied for each year. Over thirty-six years, the fund has assisted doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and many other health professionals.