The Alabama Power Company Foundation presented a $100,000 check to Judson College in December in support of the college’s new nursing program.

“The college remains ever grateful for the strong history of support from the Alabama Power Foundation in behalf of progress and improvements on this campus and her programs,” said Judson president Dr. David Potts. “We’re especially grateful for this grant to the new nursing program. This gift not only has an immediate impact on students and teachers, but will ripple throughout the region by improving access to healthcare professionals.”

Aubrey Carter, Alabama Power’s business office manager for Selma and Marion, presented the check.

“This is one way to give back to the community and a founding principle of Alabama Power,” he said.”We’re happy to be able to give the grant and we’re impressed by the [nursing] program and what the college means to our area. It’s worthwhile to develop those who will go out and serve us in turn in the community.”

Leslie Sanders, vice president of Alabama Power’s Southern Division, explained that the foundation, established in 1989, uses non-ratepayer money to make medical services accessible to those in need, prepare students for the workplace, support programs that inform people about the state’s history and improve the environment.

“The Alabama Power Foundation believes in the mission of Judson College,” Sanders said.

“Whether preparing students for their lives beyond school or encouraging them to reinvest their time and energy in communities, Judson is making a difference in Marion, Perry County and our state.”

Judson College inaugurated the Associate Degree of Nursing program in November, 2011.

The first nursing class began clinical rotations last summer after a spring semester in Judson’s state-of-the-art classroom facilities and skills lab.

Because of Judson’s unique location in Marion, and the college’s long-time involvement in service projects in rural settings, emphasis in the program includes training in rural health. The nursing program specifically honors students’ commitment to service in rural areas through a Nursing Loan Scholarship program that offers forgiveness of the loan through nursing service in underserved areas.

Though Judson has already been involved in service projects like health screenings and promotion of health-related awareness, the college is now leading the charge to improve accessibility to healthcare in areas where there are nursing shortages.

“Community involvement is important for the success of this nursing program and with the continued support of companies like Alabama Power our efforts will be even better and stronger,” said interim nursing program director Karol Purdie. “Our mission is to graduate quality nurses who will be able to give back to the community in service.”