Tuscaloosa, Ala. (July 6, 2026) — Stillman College and Faulkner University celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a new academic partnership that creates an innovative pathway for students pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare.
The official MOU Signing Ceremony was held Monday, July 6, 2026, in the Wynn Presentation Room on Stillman's campus, bringing together institutional leaders, faculty, staff, and invited guests to commemorate the collaboration.
The agreement establishes a transfer pathway that enables qualified students to earn an Interdisciplinary Studies degree from Stillman College while continuing their education toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Faulkner University. The partnership expands educational opportunities for students interested in healthcare careers while addressing the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals throughout Alabama, particularly in rural communities and the Black Belt region.
"At Stillman College, we believe our responsibility extends beyond educating students—we must also create pathways that position them to thrive in careers that strengthen their communities and transform lives," said Yolanda W. Page, President of Stillman College. "This partnership with Faulkner University is a powerful example of what is possible when institutions unite around student success. Together, we are expanding access to one of our nation's most critical professions by creating a seamless pathway into nursing for aspiring healthcare leaders. Our students will graduate prepared not only with academic excellence, but also with the compassion, resilience, and servant leadership needed to improve health outcomes across Alabama and beyond. This collaboration represents another significant step in Stillman's commitment to preparing graduates who will lead, serve, and make a lasting impact."
The collaboration strengthens Stillman's expanding Health Sciences footprint by providing students with another avenue into one of the region's most in-demand career fields. It also reinforces the College's commitment to preparing graduates for successful careers through strategic partnerships that enhance academic offerings and workforce readiness.
Through the agreement, students will benefit from a clearly defined transfer pathway, personalized academic advising, and a seamless transition into Faulkner University's School of Nursing after completing the appropriate coursework at Stillman. The partnership is designed to maximize student success while helping address the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals across the state.
"As two faith-based institutions, Faulkner University and Stillman College are united by a mission to develop servant leaders who will make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. This partnership creates new opportunities for aspiring nurses while supporting workforce development throughout rural Alabama and the Black Belt region. By providing a clear pathway into Faulkner's School of Nursing, we are helping students achieve their professional goals and preparing the next generation of nurses to meet critical healthcare needs in the communities that need them most. We look forward to welcoming Stillman students into the Faulkner Family and working together to prepare compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will lead with excellence, integrity, and Christian service," said Shellye A. Vardaman, Ph.D., R.N., MEDSURG-BC, NEA-BC, CNE, Director of the School of Nursing at Faulkner University.
The partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to increasing educational access, supporting workforce development, and preparing graduates to address the evolving healthcare needs of Alabama and the nation.
As healthcare continues to be one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the United States, the new partnership positions Stillman graduates to meet the evolving needs of hospitals, clinics, community health organizations, and healthcare systems throughout the region.
About Stillman College
Founded in 1876, Stillman College is a private liberal arts Historically Black College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The College is committed to fostering academic excellence, transformational leadership, and community service while preparing graduates for successful careers and lifelong learning.
Media Contact
Office of Marketing and Communications
Stillman College
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
(205) 247-8147
communications@stillman.eduKimberly Woodard | VP of Institutional Advancement Executive Director of the Stillman Foundation
About Faulkner
Faulkner University is a private, Christian university based in Montgomery, Alabama with a mission to provide an education anchored not only by intellect but also character and service. The Faulkner experience aims to educate the whole person. Serving both traditional and non-traditional students, the university is home to six colleges: the Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences, the Harris College of Business and Executive Education, the V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies, the College of Education, Faulkner Law and the College of Health Sciences. In addition to its main campus in Montgomery, Faulkner operates extension campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile along with online degree programs.
