Columbia State Community College alumna Allison Dean Love is establishing two new endowed funds to help nursing students with licensure expenses and expand leadership development opportunities.

The Allison Dean Love and Amelia P. Dean Nursing Licensure Support Endowed Grant was created to honor Love’s mother, Amelia Parks Dean, a 1974 Columbia State graduate. Love, who attended Columbia State from 1982 to 1984, established the grant to support nursing students as they complete their professional credentialing requirements.

“We are very appreciative of Allison's intentionality in establishing funds that provide targeted resources for achieving academic success,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for Advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation.

To be eligible for the grant, applicants must be enrolled at Columbia State and prepared to submit their Tennessee Board of Nursing application or sit for the NCLEX examination. The grant is intended to help those nursing students who may be having financial challenges in paying the application and testing fees.

In addition to the nursing grant, Love is also establishing the Allison Dean Love Leadership Development Endowed Fund. The fund will help grow and enhance the student experience in the President's Leadership Society. Students engage with various aspects of the community to broaden their understanding and strengthen their capacity to lead.

“Allison's generosity reflects a sincere commitment to helping others succeed,” said Dr. Janet F. Smith, Columbia State president. “Through these funds, nursing students will receive support as they complete their journey to professional licensure, and future leaders will gain opportunities to develop skills that strengthen their careers, organizations and communities. Her gift embodies the spirit of service and creates a lasting legacy that will benefit Columbia State students for years to come.”

Throughout her professional career, Love has held multiple leadership positions while dedicating time to help others develop their own leadership potential.