(Photo Caption: Front row, from left: Allaryn Brach, Megan Blazier, Jerry Cox, and Kadence Smith. Middle row: Julie Bullard, Allied Health Program Advisor; Talisa Church; Morgan Chapman; and Brianna Trowbridge, Nursing Faculty Instructor. Back row: Dr. Sharmila Kakac, FCC President; Nathan Gentz, Fairfield Memorial Hospital Foundation Director; David Savage, FCC Foundation; and Brittany Rose, Nursing Faculty Instructor. Not pictured: Cindy Jolley.)
Frontier Community College is recognizing the continued generosity of Jerry Cox, whose commitment to nursing education continues to make a lasting impact on students across the region through the Clemence Elizabeth Cox Nursing Scholarship.
Established by Cox in honor of his mother, the scholarship recently reached a significant milestone with the awarding of its 114th scholarship. Through his ongoing support, Cox has helped countless nursing students pursue their educational goals at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, including Frontier Community College and Olney Central College.
The scholarships awarded this fall support students during the 2026-2027 academic year, helping alleviate financial barriers while encouraging future healthcare professionals to remain and serve in their local communities.
The impact of the scholarship extends beyond the classroom. Three of this year’s recipients have already secured employment with Fairfield Memorial Hospital, helping address local healthcare workforce needs while strengthening healthcare services throughout the region.
Cox’s longstanding connection to Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Frontier Community College reflects his dedication to supporting both education and healthcare. During scholarship presentations, he takes time to visit with recipients and discuss their career aspirations, future employment opportunities, and the importance of continued professional growth. He regularly encourages students to pursue advanced education and consider future teaching roles, recognizing the need for qualified nursing instructors to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
His commitment to giving back has made a meaningful difference for students, the college, and the surrounding community. By investing in nursing education, Cox is helping ensure a stronger future for local healthcare and honoring the legacy of his mother through opportunities that continue to benefit students year after year.
Recipients of the 2026-2027 Clemence Elizabeth Cox Nursing Scholarship are Allaryn Brach, Megan Blazier, Kadence Smith, Talisa Church, and Morgan Chapman.
Recipients of the 2026-2027 Debra Jean Withrow Nursing Scholarship are Talisa Church and Cindy Jolley.
Frontier Community College extends its sincere appreciation to Jerry Cox for his continued generosity, dedication to student success, and unwavering support of nursing education.