BOILING SPRINGS, NC – At a time when there continues to be a critical nursing shortage, particularly in the Carolinas, a Rutherford County couple gives from the heart to help the 
Gardner-Webb University School of Nursing offer a way for future students to attend the program.

John and Gerry Perkins recently established the John and Gerry Perkins Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Gardner-Webb School of Nursing.  The scholarship is a significant gift that will help enable someone to continue their education and have the chance to attend Gardner-Webb in the field of nursing. 

The Perkins relationship with the university goes back over three decades when their daughter, Janice Perkins Clayton attended the school of nursing.  Janice was a 1975 graduate of Gardner-Webb, who went on to touch lives as a dedicated nurse, working mostly in upstate South Carolina.  Janice who passed away in 2000 is still remembered today in part by the Janice Perkins Clayton Scholarship that was established by her parents for the GWU School of Nursing in 1999.

When ask about reasons for continuing to support the school of nursing, “This is something so worthwhile, building careers and feeling gratified to know it doesn’t stop here but will carry on into the health care industry,” said Gerry Perkins.  While remembering his daughter and being dedicated to helping others, John Perkins simply says, “It is something that can continue to help someone else, that’s what life is all about.” 

Gardner-Webb’s School of Nursing is thankful for what the Perkins gift will mean for the future.  “A lot of students who don’t have the funding to attend our nursing program will now get that opportunity,” said Dr. Susie Beck-Little, dean of the school of nursing, who calls the Perkins a special and unique couple.