WGU Nevada has a common goal with Renown Health in northern Nevada: to place qualified medical professionals in the field to do what they do best. Help people. Renown Health is Reno’s only locally-governed, not-for-profit healthcare network. As a not-for-profit healthcare network, all of their earnings stay right here — and are reinvested into programs, people and equipment to better serve the community. Which is why the two partnered to surprise a worthy recipient of a scholarship. WGU Nevada Chancellor Spencer Stewart delivered a scholarship check to the recipient, Rene Johnson, a Renown Rehabilitation Hospital nurse in January.

An unexpected personal situation brought Rene face-to-face with a passion that she wasn’t aware existed; after witnessing a hospice nurse in action, she was driven to pursue nursing. After 34 years as a Registered Nurse in a wide spectrum of environments, Rene now finds herself wanting to contribute as a leader to the innovations within the profession and healthcare industry to make the “care of our health” genuine. That’s why Rene is entering the MBA Healthcare Management program to accomplish this goal.

“I appreciate the Women in Leadership Scholarship award,” said Johnson. “What an enriching experience to know that the community of Reno and Renown, which I am blessed to be a part of, values such goals and chooses to shine the spotlight on those that wish to make a difference. I am humbled and would prefer to not be in the spotlight but if it inspires others to pursue their dreams then shine away! What an honor to have the Chancellor of WGU Nevada, Spencer Stewart, be there to present this scholarship. I was emotionally moved by the attention he devoted to remembering my personal story.”

WGU Nevada offers Johnson the opportunity to pursue additional medial education while already working. For more information about the medical degrees available from WGU, visit the health degrees online: https://www.wgu.edu/online-nursing-health-degrees.html.