Student nurses from Galen College of Nursing campuses in Louisville, Hazard, and Pikeville were honored as special guests of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear during his annual State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday evening. The event took place at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History while the state capitol undergoes renovations.

Representing Galen alongside the students were Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF, Chief Clinical Operations, Integration, and Experience Officer; Lisa Peak, DNP, MSN, RN, CNE, Regional Dean; and Kelli Selvage, PhD, RN, CNE, Kentucky Dean.

“We were honored to have our Kentucky students and academic leaders represent Galen at the Governor’s address,” said Dr. Selvage. “Galen College of Nursing was founded here in the Commonwealth and has grown to become one of the nation’s largest educators of confident, competent, and compassionate nurses. Having students from our Louisville, Pikeville, and Hazard campuses in attendance felt truly fitting.”

Governor Beshear invited Galen students as he announced a major investment in Kentucky’s nursing workforce: $25 million in forgivable loans for Kentucky nursing students as part of his new budget proposal.

Governor Beshear highlighted advancements in healthcare, including the development of new and expanded hospitals and the rollout of Kentucky’s medical cannabis program. His new budget also includes millions in assistance for rural hospitals, reinforcing the state’s commitment to healthcare access and support for nurses.

When it comes to students, Galen College of Nursing provides the support they need to become a confident, competent, and compassionate nurse. With the Commonwealth’s renewed investment in the nursing workforce, there has never been a better time to start your journey. Galen College of Nursing offers in-person Practical Nursing Diplomas (PN), Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN), and a 3-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Join a community of more than 18,000 students across 23 campuses dedicated to #PureNursing.

Ready to make a difference? Learn more at GalenCollege.edu.

You can watch the Governor’s full address below: