Ten nursing students from USF Sarasota-Manatee have been awarded scholarships to live in Atala Residence Hall thanks to a new partnership between the College of Nursing and PAM Health.
The partnership offers students a unique academic and campus experience that prepares them to begin their careers.
PAM Health Specialty Hospital Hospital Hospital Hospital Health Rehabilitation Hospital Hospital Hospital Hospital Hospital Hospital Hospital Health Health Health based company PAM Health, donated $200,000 to create the PAM Health Living Community, a community-centric learning environment for students enrolled in the second-degree program accelerated by USF Sarasota-Manateee. Living communities aim to enhance their educational experiences by integrating life, learning and professional development.
“This contribution will ease the financial burden and enable future nurses to focus their education, clinical training and growth fully as caring and skilled professionals,” said Usha Menon, Senior Associate Vice President of USF Health and Dean of the College of Nursing. “This kind of investment will have a lasting impact not only on students, but also on the communities they continue to serve.”
USF's 16-month accelerated second program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in non-nursing fields.
Students will be redirected to Atala Residence Hall and launching the Pam Health Living Community this summer.
Anthony Misitano, founder, president and CEO of PAM Health, said the partnership with USF fits well with the company's mission.
“At PAM Health, we value teamwork, lifelong learning and impact. They make up three of our core values,” says Misitano. “By investing in the PAM Health Community Living program, we are ensuring that students can fully focus on their education while sharing their dreams and learning.”
“Inner” of the nurse's world
Living in Atala's residence offers students the opportunity to enjoy a variety of academic and social programs, including workshops and seminars, clinical rotations at PAM Health Hospitals, and networking events.
Sheintah Artison said that his involvement in Pam Health's training will provide students with the “world of professional nurses and what they need to become a good nurse.”
“The program guides you through the process of joining the workforce and tells you how effectively you can promote yourself and showcase your abilities,” Artison says.
Other PAM Health Living Community Scholars for 2025-26 are Sarah Lapton, Loren Bates, Katlyn Cocks, Serafima Grimm-Lopez, Julia Howerton, Kasey McConnell, Debora Nelcidor, Ashlyn Parker and Mylee Tisdale.
In his application for the program, students write that they are grateful for the opportunity to live and learn with other future nurses with similar goals, as well as the opportunity to ease the financial and other pressures associated with being a commuter in intensive programs such as nursing.
“Living in a community that encourages collaboration with like-minded students will provide both motivation and a strong support system,” Lapton says. “Interacting with peers who share similar career aspirations can help them exchange knowledge, develop teamwork skills and strengthen their commitment to caring care.”
With campuses in Sarasota Manatee, Tampa and St. Petersburg, the University of South Florida produces more than $6 billion in annual economic impact. For more information, please see usf.edu.
Submitted by Marc Masferrer
