By Marc R. Masferrer, University Communications and Marketing
Ten nursing students at 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 that will provide the students with unique academic and other experiences as they prepare to start their careers.
PAM Health, a Pennsylvania-based company that operates two hospitals in Sarasota County (PAM Health Specialty Hospital of Sarasota and PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Venice), donated $200,000 to create the PAM Health Living Community, a community-focused learning environment for the students, who are enrolled in the Accelerated Second Degree program at USF Sarasota-Manatee. The Living Community, sponsored exclusively by PAM Health, aims to enhance educational experiences by integrating living, learning and professional development.
Designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, USF’s 16-month Accelerated Second Degree program offers graduates a swift transition into a nursing career.
The students will move into Atala Residence Hall and start the PAM Health Living Community this summer.
"We are deeply grateful to PAM Health for their generous support. This contribution eases the financial burden and allows our future nurses to focus fully on their education, clinical training, and growth as compassionate, skilled professionals,” said Usha Menon, senior associate vice president of USF Health and dean of the College of Nursing. “Investments like these have a lasting impact—not only on our students but on the communities they will go on to serve."
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 comprise three of our core values,” Misitano said. “By investing in the PAM Health Community Living program, we are empowering students to concentrate fully on their education while living and learning among others who share their dreams.”
Living in Atala Residence will provide the students the opportunity to enjoy a variety of academic and social programs, such as workshops and seminars, clinical rotations at PAM Health hospitals and networking events unique to the PAM Health Living Community. Graduates of the of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program will be well-prepared for employment at PAM Health or other healthcare providers.
In their applications for the program, students wrote they were grateful to PAM Health for the chance to live and learn with other future nurses with similar goals, as well offset financial and other pressures that come with being a commuter student in an intensive program like nursing.
“Living in a community that fosters collaboration with like-minded students will provide both motivation and a strong support system,” said Sarah Lapton. “Engaging with peers who share similar career aspirations will allow me to exchange knowledge, develop teamwork skills and strengthen my commitment to compassionate care.”
Sheintah Artison said PAM Health’s involvement in their training will provide students with an “inside view of the professional nursing world and what it takes to be a good nurse.”
“This program will guide me through the process of entering the workforce and teach me how effectively promote myself and showcase my abilities,” Artison said.
The other PAM Health Living Community Scholars for 2025-2026 are:
- Loren Bates
- Katlyn Cocks
- Serafima Grimm-Lopez
- Julia Howerton
- Kasey McConnell
- Debora Nelcidor
- Ashlyn Parker
- Mylee Tisdale