Date Posted: January 26, 2024
Long-standing supporter and friend of the College Mr. Sam Allen recently attended the LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge Program Launch on the Griffin Campus where he was recognized by SCTC President Dr. Irvin Clark for his donation and support of Nursing instruction at the College.
Held on January 18, 2024, the launch event for the highly anticipated LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program received overwhelming support from key stakeholders, donors, community leaders, elected local and state officials, industry partners, and education affiliates.
Student nurses enrolled in the RN Bridge program were on hand at the event to express their gratitude for the support of the program. Southern Crescent Technical College President Dr. Irvin Clark commented, “I am so excited for what we have collectively been able to accomplish with the LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program. From identifying the need to the program’s launch, we have received incredible support at every turn as we work to foster the growth and advancement of nursing professionals in our community.”
During the event, industry representative Lisa Johnson, Chief Nursing Officer at Wellstar Spalding reinforced the great need for nurses to contribute to the betterment of healthcare in Georgia. Attendees also heard from RN Bridge Program student Lauren Epperson who said, “I am so excited to finally be able to pursue my dreams. This program allows me to be present
physically and financially for my family while advancing my career. I cannot wait to see all the opportunities that becoming an RN will bring to my family.”
SCTC’s new RN Bridge program began Spring Semester with the selection of fifty medical professionals participating in the inaugural cohort. This program offers a streamlined path for dedicated LPN and Paramedic healthcare practitioners to elevate their careers by becoming registered nurses. Program participants are divided into two cohorts on the Griffin Campus and at the Fayette County Center and required to attend one day of class each week for the duration of the program, enabling participants to complete their RN education in just one year.
A resident of Atlanta who grew up in Griffin and graduated from Griffin High School, Sam Allen was a classmate of the late Robert (Bobby) E. Chappell, a former Vice Chair of the Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation, and was introduced to the College through Bobby. Since that introduction, Allen has been a steadfast supporter of the College and the Foundation and has funded many Lespedeza Fund scholarships for students. Honoring the memory of his late uncle and aunt, Frank and Constance Allen Johnson, the Lespedeza Fund scholarships are a $1,100 tuition, textbook, and toolbox scholarship awarded preferably to a first-generation student. The scholarships give preference to students enrolled in the following SCTC diploma or degree programs: Nursing, Criminal Justice, Industrial Systems Technology, Business Administration Technology, and Logistical and Supply Chain Management.
Most recently, Allen’s recognition at the Nursing launch for the Bridge Program Launch was made on behalf of the estate of his late sister, Connie Kendrick, who was a resident and community champion for Griffin. The program was held in the Frank and Constance Allen Johnson Event Center named in honor of Allen’s uncle and aunt.
After graduating from Griffin High School, Allen received his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University. He served in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corp and graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School. Allen has held several corporate board positions and continues to be involved in the Atlanta community through his service for not-for-profit boards