---

KSU is newest Robbins University Center partner

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College and Kentucky State University announced at a signing ceremony today a new partnership to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The partnership creates a pathway for graduates of ECTC’s nursing program to pursue a BSN from KSU with significant in-person support on the ECTC campus. In addition, the ECTC-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship provides a tuition-free bachelor’s degree to students eligible for the federal Pell grant.

“The RN-to-BSN pathway with Kentucky State University is a great opportunity to continue supporting ECTC nursing graduates as they advance their educations and careers,” said ECTC President Dr. Juston Pate. “Not only does this partnership increase affordability, access and resources for BSN students, it develops a critical future workforce for our region.”

Students will enroll at KSU and receive services on ECTC’s Elizabethtown campus. They’ll also have access to ECTC nursing labs and other student services.

"We are very excited to embark on this new partnership with ECTC to train the next generation of nurses to serve the Commonwealth," said KSU President, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. "Creating a pathway for ECTC nursing graduates to seamlessly transfer into KSU's BSN program is only just the beginning."

The ECTC-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship is a renewable, last-dollar and nonrefundable scholarship program for students transferring from ECTC. The scholarship covers fall and spring tuition after federal and state aid and external awards have been applied. To qualify, students must be Pell-eligible, enroll in at least six credit hours each term while in the BSN program, file a FAFSA and submit a scholarship application.

Baptist Health Hardin CEO Robert Ramey attended the ceremony and applauded the partnership as a pipeline for nursing.

“This partnership between ECTC and KSU is a transformative step for our community. Not only does it create a pathway for more nursing students to achieve their BSN, but it directly addresses a critical need for healthcare professionals that is growing along with our rapidly expanding population,” Ramey said. “By making higher education more accessible and affordable, we empower our students to succeed and encourage them to use their education and skills while serving our local communities.”

KSU is the newest partner of the ECTC Robbins University Center, which allows four-year colleges and universities to offer high-demand bachelor’s and master’s degrees locally. The center is named for Dr. Robert and Rita Robbins of Elizabethtown. The couple made history in 2018 with a $1 million donation to ECTC — the college’s largest private donation to date — from the Dr. Robert E. and Rita H. Robbins Fund of the Central Kentucky Community Foundation.

2025 classes begin Jan. 13 and March 17. For more information, visit www.kysu.edu.

Kentucky State University is an equal opportunity provider.