TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education and DCH Health System have joined forces in a strategic partnership to enhance workforce development and expand educational opportunities for health care professionals. The collaboration underscores their collective commitment to advancing nursing education and lifelong learning while supporting career growth across the health care sector.

“This partnership represents a powerful investment in our nursing workforce,” said Dr. Michelle Cheshire, CCN associate dean of undergraduate programs. “By increasing access to flexible, high-quality education through the RN to BSN mobility program, we’re helping DCH nurses to advance their careers without stepping away from the bedside. It’s an important step toward building a stronger, more resilient health care system.”

(Left to Right) Rick Plummer, vice president, Marketing & Communications, DCH Health System; Dawn Alexander, MHA, MBA, RN, chief nursing officer, DCH Health System; Dr. Julie Sanford, dean, UA Capstone College of Nursing; Katrina Keefer, president/chief executive officer, DCH Health System; Dr. Robert Hayes, associate provost, UA OTIDE; Dr. Amanda Ingram, executive director of online and continuing education, UA OTIDE; Dr. Michelle Cheshire, associate dean, Undergraduate Programs, UA Capstone College of Nursing

The partnership will initially focus on promoting the RN to BSN online degree for DCH employees. This emphasis recognizes the vital role of registered nurses in delivering high-quality patient care. The program is designed to allow them to continue their education while still performing their important service.

“When I made the decision to return to school through UA Online, I knew it would open new doors in my nursing career — but what I didn’t anticipate was how deeply it would shape me as a leader. This program didn’t just strengthen my clinical knowledge, it helped me define what kind of leader I want to be,” said Kaitlyn Wyatt, a DCH Health System nurse and graduate of the RN to BSN program.

This initiative will also give DCH employees access to and increased support for other nursing programs through UA Online and CCN. DCH employees and their families can benefit from other OTIDE offerings too, including more than 100 UA Online degree and certificate programs, Continuing Education certifications and conferences, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and UA Early College. Participants have access to scholarships, grants, success coaching, career advising, online tutoring and writing review services.

“The University of Alabama is committed to empowering students through a wide range of resources suited for their individual paths to success,” said Dr. Robert Hayes, OTIDE associate provost. “Through the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education, we tailor services specifically for working adult learners as they advance toward promotions, certifications or new career opportunities. We are proud to partner with DCH Health System to meet the education needs of DCH’s employees and their families.”

Beyond promoting individual career growth, this initiative aligns with DCH Health System’s broader mission to cultivate a highly skilled workforce dedicated to enhancing patient care across the region.

“DCH values ensuring our nurses have access to a broad scope of educational opportunities enabling them to deliver the highest quality care,” said Dawn Alexander, chief nursing officer at DCH. “Our partnership with OTIDE is another important step in supporting our nurses’ educational goals and professional growth.”