This permanent scholarship, initiated in 2026, honors Bea (Beatrice) Goodwin, a nursing leader who was passionate about excellence in nursing education. Dr. Goodwin earned her BSN from Vanderbilt University and her Master's and PhD from New York University. Her illustrious career includes roles as professor at NYU Division of Nursing and Chair and Professor, Lehman College, City University of New York. She was a founding member of Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Chapter (NYU) and held influential positions with the National League for Nursing. Dr. Goodwin had a distinguished career as a flight nurse and Chief Nurse of the Air Evacuation Unit in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps and Air National Guard.
Dr. Goodwin’s exemplary commitment to Nursing in Latin America began with her consultant role at the Pan American Health Organization. She helped establish the first nursing and midwifery program in Catholic University, Chile, S.A. She led an NYU project to enhance nursing education in eight countries of Latin America. She exerted efforts to create the International Nursing Research Center at the Chilean Association of Nursing Education (ACHIEN). From 2006 to 2018, as a member and of the NGO Health Committee, which holds special consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, Dr. Goodwin addressed the imperative for students and practicing health professionals to become aware of the health needs of developing and least developed countries and the inter-connectedness of all nations.
Reflecting Dr. Goodwin’s lifelong commitment to excellence in nursing education, this scholarship gives preference to a master’s or doctoral candidate whose work emulates Dr. Goodwin’s passion for nursing education and commitment to preparing exemplary future nurse educators.

(2021-2022 Winner)
Nicole Knight is the recipient of the Liesel M. Hiemenz Scholarship. Nicole currently attends Frontier Nursing University pursuing her master’s degree to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Nicole earned her BS f... read more.
NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing.
NEF’s Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from nursing, education, technology, and business communities. Members donate their time and talent to the advancement of the nursing profession. NEF operates with exceptionally low overhead. NEF employs only one individual who serves in several capacities. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status; thus, your contributions are fully tax-deductible.