THE BEA GOODWIN SCHOLARSHIP


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. 

FEATURED SCHOLAR

Eunice Bonifacemadu

Eunice Bonifacemadu

(2026-2027 Winner)

Eunice Bonifacemadu is honored to be the recipient of the Miriam M. Powell Scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds (NEF) for 2026-2027. Her nursing journey was influenced by her early experiences watching her... read more.

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Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. (NEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by nurses for nurses in 1912, and since then, the organization has awarded over 1,500 scholarships to support the pursuit of advanced degrees in nursing.


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NEF’s named scholarships, created with a minimum donation of $50,000, honor and memorialize nurse leaders, from Isabel Hampton Robb to Thelma Schorr to Susan Bowar-Ferres. 100% of donations help to keep NEF scholarships funded in perpetuity; organization expenses are covered by prudent management of NEF’s investments.