USM Nursing Student Wins 2019 Eliza Pillars Scholarship

Tyunna Odom, a junior nursing major at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been awarded the Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi (EPRNM) Undergraduate Scholarship.

The Eliza Pillars organization has been awarding the Undergraduate Scholarship to nursing students in the State of Mississippi since 1986. Only one student in the state is chosen to receive the scholarship.

“It is such an honor to receive such a prestigious award from the Eliza Pillars organization,” said Odom, a Lena, Miss., native. “This award will help me pay for tuition, and I am just so grateful.”

After graduation, Odom plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner.

“Nursing is a rewarding profession. It requires an individual to be diligent, authentic, and devoted,” said Odom. “I believe I can fulfil those qualities and I hope to establish a connection through my community that continues to touch other people's lives.”

About EPRNM
The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses of Mississippi organization was named in honor of Eliza Parish Pillars, the first African American nurse appointed to the Mississippi State Board of Health in 1926. The mission of the organization is to promote distinguished community leadership and partner with other organizations to provide healthcare education and other community services.