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Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Kenadii Williams will now serve her community as an operating room registered nurse after accepting a position with CHI Saint Joseph Health in Lexington. The recent nursing graduate is ecstatic to join the health system and will begin her nursing career in July. 

The opportunity came about after Williams delivered the welcome at a press conference on May 25 where CHI Saint Joseph Health announced plans to invest $2.5 million in tuition assistance and program support for the Kentucky State University School of Nursing over the next five years. At this event, Williams had the opportunity to speak with Chief Executive Officer Dr. Anthony Houston and Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Melissa Bennett and was offered a tour of the facility. A tour turned into an interview which led to Williams being offered and accepting a position with the health system.  

“I chose nursing as my career path because it embodies everything that’s important to me – serving my community, offering empathy to those in need, and improving the health of patients holistically,” Williams shared. “I am extremely grateful for my alma mater and the opportunities it has afforded me.” 

Williams enrolled at Kentucky State in the spring of 2020. During her time on the Hill, she was able to attend career fairs, build her resume, and network with companies through the Career and Professional Development Center.

“I don’t believe I would have made it through my journey at Kentucky State without the support I received from my KSU family especially my mother and the financial aid office. Each time I visited the office, every advisor would take the time to encourage me and speak life into my future.”

Williams also credits Acting President Dr. Clara Ross Stamps for her success and expressed her gratitude for being invited to speak at the press conference. “President Stamps’ support has already left an impact on my future professional endeavors and I am grateful to say she was my president during my time at Kentucky State. Her labor and sacrifice to ensure students excel is not in vain.”

Her mother Monique Shaw, who works in the Office of Finance Aid at Kentucky State, is beyond proud of her daughter and excited about her future.  

“When she shared with me that she would be giving the welcome at the press conference with CHI Saint Joseph Health, I immediately knew she would make a great impression on the people she would meet,” Shaw shared. “It did not come as a surprise to me that CHI Saint Joseph Health wanted Kenadii to be a part of their family of healthcare providers because I knew she was extraordinary from the day she came into the world! As a mother that has prayed countless hours for her children, Kenadii is a testament of prayers answered.”  

For more information about CHI Saint Joseph Health, visit CHISaintJosephHealth.org; to learn more about the KSU School of Nursing, visit www.kysu.edu/nursing.