Kentucky State’s inaugural Rosen cohort is already building academic momentum, clinical experience, and a stronger nursing pipeline for Franklin County

Less than a year after a $400,000 gift from Richard and Anna Marie Rosen established a new scholarship pipeline at Kentucky State University, the first Rosen scholars are already bringing that vision to life.

The Richard and Anna Marie Rosen Nursing Scholarship supports students in the University’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, helping reduce financial barriers while strengthening Franklin County’s healthcare future. After graduation, recipients will work at Frankfort Regional Medical Center or other qualified medical facilities in Franklin County.

The inaugural cohort is off to a strong start. All eight Rosen scholars successfully completed the fall semester with an average GPA of 3.7 and are advancing through the demands of nursing coursework and hospital clinicals with purpose and momentum.

This year’s scholars are Erica Cruz, Happiness Efeturi, Emily Farler, Laura Marfo, Kamea Townsend, Kyla Overstreet, Vincent Teye, and Douglas Oduro. Together, they reflect the promise at the heart of the scholarship: opening doors for aspiring nurses while helping strengthen healthcare close to home.

Emily Farler, an AAS student from Frankfort, is continuing her path from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse. Her background includes work in long-term care, senior living, infectious disease care, case management, and community outreach, including efforts that distributed food, harm-reduction supplies, and Narcan in neighborhoods across Frankfort.

Happiness Efeturi, a first-year second-degree BSN student from Nigeria, has balanced a 4.0 GPA with the demands of family life and international student financing. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse and advocate for children from underserved communities.

Laura Marfo, an AAS student from Kumasi, Ghana, entered the program with significant hospital and community-health experience. Her work has included patient care, health education, infection control, data reporting, and HIV support efforts, and she hopes to become a nurse anesthetist and mentor future students.

Kyla Overstreet, a BSN student from Chicago in the final semester of Kentucky State’s accelerated program, is preparing for a career shaped by service and leadership. A former student-athlete and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., she hopes to serve in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps before pursuing a master’s degree in nursing.

Vincent Teye, a second-degree BSN student from Ghana, describes nursing as a calling to serve people in their most vulnerable moments. His long-term interests include mental health and general nursing, with a focus on compassionate, patient-centered care.

Douglas Oduro, also from Ghana, has paired strong academic performance with ambitious plans in public health and infectious disease practice. He hopes to earn a Master of Science in Nursing with a public health focus and continue toward advanced specialization in the field.

Erica Cruz and Kamea Townsend, both AAS students, are also part of this first Rosen cohort now progressing through Kentucky State’s nursing program. Their place in the inaugural group underscores the scholarship’s broader purpose: expanding opportunity for students whose education can translate directly into stronger care for Franklin County.

What began as a generous gift is already taking shape in a tangible way through these eight students — in coursework completed, clinical skills sharpened, and futures directed toward service. For Kentucky State, for Franklin County, and for the Rosen scholars themselves, that is exactly the kind of impact this investment was meant to make.