(Florence, SC, June 4, 2026) – As a partner in nursing education for the region, McLeod Health has made a contribution of $25,000 to Williamsburg Technical College’s (WTC) Nursing Program.

Nursing represents the nation’s largest health care profession and the largest single component of hospital staff.

“McLeod recognizes the enormous value of the nurse’s contribution in patient care,” said Tony Derrick, Chief Nursing Officer for McLeod Regional Medical Center. “Providing patient advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, participation in shaping health policies and patient education are also key nursing roles.

“This gift is a small token of appreciation for WTC’s dedication to educating future nurses and allied health professionals.”

Williamsburg Technical College offers many healthcare-related programs such as Healthcare Certificate, Medical Office Administration, Phlebotomy, Certified Nursing Assistant, Practical Nursing, and an Associate Degree in Nursing (RN).

In the last three years, WTC has maintained a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX for the RN program, being the only Technical College in South Carolina to boast that honor. The nursing programs are rigorous, including classroom instruction, simulation lab practice, and clinical site rotations. Students are known by name, and the faculty maintains an open-door policy, always making time for advisement and support.

Dr. Heather Anderson, Dean of Nursing at WTC, states, “The passion and care exhibited by our faculty reflect the heart of the profession, inspiring future nurses to lead with empathy, integrity, and expertise. This combined with state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on clinical training equip students with the knowledge, confidence, and real-world experience they need to succeed.”

Williamsburg Technical College now owns the former Williamsburg Regional Hospital building and is currently in the process of renovations to become an expansion of their campus and provide the necessary accommodations to expand the allied health program offerings.

The donation from McLeod will support the health science simulation labs and classrooms with necessary cutting-edge equipment to enhance instruction and mirror real-world healthcare settings to continue this legacy of high-skilled nurses entering the local workforce.

“We are energized and encouraged by the local support we are receiving monetarily for our continued success and campus expansion project. We are proud of the education we are able to provide our service area with our current facilities, but we are excited about the opportunity to diversify those offerings in a state-of-the-art facility. We are very grateful to McLeod for seeing the value in our programs and offering their support in this generous manner,” said Dr. Patricia A. Lee, President of WTC.

“The relationship and financial support of allied health nursing education is imperative to McLeod and our area,” added Derrick. “With competent nurses as part of the medical team, McLeod is capable of carrying out its mission of providing quality health care for patients in the region.”