Methodist College is proud to announce a transformational lead investment from the Gilmore Foundation to establish its new Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program. The gift will create a lasting solution to one of healthcare’s most pressing workforce challenges while expanding advanced educational opportunities in central Illinois.
The Gilmore Foundation commitment of nearly $850,000 through Carle Health Center for Philanthropy will help Methodist College prepare to launch the program in 2028. As demand for anesthesia providers continues to grow nationwide, graduates of the program will help expand access to surgical and procedural care while strengthening the healthcare workforce for years to come.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Gilmore Foundation for its visionary investment in the future of healthcare,” said Kayla Banks, PhD, RN, Chancellor of Methodist College. “The Foundation has long demonstrated a commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities and continues to strengthen our region by supporting education and workforce development. With this investment, nurses will have the opportunity to pursue advanced education close to home, and more patients will benefit from access to exceptional care delivered by highly trained professionals.”
The Gilmore Foundation investment will support the development of curriculum, recruitment of expert faculty, accreditation activities, advanced simulation resources and the educational infrastructure necessary to launch a high-quality doctoral program that will serve students and healthcare organizations as the healthcare sector continues to evolve.
“The Gilmore Foundation has increasingly focused its philanthropy on initiatives that strengthen the region by attracting, educating and retaining talented professionals,” Laura Cullinan, President of the Gilmore Foundation, said. “By investing in advanced healthcare education, we are investing in the people who will care for our communities for decades to come. We are proud to partner with Methodist College in building a stronger workforce, creating new opportunities for talented nurses and investing in healthier communities throughout Greater Peoria.”
Methodist College has a long-standing tradition of educating compassionate healthcare professionals who remain in the region to serve patients and families. The addition of a CRNA Program builds upon that legacy while addressing one of the most critical workforce shortages facing healthcare across the nation.
“This partnership is a meaningful example of Carle Health’s long-term commitment to strengthening the level of care throughout the region,” said Kala Pierce, executive director of development for Carle Health Center for Philanthropy in Greater Peoria. “The impact of both the Gilmore Foundation gift and the ongoing investment from Carle Health will create a sustainable pathway to educate and retain highly skilled nurse anesthetists in our region.”
The Gilmore Foundation investment represents a defining milestone in The Campaign for Carle Health, a $60 million multi-year fundraising campaign that will benefit every region Carle Health serves. The gift shows how visionary philanthropy can transform education, strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to exceptional care across central Illinois.