The family of Dr. Geroldean Dyse, who devoted her life to helping others as a healthcare professional, has established a scholarship in her name at William Carey University.
“She was an extraordinary ambassador for healthcare and education. She understood that nursing students sometimes struggle with the cost of getting an education. She helped so many people, over so many years, so we wanted to help nursing students who share the same dream,” said her husband, Bobby R. Dyse.
The Dr. Geroldean Dyse Scholarship is named for a woman who worked as a nurse and administrator in the healthcare industry for 48 years.
Dr. Dyse started her career as a licensed practical nurse at Forrest General Hospital and a local nursing home facility. She later moved her nursing career closer to home in Perry County at the New Augusta Family Health Center. This community health center is one of more than 20 clinics within the Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative (SeMRHI) network.
She worked at SeMRHI for 40 years as a nurse and chief operating officer before being named chief executive officer in 2011. She worked diligently at SeMRHI, serving others in the community, until her passing in 2022.
Dr. Dyse was a life-long learner, and education was important in the pursuit of her personal and professional goals. In the 1970s, she earned her LPN degree from Jones College and attended William Carey University. She also earned bachelor's and master’s degrees in healthcare administration from the University of Phoenix.
In 2013, William Carey University conferred upon her an honorary Doctorate of Humanities degree.
“We are very proud the Dyse family has chosen to help WCU students fulfill their dreams of becoming nurses. Scholarship assistance is the way many students achieve their goals, and it is a way to honor a loved one that can last for many years,” said Dr. Janet Williams, WCU associate vice president for health programs.
The Dr. Geroldean Dyse Scholarship will be awarded to students of WCU’s Joseph & Nancy Fail School of Nursing who have a grade point average of at least 2.5.
For more information, contact Karen Golson at (601) 318-6526 or
kgolson@wmcarey.edu.
To give to the scholarship, visit
www.wmcarey.edu/giveIn the photo:William Carey University officials gather at Tatum Court to thank the family of Dr. Geroldean Dyse for their generosity. In the top row are Dr. Dyse’s husband and son, Bobby R. Dyse and Marcus C. Dyse. In the middle row are Kelly Williamson, lead director of undergraduate nursing, and Dyse’s daughter, Heather G. Dyse. In the front row are WCU President Dr. Tommy King and Dr. Janet Williamson, WCU associate vice president for health programs.
