Eight Lander nursing students named 2026-27 Self Regional Scholars
October 21, 2026
Eight of Lander University’s top-performing nursing students have been selected for the 2026-27 cohort of the Self Regional Scholars Program.
The new cohort was recognized during a Medically Speaking event on Lander’s Greenwood campus, highlighting the ongoing partnership between the university and Self Regional Healthcare.
The 2026-27 Self Regional Scholars are:
- Alexandria Alford, of Greenwood
- Kinsley Hughes, of Ninety Six
- Elisabeth Keller, of Greenwood
- Zaylee Landmesser, of Greenwood
- Jade Luna, of Newberry
- Mackenzie Oswald, of Greenwood
- Isabella Pruitt, of Greenwood
- Darlene Rios Morales, of Saluda
Founded in 2022, the Self Regional Scholars Program is a highly competitive scholarship awarded each year to Lander nursing students who show exceptional academic performance, community involvement and career potential, among other qualities. Preference is given to students from Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties.
The program was created through a significant endowed gift from Self Regional Healthcare to help meet the growing demand for highly trained nurses. In return, scholars commit to working one year at Self Regional after graduating from Lander.
The recognition was part of Medically Speaking, an ongoing speaker series hosted by Self Regional at Lander that features Self Regional physicians. The Oct. 15 program featured pediatricians Dr. Viarda Polanco and Dr. Ingrid Bonilla Valente, who discussed a range of pediatric care topics, including screen time, mental health, diet and exercise, vaccinations and sleep.
