National Park College (NPC) has received a $34,800 donation from the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust to purchase 10 Nikon Eclipse Si Model Student microscopes for its Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program. The gift marks a significant investment in student success and workforce readiness.
The new microscopes introduce state-of-the-art technology to NPC’s labs, replacing older models and aligning instruction with modern clinical standards. Students will use the equipment in core courses such as Clinical Microscopy, Microbiology, Hematology, and Immunohematology, gaining experience with tools found in today’s healthcare facilities.
“The addition of these microscopes significantly elevates the quality of hands-on training we can provide,” said Britt Turner, program director for MLT. “As laboratory technology evolves, it’s essential that our students learn using equipment that prepares them for the expectations of clinical partners and future employers.”
Kathy Findley, trustee of the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust, expressed strong support for the project. “We are honored to support National Park College with this grant, which enables students in the Medical Laboratory Technology program to train with cutting-edge microscopes. This equipment will give students hands-on experience with the same technology used in hospitals and clinics across Arkansas, helping them enter the workforce confident and well-prepared. Our mission is to provide grants that improve the quality of life for Arkansas residents, and this investment will have a lasting impact on both the students and the communities they will one day serve,” Findley said.
“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Roy and Christine Sturgis Charitable and Educational Trust,” said Janice Ivers, Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences. “Their commitment to our students helps ensure they train on the same high-quality equipment they will encounter in the workforce. Investments like these truly empower the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthen the quality of care in our community.”
Ivers added, “By training with contemporary, industry-standard microscopes, NPC MLT students will be better prepared for clinical rotations and will enter the workforce with increased confidence in their technical abilities. This investment ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also workforce-ready, equipped with the practical skills and experience needed to excel as laboratory professionals.”
For more information about NPC’s Medical Laboratory Technology program, visit np.edu/MLT.