Frances McHie broke barriers. Denied admission to the University of Minnesota School of Nursing nearly a century ago due to the color of her skin, Frances refused to give up. She successfully petitioned the state legislature, becoming the first African American graduate of the School of Nursing in 1932 and the first Black nurse hired in Minnesota.
Frances’ trailblazing 50+ year career in nursing, education, and community service opened doors for countless nurses of color. In 2019, the School of Nursing formally apologized to the McHie family and established the Frances McHie Nursing Scholarship to honor her legacy.
This scholarship provides financial assistance to students who enhance the diversity of the student body as described by the University, such as those who are first generation college graduates or from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds. This fund supports future nurses who share Frances’ passion for health equity and social justice.