Clinical preceptors are the backbone of nursing education, providing invaluable mentorship and hands-on learning experiences for students. These dedicated professionals shape the next generation of healthcare providers by offering guidance, expertise, and real-world clinical training. Their commitment ensures that our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students develop the skills and confidence needed to provide exceptional care.
Matt Perez, was a clinical preceptor who has played a pivotal role in supporting DNP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) students. Recognizing the crucial contributions of nurse practitioners—especially in community health—Perez saw an opportunity to make an even greater impact. “Family nurse practitioners provide high-quality care and do a tremendous amount of work, yet they often lack the resources and recognition they deserve,” he shared.
Understanding firsthand the challenges students face, Perez wanted to do more. When he received an inheritance from his late mother, he and his wife, Amy Bohlander, decided to turn their gratitude for nursing education into action. Together, they established the Kathleen Perez Memorial Family Nurse Practitioner Scholarship fund to support DNP students pursuing careers in community health.
Perez’s decision to give was personal. “My mother was an elementary school teacher who did incredible work, often without the resources or recognition she deserved,” he reflected. “This scholarship aligns with her values of caring for others and is a way to honor her legacy while also supporting students who are dedicated to primary care and serving their communities,” Perez said.
Through their generous gift, Perez and Bohlander hope to ease the financial burden for aspiring nurse practitioners to pursue a meaningful career path and highlight the vital role they play in healthcare.
We are grateful for Perez and Bohlander’s support and commitment to the School of Nursing. If you are interested in supporting their fund please visit: Kathleen Perez Memorial Family Nurse Practitioner Scholarship.
Learn more about our DNP program or clinical precepting