W. PHILIP MCCONNELL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

About W. Philip McConnell

Phil McConnell was a passionate advocate for excellence, education, and ethical leadership in long-term care administration. A charter member of the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), Phil played a pivotal role in building and sustaining the organization from its earliest days in the 1970s. Known for his tireless outreach, generosity, and heartfelt belief in the value of professional involvement, he personally ensured that colleagues and emerging administrators could participate—often covering fees, lodging, or meals so no one was left out. His commitment to mentorship, networking, and service left a lasting impact on all who knew him. Following his passing in 1999, the Phil McConnell Scholarship Fund was established in his honor to continue his legacy of supporting and inspiring future leaders in health care administration.

Background

The Ohio Chapter of ACHCA (ACHCA-OH) believes that the quality of care and life in a nursing center begins with the Administrator’s quality of education. Therefore, ACHCA-OH established the W. Philip McConnell Scholarship Fund in memory of Phil McConnell, a past president of the Ohio Chapter who devoted his life to the advancement of long-term care administration and the efforts of ACHCA.

ACHCA-OH invites members in good standing to apply for the Phil McConnell Scholarship. The chapter will award two (2) scholarships. Scholarship recipients will receive up to $2,000 towards one full conference registration, travel, and lodging to the ACHCA Annual Convention & Expo.

Selection criteria

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a Nursing Home Administrator AIT program or enrolled in a recognized university/college training program for nursing home administrators;

Current member of ACHCA (for student membership, download an application or apply online and return it with your scholarship nomination form);

One of the students receiving the McConnell Scholarship must live in Ohio. The other student receiving the McConnell Scholarship will be selected from the pool of applicants throughout the U.S.

How to apply

Provide two letters of nomination/recommendation (if enrolled in an AIT program, one letter must be from your preceptor; if a student, one letter must be from your advisor/professor; and

Prepare a one-page paper describing your intentions for your future in long-term care administration (i.e., your goals, what drives you to excel, what you believe your contributions will be to the profession, etc.)

Applicants must submit their current resume or curriculum vitae via e-mail to Kimberly Corrigan, Ohio Chapter President.

Additional Contact: Bob Bishop-e-mail

The deadline for the 2026 scholarship is February 12, 2026.

ACHCA-OH manages the McConnell Scholarship. Recipients must attend the ACHCA Annual Convention & Expo to have their award announced. ACHCA-OH will notify recipients at least 45 days before Convention to schedule travel and lodging.