Drs. John and Nancy Ellis

Longtime Pinehurst residents Drs. John and Nancy Ellis have regularly displayed their willingness to assist others in their educational pursuits.

A pioneer in First Health’s Department of Orthopedics, John Ellis arrived in Pinehurst in 1973 and began practicing medicine. Surgeons from Japan, Korea, Canada, Europe and all over the U.S. came to Pinehurst to learn from him and witness his accomplishments in joint replacement. Today, First Health has one of the largest joint replacement programs in North Carolina, and boasts one of the highest success rates in the nation.

Nancy Ellis has worked diligently to provide educational opportunities and assist students with their enrollment in Sandhills. She has financially assisted students who might not otherwise be able to attend college, and she serves on the Board of Directors of the Sandhills Foundation, the college’s non-profit organization which makes available scholarships and funds for improving technology and equipment.

The Ellis’ instrumental support and commitment to education prompted them to establish the Ellis Education Endowed
Scholarship.

The award is given bi-annually to second-year nursing students who have demonstrated financial need and qualifications deemed to be successful in completing the Associate Degree in Nursing program. Selection is made by the college’s Scholarship Committee, with preference given to applicants who intend to pursue employment at First Health.