Lander, Self Regional Recognize 2026-27 Self Scholars

  • Lindsey Hodges
  • 21 October 2026
Self Scholar recipients
Eight Lander University nursing students were recognized for being part of the Self Regional Scholars Program. Pictured, from left, Cindy Kinney, Chief Nursing Officer for Self Regional Healthcare; Alexandria Alford, of Greenwood; Kinsley Hughes, of Ninety Six; Darlene Rios Morales, of Saluda; Mackenzie Oswald, of Greenwood; Jade Luna, of Newberry; Isabella Pruitt, of Greenwood; Elisabeth Keller, of Greenwood; and Zaylee Landmesser, of Greenwood. Photo by Lara Zuk.

Eight of Lander University’s top-performing nursing students have been selected for the 2026-27 cohort of the Self Regional Scholars Program.

The incoming cohort was recognized during a Medically Speaking event on Lander’s campus, showcasing the continued partnership between the University and Self Regional Healthcare.

2026-27 Self Scholars:

  • Alexandria Alford, of Greenwood
  • Zaylee Landmesser, of Greenwood
  • Elisabeth Keller, of Greenwood
  • Isabella Pruitt, of Greenwood
  • Jade Luna, of Newberry
  • Mackenzie Oswald, of Greenwood
  • Darlene Rios Morales, of Saluda
  • Kinsley Hughes, of Ninety Six

The Self Regional Scholars Program was founded in 2022 and is a highly sought-after scholarship offered annually to Lander nursing students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, community involvement and career potential, among other characteristics. Preference is given to students from Greenwood, Laurens, Edgefield, Abbeville, McCormick, Newberry and Saluda counties.

The program is the product of a monumental, endowed gift from Self Regional Healthcare to address the need for highly trained nurses in the healthcare industry. In exchange, Self Scholars agree to one year of employment at Self Regional after graduation from Lander.

The recognition ceremony was part of the Medically Speaking program, an ongoing speaker series hosted by Self Regional at Lander featuring Self physicians. Oct. 15’s program featured pediatricians Drs. Viarda Polanco and Ingrid Bonilla Valente. Dr. Polanco and Dr. Valente spoke about a range of pediatric care topics such as screen time, mental health, diet and exercise, vaccinations, sleep and more.