Our History

History of The Starting Line Educational Endowment for Nurses

The sponsor of this fund, C.J. Duvall Jr., experienced a life-altering stroke, followed by three additional strokes in the months ahead, which were later linked to medication side effects. These events left lasting cognitive challenges but also sparked a deeper sense of faith and purpose. During his hospitalization, a nurse prayed for him — bringing comfort and even unexpected recovery of motor function, reinforcing his belief in the power of prayer.

Rather than just focusing on his personal recovery, C.J. created a mission: to support faith-driven nursing students through The Starting Line Educational Endowment, a scholarship fund of the Arkansas Community Foundation. With personal contributions and help from friends, colleagues, and members of the public, the Starting Line Educational Endowment serves four faith-based Nursing programs:  Ouachita Baptist University (Arkansas), Missouri Baptist University (Missouri), Oklahoma Baptist University (Oklahoma), and Baylor University (Texas). Now, donors from across the country and the globe are joining this effort with as little as $25 by accessing the donor platform provided by the Arkansas Community Foundation.

Photo of C.J. Duvall Jr.
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Arkansas Community Foundation Partnership

The Starting Line Educational Endowment is administered by the Arkansas Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works statewide to offer tools to help local Arkansas communities, protect, grow, and direct charitable dollars.

All Starting Line Education Endowment donations are recorded, disbursed, and audited by the professionals at Arkansas Community Foundation, and nursing schools across four states receive the proceeds.

Learn more about our partner

Your Support Makes a Difference

Young man of color standing facing camera.
“Seeing The Starting Line open doors for other students to pursue their dreams, the way I was able to pursue mine, brings me so much joy.”
Two young female nurse smiling.
“My education prepared me to be a Christian in the workplace.”
Two young female nurse smiling.
“Empowering faith-filled nurses is a passion we share with The Starting Line. The funds raised go directly to nursing students who, without this support, may not have the opportunity to make the impact they’re capable of.”

Empower the Next Generation of Faith-Based Nurses

Together, we can equip the next generation of nurses with the education and resources they need to succeed.

Donate now