by Miranda Hodges

As future nurses fill the seats of the Dr. Laurie Jowers Ware Classroom at the University of West Georgia, they will carry forward her values of resilience and a commitment to making a difference in healthcare. 

UWG’s Tanner Health System School of Nursing (THSSON) recently named a classroom in memory of Ware, who served as associate dean and the first coordinator of the THSSON graduate program before her passing, following a generous gift by Ware’s daughter, Laurie Ann Taylor.  

Taylor’s gift established the Dr. Laurie Jowers Ware Graduate Nursing Program Endowment, as well as naming the classroom space, both dedicated to advancing the education of future nurses.  

“My mom had a remarkable bond with her students,” said Taylor. “They knew they could turn to her for guidance, and she was always there to support, encourage and mentor them. This classroom is a way to keep that bond alive by carrying on her legacy of excellence and kindness.” 

Known for her distinctive ability to connect with students, Ware fostered a nurturing environment that allowed students to excel both academically and personally. Her efforts not only created a rigorous, student-centered curriculum but also established a community of alumni who launched prosperous careers at UWG. 

“My mom helped build a program where students were empowered to lead with skill and heart,” explained Taylor. “She believed that nursing education should prepare students to meet the highest standards in healthcare while also nurturing their commitment to patient care.” 

Through her daughter’s generosity, Ware’s legacy will extend beyond the classroom naming; funds also support a graduate nursing endowment, ensuring that aspiring nursing leaders have greater access to resources and opportunities that foster growth and success in the profession.  

“Laurie Ann Taylor’s tribute to her mother’s legacy is an inspiration to us all,” said Allyson Bretch ’14, UWG’s vice president for university advancement and CEO of UWG’s philanthropic foundations. “Dr. Ware’s influence will continue to inspire and shape the next generation of healthcare professionals, and this endowment will ensure her dedication to nursing education lives on.” 

For more information about how you can impact UWG through an endowment, scholarship or annual giving, please visit UWG’s Give West page.