View Larger Image The recipients of College of Health Professions student scholarships gather on a staircase in the Rahn Building after the scholarship reception honoring them.
The recipients of College of Health Professions student scholarships gather on a staircase in the Rahn Building after the scholarship reception honoring them. Image by Evan Lewis

College of Health Professions Honors Scholars, Donors at Scholarship Reception

By Ben Boulden

| Smiles may have been just a bit brighter from UAMS College of Health Professions scholarship recipients at the Sept. 8 reception that brought them together with scholarship donors.

Dean Susan Long, Ed.D., said the increasing cost of living in 2022 has only added value to the financial support that scholarships offer to students.

Zaria Neal thanks donors for their support of the college's scholarships.

Zaria Neal thanks donors for their support of the college’s scholarships.Image by Evan Lewis

“Some students struggle with the financial means to continue their education or use the scholarship for a combination of all of those things,” said Zaria Neal, a second-year student in the college’s Genetic Counseling master’s degree program. “The bottom line is the lack of money is a constant barrier to education that knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. This barrier adds stress to already stressful situations and can discourage students from continuing their education.”

Neal thanked the donors for their help in lightening the financial burdens each student faces. She said their donations to scholarships also increase accessibility to programs while enriching diversity in higher education.

“Your support is inspiring, and I hope to be in a position to one day help future students reach their academic goals as you have helped us,” Neal said. “Thank you from our hearts, and God bless.”

College of Health Professions Dean Susan Long, standing, visits with one of the scholarship donors before the start of the reception.

College of Health Professions Dean Susan Long, center, visits with one of the scholarship donors before the start of the reception.Image by Evan Lewis

Long said undergraduates in the college graduate with an average of $35,000 in debt while post-graduate students leave with about $60,000 in debt.

“For our donors, we want to thank you for your support of allied health and our students. Getting a college education is far from a solo event,” Long said. “No one does this by themselves.”

The college awarded $68,000 in scholarships to 37 students this academic year. Phyllis Fields, M.Ed., the college’s associate dean for student affairs, announced the names of the recipients. Dean Long presented them with certificates and recognized the donors at the reception in Bruce Commons in the Daniel W. Rahn Interprofessional Education Building on the Little Rock campus.