Appalachian's Beaver Scholars program aims to improve health care in region and beyond

By Audrey Gurkin 

BOONE, N.C. — Beginning fall 2019, 20 students in Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences (BCHS) will be named Beaver Scholars, qualifying for scholarships of $10,000 per academic year.

Established by Don Beaver ’62 ’64 and Vickie Beaver — for whom the college is named — the Beaver Scholars program was created with the goal of providing support to North Carolina students with a commitment to health care careers. Selection of the first class of scholars for the endowed scholarship program will occur during the 2018–19 academic year.

“The Beavers’ scholarship support will advance the health and well-being of our state’s citizens by increasing the numbers of critical health care personnel in communities that need it most,” Chancellor Sheri Everts said. “The impact of this endowment will multiply over time, as more and more well-prepared and professional students enter the workforce.”

The $10,000-per-year award is renewable as long as the student meets academic standards established by the college. Scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate and graduate students majoring in health-focused programs, with priority given to students who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving health care in the region.

“Access to health care is a tremendous priority for our state, particularly in rural counties,” explained Marie Huff, dean of the BCHS.

“Our curriculum emphasizes interprofessional collaboration among the various health care disciplines, promoting the best care possible for patients and their families. The new, state-of-the-art Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences makes that collaboration possible,” she said.

“The Beaver Scholars program will strengthen our ability to provide a transformative education to our students and bolster the health care workforce in our state.”

Nearly 3,500 students are enrolled in the BCHS, which offers 10 undergraduate degree programs and six graduate degree programs.

Scholarship thank you
Published: Feb 4, 2019 1:57pm

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