Special to the WJH Kennia Kirksey of Waycross was recently selected as a Mercer University School of Medicine Nathan Deal Scholar, announced MUSM Dean Jean Sumner, M.D., FACP.
Kirksey, is a member of the MUSM Class of 2029. Nathan Deal Scholars are eligible based on their strong ties to rural Georgia and selected by their character, leadership qualities, community involvement and their likelihood of serving in rural, underserved Georgia even after their scholarship obligations are met.
As Dean Scholar, Kirksey will receive 85-100 percent of tuition for up to four academic years.
“The Nathan Deal Scholarship enables and supports students who want to return to rural communities to become outstanding physicians,” said Dr. Sumner. “These scholars represent the highest commitment to providing excellent health care to rural Georgians. These scholarships remove the significant financial burden of medical school debt, which has been perceived as an obstacle for doctors going to rural areas.
“With this opportunity, students are empowered to return to communities who need them most, the small towns they know and love.”
The mission of investing in students from rural Georgia so they can return to their hometowns virtually debt-free and be trained to serve the rural, underserved communities of Georgia is what Kirksey said drew her to the grant.
“I’m beyond grateful and excited to be a Nathan Deal Scholar. The perfect alignment with the program’s mission and my personal goals drew me to the Nathan Deal Scholarship,” said Kirksey. “I thank God for this prestigious honor and the Nathan Deal Scholarship Committee for believing in me to carry out the mission of increasing access to exceptional primary care physicians in rural Georgia.”
After residency, Kirksey said she plans to return to her hometown to practice primary care.
“Knowing the specific needs of my community and being positioned to meet those needs fuel my desire to return to Waycross as a primary care physician,” she said.
Kirksey is the daughter of Latoshia and Kenneth Sr., sister to Kenneth Jr., Kennan and the late Kaitlyn.
“I could not have made it this far without faith, family, friends, mentors and Mercer University,” the student said.
Added Dr. Sumner: “The Nathan Deal Scholars will make a difference in the health status of Georgians. This scholarship is one more way Mercer is reinforcing its commitment to rural Georgia.”
