Ethan Collier helps paint a storm shelter during the Big Event.
OXFORD, Miss. – A University of Mississippi Luckyday Scholar from Belmont has earned a spot in the selective Rural Physicians Scholarship Program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Ethan Collier, a junior biology major, was accepted into the prestigious program, which places medical professionals in small Mississippi towns to help combat rural physician shortage and improve the health of Mississippians.
“Growing up in a rural town myself enabled me to see the great Southern hospitality and also the needs of my community,” said Collier, who plans to practice family medicine. “I would love to give back to the community that gave so much to me while I was growing up.”
Launched in 2007, the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program supports students beginning their junior year of undergraduate studies through medical school and generalist residency training. Upon completion of the program, students agree to practice in a town of fewer than 20,000 residents, located more than 20 miles from a medically served area.
Luckyday students have experienced the benefits of giving back to Mississippi firsthand; the program, established by late Frank R. Day, a former chairman of the board and CEO of Trustmark National Bank, provides deserving high school students with opportunities to attend a major university through financial and academic support.
“I think that Luckyday students recognize what Frank Day did for in-state Mississippi students,” said Merrill Magruder, project coordinator for Luckyday Programs. “In the Luckyday program, students focus on service from the beginning. Since they’ve already been on campus for a week (as part of the annual Luckyday retreat), their first project is to volunteer on move-in day. They’re doing service projects before school even starts.”
Through the Luckyday Success Program, students receive academic support including study hall and career development assistance. Scholars must also complete community service requirements.
Collier, who will be the first college graduate in his family, said the Luckyday program has played a large role in his success.
“Luckyday is like a small community itself and has provided me with tremendous support,” Collier said. “They made the transition from high school to college much smoother and were available for advice and help at all times. Luckyday has always held students to high standards, which has driven me to excel in my classes.”
Magruder said she wasn’t surprised to learn Collier was accepted into the program.
“Medicine is his calling and we’ve just watched him excel in these very difficult science classes,” she said. “He’s just taking them on with such gusto because he wants to be that person who gives back to his community. He is really one of the most giving, caring students I’ve worked with.”
Collier, son of Chris and Shawna Collier of Belmont, is a graduate of Belmont High School.
For more information on the UM Luckyday program, visit http://www.olemiss.edu/studentaffairs/luckyday/. To learn more about the Rural Physicians Scholarship Program, visit http://www.umc.edu/mrpsp/.