MUSC awards new first-generation, one-year scholarships to eight students

For Saluda native and second-year pharmacy student Zomaria Smith, attending pharmacy school has been both a dream and a struggle. A model student throughout her school years in Lexington, South Carolina, Smith was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning her degree from Lander University in Greenwood.

Just recently, she was honored with the MUSC College of Pharmacy’s P1 Leadership Award for her academic work, involvement with class extracurricular activities and leadership. But like many students, her struggle relates to funding her education and managing student debt, as she’s had to rely on both academic scholarships and student loans for undergraduate and now graduate programs in her plan to become a Pharm.D. A national report concluded that about 79% of U.S. pharmacy students graduate with debt, which is estimated to average about $172,000 after four years. Currently, Smith’s student loan debt includes her undergraduate school costs and amount to $90,000, which, she said, is definitely a lot.

For Smith, the challenges of balancing the cost of tuition with monthly expenses – rent, car, phone bills and other living expenses – are very real as a full-time student at MUSC. She knows she cannot rely on financial support from outside sources.

“As much as I don’t want to, I’m very dependent on loans to finance my education. I have no choice in this situation, as it is the only way I can fund my plans to become a pharmacist. So yes, loans are on my mind a lot, but I know it will be all worth it looking toward my future.”

So when Smith learned she was one of two recipients from the College of Pharmacy, and one of eight total awardees from MUSC’s colleges of Medicine, Nursing and Health Professions to receive a newly created scholarship that covers one year of tuition for first-generation college students, she was overjoyed and grateful.

The S.C. First Scholarship at MUSC program was established as an endowment and supports students who are first in their families to go to college, many who come from rural and underserved areas of the Palmetto State. The scholarship is funded with $3.5 million in state funds and a $3.5 million match from MUSC leadership. The funding marks the first time that the South Carolina Legislature has awarded funds to support MUSC’s first-generation students.

“I am thrilled to recognize and celebrate the recipients of this inaugural scholarship,” said Lisa K. Saladin, PT, Ph.D., executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “What makes this scholarship special is that these students are from South Carolina with truly inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to become the first in their family to pursue higher education. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing where the future takes these talented students.”

S.C. Rep. Bruce Bannister is the chairman of the South Carolina House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. “The house made a historic commitment to higher education by allocating funds for the S.C. First Scholarship at MUSC. The collaboration with MUSC aims to reduce student debt and address community needs, underscoring our dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting South Carolinians.”

For Smith, this scholarship will be significant in helping her to manage her overall student debt.

“I just want to say I’m very grateful to receive this scholarship and feel so proud. I thank God that I’m here at MUSC today and am grateful to be in the position I am in because of so many people who have supported and believed in me – thank you,” she said.

The amount of each S.C. First Scholarship was determined by the annual tuition for each college. The college deans selected scholarship recipients based on the following criteria. Each recipient:

• Must be the first in his or her family to attend college.
• Must be a South Carolina resident.
• Must have attended high school in South Carolina.
• Must demonstrate a financial need.
• Must be in good academic standing.

The 2024-2025 S.C. First Scholarship at MUSC recipients include:

College of Pharmacy

• Zomaria Smith, Doctor of Pharmacy candidate (Pharm.D.), Class of 2027. Hometown: Lexington.

 

• Holly Kahmke, Doctor of Pharmacy candidate (Pharm.D.), Class of 2027. Hometown: Ladson.

College of Medicine

• Aaron Lin, Medical Doctor (M.D.) candidate, Class of 2027. Hometown: Boiling Springs.

 

• Anna Gross, Medical Doctor (M.D.) candidate, Class of 2027. Hometown: Mount Pleasant.

 

College of Nursing

• Rylee Chandler, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, class of 2026. Hometown: Yemassee.
  

 

• Myia Gethers, Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, class of 2026. Hometown: Mount Pleasant.

 

College of Health Professions

• Monique Whitely, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, class of 2025. Hometown: Bluffton.

 

• Mirakle Avery, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, class of 2025. Hometown: Columbia.