Awards & Scholarships

Dr. Raymond C. Bard was the founding dean of the Augusta University College of Allied Health Sciences and served from  1968-88. This award was established in his memory for his valuable contributions, vision and philosophy for the college that continues to this day.

The award is presented annually to a student entering their final year of study who demonstrates academic success, leadership and service to university, profession, community and state.

Nominations are submitted by faculty to their departmental representative for Alpha Eta. Nominated students will complete a nomination form to describe their service activities. Applicants are selected by the Alpha Eta Awards Committee and presented at the spring awards ceremony.

Criteria

1. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0
2. Student is in their final year of study at Augusta University

Amount
$500

This award was created in honor of Dr. Biagio J. Vericella, who came to Augusta University in 1973, became associate dean in 1976 and dean in 1988. The allied health programs continued to gain an excellent national reputation under his tenure through his retirement in 2001.

The award is presented annually to a graduating student who epitomizes compassion, optimism, mentoring, leadership and service within the college, the university and the community.

Nominations are submitted by faculty to their Alpha Eta departmental representative.

Faculty will provide a letter of support for the nominee from the department chairperson or faculty member. Nominated students will complete a nomination form to describe their service activities. Applicants are selected by the Alpha Eta Awards Committee and presented at the spring awards ceremony.

Criteria

1. Student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0
2. Student demonstrates compassion, optimism, mentoring, leadership and service
3. Student is in their final year of study at Augusta University

Amount
$500

The purpose of this fund is to provide scholarships for students in the School of Allied Health Science, studying Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and/or Respiratory Therapy.

Amount: 

$1000

To provide an annual scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student or students enrolled in the College of Allied Health Sciences. Scholarship to be awarded to students pursuing a degree in Respiratory Therapy, Occupation Therapy, or Physical Therapy. Selection will be based on merit and/or financial need.  

Amount 

$1000

This award is presented by the Augusta University Faculty and Spouse Club to one outstanding student from each of the five health sciences colleges at Augusta University. Each CAHS department submits one nominee.

Criteria

1. Student must not be in their final year of study
2. Student must show financial need
3. Student must show academic promise (include GPA/potential to make a meaningful contribution to chosen field)
4. Student must show service to others (including outside Augusta University)
5. Nominated students will complete a nomination form to describe their service activities.

Amount
$2,000

Alpha Eta is the national allied health sciences honor society. This award is presented to a graduating student who demonstrates leadership and service to the community while attending Augusta University. Applicants are selected by the Executive Board and department representatives of the Alpha Eta Society. The number of awards given annually is determined by the Executive Board.

Criteria
Applicants who are considered, but not selected, for one of the following awards are eligible.

• Raymond C. Bard Scholarship Award
• Biagio J. Vericella Scholarship Award
• Augusta University Faculty and Spouse Club Scholarship Award

Applicants are selected on:

1. Service to the community
2. Leadership while attending Augusta University
   
   

Amount
$100

The College of Allied Health Sciences Alumni Association created these scholarships to support CAHS students who are student members of the association. Applicants are selected by the CAHS Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Criteria
Applicants will complete a form with the following information:

1. A statement describing their reasons for pursuing a career in their chosen field
2. Career plans following graduation
3. Self motivation for improvement
4. Leadership potential

Amount
$250 (number of awards given varies annually)

This scholarship program recognizes outstanding students who are achieving excellence in their academic programs and have significant potential to assume future leadership roles in the allied health professions.

Unique accomplishments are an important consideration in selecting the recipient. Among the qualities that will be recognized are:

• academic achievements
• service to the institution and the community
• leadership
• extracurricular activities
• evidence of strong communication skills

Criteria

1. Candidates must be enrolled in a college or school that is an institutional member of the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (CAHS maintains an active membership in ASAHP)
2. Candidates must have successfully completed at least one term at the institution
3. Candidates must be enrolled in a career entry-level, degree-granting program; all degree levels are eligible (associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral)
4. Financial need is not a criteria for eligibility

Amount
$1,000

Awards, grants and scholarships available for DPT students  >>

Awards, grants and scholarships available for students from the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia.

Augusta University established a chapter of the Alpha Eta Society, the national honor society for allied health professions, in 1975. It  promotes scholarship, friendship and recognition of high attainment in the allied health professions. Membership is limited to 20 percent of the graduating class.

Criteria
Students nominated for membership must have demonstrated excellence in school, professional, community, and leadership activities.

Graduate Degree Candidates:

• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.80 or better for the courses through the most recent semester reported
• Must have completed the equivalent of not less than one full academic year of courses carrying the approved graduate credit as approved by AU
• In the school activity area:
  • Consider all activities in which the student participated relating to his/her program, department, or school in the way of service or memberships
• In the community activity area:
  • Consider outside activities as an example of participation since temporary residence in Augusta is commonplace and opportunity for community activities could be minimal
• In the leadership activity area:
  • Consider those instances when he/she held a position of responsibility in an organization or activity rather than participation alone

This award is given to acknowledge and honor a student who has demonstrated excellent leadership and provided outstanding service to the class, program and college. Contributions should be of exceptional value to the Department of Physical Therapy. Applicants will be judged on the basis of the results of an individual’s service, not merely the duration or continuity of that service. Service may be in the realm of any area(s) of the program, including, but not limited to, patient care activities and service to community, Augusta University and professional organizations.

Criteria

1. Has demonstrated strong commitment to class, program and school.
2. Has demonstrated leadership skills, clarity of communication and ability to articulate realistic goals and plans.
3. Has demonstrated evidence of potential contribution to physical therapy.

Recipients
2022- Elijah Long

2021- Dewey Wilson

2020 - Mackenzie Oskin

2019 - Kendall Carney

2018 - Chase Pendley

2017 - Emily Senger
2016 - Mindy Hickman
2015 - Michelle O'Brien
2014 - Hooman Nourparvar
2013 - James Haddon
2012 - Jonathon Kruse
2011 - Tabitha Korona
2009 - Leanna Dailey
2008 - Margaret Kitterman
2006 - Alison Holmes

This award, endowed by and named for the founder of the Augusta University Physical Therapy program, recognizes the graduating student who shows the greatest potential of becoming a caring, competent, creative and contributing member of the profession.

Criteria

1. Has exhibited outstanding academic and clinical performance consistently throughout the program
2. Has exhibited support of and involvement in the APTA
3. Has exhibited creativity and innovation in solving clinical and academic problems
4. Has exhibited dedication to quality patient care
5. Determined to be the student who is most likely to become a contributing member of the profession and the professional association

Amount
$500 - $800

Recipients

2022- Lacey Collard-Guinzy

2021-Zachary Newbold

2020 - Caleigh Pinto

2019 - Tyler Wallace

2018 - Melvin "Trey" Wimmer

2017 - Martin Weatherby
2016 - Jordan Thrasher
2015 - Michelle O'Brien
2012 - Jonathon Kruse
2011 - Tyler Shultz
2009 - Stacey Darrish
2008 - Tracy Evans
2005 - Blaine Henry
2004 - Shanika Shannon
2002 - Allison Gilmer and Katie Lawrence
2001 - Chris Nesbitt
2000 - Richare Darin Durell
1999 - Tammy Williams
1998 - Angela Skarsaune

This award gives a graduating physical therapy student an opportunity to be rewarded for giving exceptionally compassionate care in their clinical experiences.

Criteria

1. Identified with patients and worked to resolve their non-medical concerns
2. Devoted a significant amount of time to his/her patient
3. Helped patients overcome unusual challenges
4. Took an active role in patient care rather than serving as a figurehead
5. Worked to create positive change for his/her patients

Recipients

2022- Megan Wiley & Jackie Jeschke

2021-Sarah Parks

2020 - Anna Cook

2019 - Amy Henderson

2018 - Jillian Estes
2017 - Alexandra Salch
2016 - Ryan McMillan
2015 - Erika De La Cruz
2014 - Ashley McLain
2013 - Justin Horne
2012 - Sierra Sasser
2011 - Meredith Lu
2010 - Katherine Washington
2009 - Alexis Wilburn
2008 - Margaret Kitterman

Dr. Tyler Wallace became a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2019, upon graduating from Augusta University’s College of Allied Health Sciences at the top of his class. More than just class president, his humility, character and kindness made him a leader among his peers. His genuinely positive outlook on life, and the way he listened with patience, encouraged others and motivated friends and faculty alike. Tyler was passionate about self-care and healthy living because he cared about the future, and he made it a priority to offer the best of himself to serve and give back to others. 

The Dr. Tyler Wallace Physical Therapy Scholarship honors Tyler’s memory and recognizes physical therapy students demonstrating the same ambition, integrity, and grace admired of Tyler. The scholarship shall be awarded at graduation. An additional scholarship may be awarded at the Department Chair’s discretion, as the endowment grows.  Preference shall go to a well-rounded, disciplined student who demonstrates 1) service to others and the community, 2) leadership, 3) humanitarian attributes, 4) ambition, 5) integrity, 6) grace, and 7) patience

Amount $1000.

Recipients

2022- Claire Dowling

2021- Dewey Wilson

The purpose of the Erma Myers Physical Therapy Student Scholarship is to provide scholarships ($300-$500) to assist students with the financial hardship of the 3-year program. 

Criteria

Students who are in the first or second year of the Doctor of Physical Therapy who have experienced significant financial challenges during the PT program are eligible to nominate themselves for the award.  The scholarship shall be open to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, disability, age or veteran status, subject to the criteria set forth below.

Amount $300-$500

Outstanding students from 1,400 colleges and universities worldwide are recognized in the annual directory, published since 1934. About six Augusta University PT students are selected for membership each year.

Criteria
The award is based on scholarship, leadership in extracurricular activities, citizenship, service to CAHS, and potential for continued success.

This award was created to oversee, promote and reward service and leadership efforts by gru students, faculty, and staff. Up to 10% of the graduating DPT students may be nominated by the Department.

Criteria
Candidates must complete an AUPhi Service & Leadership Resume that clearly identifies each activity by category: college, campus or community. In order to allow time to review resumes, they must be returned to the department chair by Feb. 28. Recipients are notified on or before April 1.