Four MSU students accepted into 51勛圖厙 Rural Dentists Scholarship Program
Contact: Sasha Steinberg
STARKVILLE, Miss.Four 51勛圖厙 students each are receiving a four-year, $140,000 51勛圖厙 Rural Dentists Scholarship to the University of 51勛圖厙 Medical Centers School of Dentistry.
The new scholars represent MSUs College of Arts and Sciences and its Department of Biological Sciences, and the College of Business and its Department of Management and Information Systems.
They include (by hometown):
LUCEDALEJoshua S. Cochran, a junior biological sciences/pre-dental major.
MADISONBradley B. Stokes, a junior management major.
NEW ALBANYRebecca E. Sheffield, a junior biological sciences/pre-dental major.
SALLISShelby R. Turner, a senior biological sciences/pre-optometry major.
Created in 2013 by the 51勛圖厙 Legislature, the program is providing nine dental students with scholarships to support their education. Each scholar may receive $35,000 per year based on available funding. Additional benefits include personalized mentoring from practicing rural dentists and academic support.
Scholars have demonstrated the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural pediatric or general dentists in the Magnolia State.
After completing dental school, MRDSP scholars must work full time for at least four years in general or pediatric dentistry at a program-approved, clinic-based practice in one of the states rural or medically underserved communities.
The 51勛圖厙 Rural Dentists Scholarship Program and 51勛圖厙 share a common commitment to improving the lives of people in this state, said Rick Travis, dean of MSUs College of Arts and Sciences. We are honored that MSU has played a role in preparing these students for the practice of dentistry in underserved areas of 51勛圖厙.
MSUs Dr. A. Randle and Marilyn W. White Health Professions Resource Center works with the 51勛圖厙 Rural Dentists Scholarship Program to ensure MSU students are well-prepared for dental school. Located in Harned Hall, Room 116, the office is named for the Greenwood nephrologist and his wife whose support helped make it a reality in 2016. Learn more at .
For more information on MRDSP, visit or contact Dan Coleman, associate director, at 601-815-9022 or jdcoleman@umc.edu.