SAVANNAH – Lillian Fagan of Moultrie was recently selected as a Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM) Nathan Deal Scholar, announced MUSM Dean Jean R. Sumner. M.D.
Nathan Deal Scholars are selected based on their strong ties to rural Georgia, character, leadership qualities, community involvement and their likelihood of serving in rural, underserved Georgia after their scholarship obligations are met. The recipients receive 85-100% 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. These scholars represent the highest commitment to providing excellent health care to rural Georgians,” Sumner said. “The scholarships remove a huge financial burden of medical school debt which has been a perceived hurdle for doctors going into less populated areas. With this financial aid students plan on practicing quality medicine in the small towns they know and love.”
The mission of investing in students from rural Georgia so that they can return to their hometowns virtually debt-free is what drew Fagan to the Nathan Deal Scholarship.
“I am very honored and overjoyed to have been selected as a Nathan Deal Scholar,” Fagan said, “The scholarship allows me to fulfill my desire to serve rural Georgia and eases my financial burden.”
Fagan, of Mercer’s Class of 2027, says she knows the health care struggles in the underserved, rural areas of Georgia and hopes to someday give back to her hometown community.
“I am excited for the opportunities that this scholarship brings to rural Georgia, and I love that I get to be a vital part of it,” Fagan added.
“The Nathan Deal Scholars will make a difference in the health status of Georgians,” Sumner added. “This scholarship is one more way Mercer is reinforcing its commitment to rural Georgia.”
Lillian is the daughter of Loretta L. Fagan and Timothy B. Fagan, DMD.