Urlexus Davis awarded the Health Professional Scholarship Program award
A graduate student at Alcorn State University recently became the only student from Mississippi to be awarded an esteemed nursing scholarship.
Urlexus Davis ’21, a Madison, Mississippi native pursuing a master’s degree in biology, is a recipient of the 2022 Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP) award.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to students receiving education or training in a direct or indirect healthcare service discipline and provides an adequate supply of such personnel for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Eligible participants include those pursuing medical (including osteopathy), dental, veterinary, nursing, counseling and clinical psychology, and optometry careers.
The award provides full tuition for up to four years, depending on specialty; funding for books, equipment, and other school fees; a monthly stipend of $2,608 plus a monthly allowance for food and housing; up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus, plus officer’s pay during school breaks; and salary increases with promotions, time in service ad cost-of-living adjustments.
The scholarship is another step in Davis’ journey to reaching her dream job as a healthcare professional. She’s honored to have been selected as an award recipient.
“This is an esteemed honor for me, a young, sophisticated, and intelligent woman setting out to do what she has dreamed since she was a little girl,” said Davis. “Being chosen out of many candidates is an indescribable feeling. I feel honored and blessed because I worked hard for this scholarship.”
Being awarded allows Davis to inspire others to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
“I am blessed that God has enabled me to showcase what Black girl magic is all about. I hope to inspire other young women to know they can do the impossible.”
Davis advises other students to help them along their educational and professional paths.
“Never give up and remain focused. Do not let failure write your narrative. When applying, think positively because this is your chance to show what you can achieve. Be a beacon of light and implement change in the world.”