Breanna Bowling, an EKU Honors Program junior, public health/pre-medicine major and first-generation student has been selected as a finalist for the highly competitive Harry S. Truman Scholarship.
Created by Congress in 1975, the Truman Scholarship recognizes juniors who excel in leadership and public service and grants up to $30,000 for graduate study. No more than 60 are awarded each year.
During her time at Eastern, Bowling has demonstrated a passion for equal healthcare access, using her leadership skills to further the cause. She participated in the Courier program, a public health service learning opportunity focusing on Appalachian health disparities; the Area Health Education Scholar Program, a two-year program dedicated to preparing students to serve rural and underserved areas; and other health disparity research. Additionally, she served as Vice President of Service for Alpha Phi Omega for two years and a hospice volunteer. She currently serves as an intern for a U.S. Senate campaign. After graduating from EKU, Bowling plans to obtain a dual MD/MPH degree to serve at risk communities, transform public health policy, and increase access to care for Appalachia and other underserved areas.
“Breanna’s strong commitment and clear trajectory impressed our committee, and I know she will work diligently to further social justice by implementing strategies to repair the disparities in rural health care,” said Dr. Randi Polk, Coordinator for Nationally Competitive Awards.
Finalists will complete interviews in March, and 2020 Truman Scholars will be announced in late April.