Mountain State University scholarship helps working mom fulfill dream

Vivian Hunt had worked in the health care industry for years, supporting a general surgery practice. When it came time to further her own career, the working mother of two believes she found a natural fit in Mountain State University's physician assistant program.

The Crab Orchard resident recently was named one of 10 recipients of $1,000 Ruby Carter Endowed Scholarships through MSU to help her along the way.

"By going back to school as a nontraditional student, I'm showing my own children that education is important, and nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself," she said.

Hunt moved to West Virginia and began attending Mountain State University last summer. She has been married for 18 years; she and her husband have a 10-year-old daughter and a 5-year-son.

"I chose MSU because of the physician assistant program. I love the diversity of the students,' she said. "I worked as a medical assistant for the past 13 years, and decided after my last experience working with three general surgeons and several physician assistants that I wanted to further my own career."

Karen Bowling, dean of Mountain State's School of Health Sciences, said Hunt's personal and professional journey exemplifies the nontraditional path of many university students.

"We believe that learning is a lifelong process," Bowling said. "More than 97 percent of our students would not be considered a ‘typical' college student. Like Vivian, they are often adults trying to juggle work and family and children, and they do it remarkably well." 

Hunt works part-time for Shade Tree Publishing and helps out as a lab assistant for chemistry, biology and anatomy professors at MSU. She holds down a 3.5 grade point average while completing pre-requisite classes in hopes of being accepted into the PA graduate program next August.

"I'm so thankful that Mr. and Mrs. Carter cared enough about education to leave behind a foundation that helps others realize their dreams," Hunt said. 

Ruby A. Carter Endowed Scholarships are awarded from a charitable remainder trust established in 1998. Mrs. Carter, who passed away in November 2006, was an emeritus trustee of Mountain State University. 

In total, 42 Mountain State University students received $64,800 in scholarships administered through the university for the spring and fall semesters of 2012.