Five College of Community Health Sciences graduates were recognized as Centennial Scholars by The University of Alabama Graduate School in celebration of the school’s 100th Anniversary. Centennial Scholars are graduates of the University’s master’s and doctoral degrees and are chosen for the distinction they bring to UA graduate programs through their professional accomplishments.
The five students selected:
Dr. Brittney Anderson earned a master’s degree in Rural Community Health through her participation in the College’s Rural Medical Scholars Program. She completed her graduate medical education (residency training) at the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which the College operates. Today, Anderson, a family medicine physician, cares for patients in Alabama’s severely underserved Black Belt region at her medical practice, Anderson Family Care, in Demopolis, Ala. She is president of the Alabama Academy of Family Physician and serves as vice speaker for the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
Dr. Lee Carter earned a master’s degree in Rural Community Health through his participation in the College’s Rural Medical Scholars. He completed his graduate medical education (residency training) at the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which the College operates. Today, Lee, a family medicine physician, cares for patients at Autauga Medical Clinic in Autaugaville, Ala., and has been active in advocacy for his patients and specialty. He is board chair for the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians and serves on the Alabama Family Practice Rural Health Board.
Dawn Hollinger completed her master’s degree in population health sciences and serves as bureau chief for Cancer Prevention and Control for the Delaware Division of Public Health. In the role, she oversees three components of the National Comprehensive Cancer Control program and the WISEWOMAN grant funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She also manages the State of Delaware’s Screening for Life and Health Care Connection programs and the Delaware Cancer Treatment Program. She said the skills she obtained from the population health sciences master’s program prepared her well for her public health position.
Dr. Deanah Maxwell-Stafford earned a master’s degree in Rural Community Health through her participation in the College’s Rural Medical Scholars Program. She completed her graduate medical education (residency training) at the UA Tuscaloosa Family Medicine Residency Program, which the College operates. Today, Maxwell-Stafford, a family medicine physician, practices in her hometown of Tuskegee, Ala., caring for patients at Rhema Health and Wellness. She also played a critical role with the Alabama Department of Public Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has previously served as president and board chair of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians.
Casey Tupea completed her master’s degree in population health sciences and now serves as team lead in the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. In the role, she advocates for adults with disabilities and has developed and implemented a state-wide program to train peers on how to best serve this population. For her thesis study, Tupea completed a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach where she identified best practices in serving adults with disabilities in the provision of dental health. She was awarded “Best Research Presentation” at her discipline’s national conference for her work. In addition to her role with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Tupea, a dental hygienist, also provides dental care for adults with disabilities. She said the skills and knowledge gained during her master’s degree in population health sciences program enable her to deliver high-quality care for her patients.