College of Professional Advancement Alumna Tamika Chambliss Receives AAUW Scholarship

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Tamika Chambliss

MACON – Mercer University’s Tamika Chambliss, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics program in the College of Professional Advancement, was selected as this year’s recipient of a $1,000 scholarship provided by the local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

A native of Macon, Chambliss has more than 21 years of experience working in health care, including sales, customer relations and customer service. She has served in numerous departments at the Medical Center, Navicent Health, since 1998.

A mother of two, Chambliss became the sole provider for her family after losing her husband.

“It was somewhere in the place between grief and sadness that I found motivation. Before I could become mired in depression… I became passionate about improving my situation,” she said.

Her interest in informatics began several years ago when she was given the responsibility of handling a report displaying final disposition for discharged patients with chronic illnesses. Her work was so effective that it drew the attention of senior leadership and the IT department.

Chambliss said she believes the key factor in being successful in the world of informatics is a creative mind. She would love to be involved in telemedicine, such as the implementation of kiosk machines that can register patients while taking vital signs, aimed at improving overall quality of care.

“I have taught at Mercer for 26 years and can positively declare that Tamika Chambliss is the most inspiring advisee I have ever encountered,” said Gary Blome, assistant professor of information systems and informatics. “Her willingness to share credit for her own successes with me has supported me in my work and helped make everything so much more worthwhile.”

AAUW is a national grassroots organization working to improve the lives of women and their families since 1881. The organization offers programs in research, campus leadership, STEM education, public policy, case support, educational funding, global connections, member leadership and salary negotiation.

The AAUW’s Macon branch awards a scholarship each year to a non-traditional female college student enrolled in a local institution. Eligible students are required to be in the final year of their degree program and be in good standing academically by current university and financial aid standards.

About the College of Professional Advancement 

Mercer University’s College of Professional Advancement is committed to serving post-traditional learners. Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs are offered to adult learners seeking professional advancement into leadership roles in and beyond their communities. Programs provide students with distinctive, multidisciplinary experiences that integrate theory and practice. In addition to providing general education and elective courses for various colleges and schools at Mercer, the College of Professional Advancement offers degree programs in areas including technology, public safety, public and human services, leadership and administration, health care and liberal arts. Programs are offered on Mercer’s campuses in Atlanta and Macon, as well as Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County and Henry County, and online. To learn more, visit professionaladvancement.mercer.edu.