ATLANTA – Mercer University’s Kevin Montgomery was one of six students nationwide selected to participate in this year’s U.S. Air Force (USAF) Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).
Montgomery, who is pursuing his Master of Medical Science (MMSc) within the College of Health Professions’ Physician Assistant (PA) Program, will receive tuition, supplies and a living stipend while in school in exchange for three years of active duty service upon graduation.
The scholarship includes appointment as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve while attending Mercer, followed by reappointment and commissioned officer training into active duty upon his anticipated graduation in May 2021.
“Selection for this scholarship and commission into the United States Air Force is a true honor for me, and I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me throughout the process and beginning of my Mercer PA education. Receiving this scholarship provides an additional privilege for me as an opportunity to continue a family legacy providing medical care in the USAF in service to my country,” said Montgomery, whose father is a former USAF physician. “I’m very proud to be a Mercer PA student, and I’m thankful to be part of the Mercer family.”
Montgomery was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and raised in Roswell, Georgia. He earned his Bachelor of Science in psychology, cum laude, from Georgia State University in 2012 and Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Mercer in 2015.
He has worked as a fully licensed professional counselor specializing in emergency department crisis intervention in two Atlanta-area hospitals in addition to some private practice before beginning his MMSc.
“We are very proud of Kevin for receiving the prestigious USAF Scholarship,” said Dr. Jill Mattingly, chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies in the College of Health Professions. “He is a stellar student, and we are excited to be a part of his journey to becoming an exemplary medical provider.”
About the College of Health Professions
Mercer University’s College of Health Professions is composed of five disciplines: physical therapy, physician assistant studies, public health, clinical psychology, and athletic training. The College offers a doctoral-level physical therapy program, master’s-level physician assistant program, bachelor’s- and master’s-level public health programs, doctoral-level program in clinical psychology, and master’s-level athletic training program. The Department of Physical Therapy offers residencies in orthopaedic, neurologic and cardiovascular/pulmonary physical therapy; a fellowship in orthopaedic manual physical therapy; and an onsite clinic. Each program is housed in a department that provides students with comprehensive didactic courses taught by an extraordinary faculty and extensive clinical experience enhanced by outstanding service-learning opportunities. For more information, visit chp.mercer.edu.
