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Organizational Excellence Scholarship

The Department of Public Health Sciences will award an incoming student pursuing an MPH Biostatistics, MPH Epidemiology, or MPH Health Behavior and Health Promotion who demonstrate a commitment to public health and high potential for leadership.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be accepted into MPH Biostatistics, MPH Epidemiology, or MPH Health Behavior and Health Promotion program.
  2. Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher of latest degree, and identify as one of the following:
    • A first-generation college student
    • A resident of a rural or underserved community
  3. Be committed to serving the public health needs of communities from all backgrounds.

Scholarship Recipients

Majayla Page

Majayla Page is a first-year MPH Epidemiology student. She graduated in spring 2021 from Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC, with a GPA of 3.76. During her time at Claflin, she served as a Scout Master for a Cub Scout group and held various leadership roles, including Miss Pre-Alumni Council and Chaplain. Majayla also conducted vascular dementia research with Dr. Maggie Miller as part of a South Carolina initiative focused on advancing aging research at the University of South Carolina. After completing her MPH in Epidemiology, she plans to attend medical school to earn an M.D./Ph.D. and become a scientist and pediatric cardiologist. She aspires to use scientific advancements and robotics to improve and transform lives through innovative medical procedures.

Bria Sanders

Bria Sanders is a first-year MPH Health Behavior and Health Promotion student. She graduated in spring 2021 from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, earning a biology degree with a 3.74 GPA. As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), Bria worked as a hospitality aide at a local nursing home, engaging with her community through hands-on care. Her passion for public health grew after completing a ten-week internship in 2019 focused on improving cancer-related health outcomes in South Carolina, inspiring her to pursue graduate studies at MUSC. As a future clinician, her goals include advocating against health inequalities, addressing healthcare gaps, protecting public health, extending lives, and improving access to quality care in medically underserved areas.