UNC School of Medicine
Document Actions
Thorpe / Mitchell Diversity Leadership Development Fund
 |
From left to right, Dr. Robert Thorpe; Joyce Thorpe; |
The Thorpe/Mitchell Fund seeks to increase the diversity of underrepresented minority students into the diagnostic and therapeutic disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Department of Allied Health Sciences. The Fund provides scholarships and is important in the development of a flexible, coordinated, and collaborative pathway for recruiting, retaining, and graduating underrepresented minority students from the Allied Health Sciences. In addition, the Fund will support faculty diversity leadership development in order to enhance the presence of underrepresented minority students in the department.
Both Dr. Thorpe and Mrs. Mitchell are passionate about mentoring and encouraging others to excel and achieve their highest goals. Dr. Thorpe served as a professor within the Division of Radiologic Science from 1973 to 2007 and as Associate Chair/AHEC Director for the Department of Allied Health Sciences from 1986 to 2001. Mrs. Mitchell succeeded Dr. Thorpe as the Associate Chair for Student Services and AHEC Operations for the Department of Allied Health Sciences in 2001 and has enjoyed her faculty role as Speech-Language Pathologist and mentor to undergraduate and graduate students in the Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences since 1996.
Bob and Brenda welcome contributions from alumni, colleagues, friends, and others to help build the Thorpe / Mitchell Diversity Leadership Development Fund permanent endowment. Investment income from the endowment will be used for annual student and faculty awards. For more information about how you can make a tax-deductible gift to build the Thorpe / Mitchell Diversity Leadership Development Fund, please contact Kyle Gray, Director of Development at the Department of Allied Health Sciences, 919-966-3352 or kyle_gray@med.unc.edu.
2008-2009 Thorpe / Mitchell Scholarship Recipients
 |
Meka Asbury
Division: Clinical Laboratory Science
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
"The Clinical Laboratory Science program at UNC-Chapel Hill will place me upon the threshold of success by providing me with the tools needed to succeed in the world of medicine. A clinical laboratory scientist has compassion, integrity, and knowledge to successfully assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. I will be an agent of change through my dedication in this discipline in the hope of fulfilling my fundamental goal to improve health and wellness. Receiving the Thorpe/Mitchell Diversity Leadership Development award is a momentous accomplishment that will enable me to achieve my career goals. It has motivated me to excel in my future endeavors and I look forward to contributing my positive work ethic and diligence to the profession of clinical laboratory science."
 |
Bailee Deloris Hill
Division: Radiologic Science
Hometown: Lewiston, North Carolina
" '...it is in my heart like a fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I cannot contain it.' This internal fiery blaze is about awaiting release through the fulfillment of my calling and my obligation, which lies within unselfish servitude. I have been summoned to make explosive moves that have been internally ignited. While the flame of unselfish servitude has always been lit within me, Radiologic Science has stirred up the fire even more. With the generosity of others, I have been allowed the unique opportunity of extending a helping hand in the hospital setting while pursuing my undergraduate degree. It has built in me an added desire to continue making dynamic moves within the field after graduation. The unselfish ones that have aided me in my endeavors warm my heart; their selflessness will not be in vain."
 |
Elizabeth Locklear
Division: Radiologic Science
Hometown: Pembroke, North Carolina
"With my degree, I plan to return to my hometown to provide much-needed healthcare. My degree in radiologic science will allow me to create images of patients' internal structures, organs, and tissues, and to make a difference in these patients' lives. Images obtained are usually the first line of diagnosis for a patient when determining an illness. Early detection normally extends the patient's life, and the greatest gift I can give a patient is a healthier life. The most important role for a technologist is having compassion for the patient. In the world of medicine, it is very important to interact with patients from all walks of life regardless of economic status. With my interest in biology and technology, I realized this was the ideal career for me."