Taylor Whisonant (from Sumiton, AL): Life University

"What I most look forward to in my future career as a chiropractor is helping patients be happy and healthy while also promoting the benefits of chiropractics. In graduate school, I'm looking forward to learning from professionals who have had successful careers, adn the hands-on experience that comes along with classes and clinicals.

One person who encouraged me the most on campus was Mrs. Rachel Gaynor. She got me connected to Life University and was the first to introduce me to the wonderful program they have. She also has helped me with taking the right prerequisites necessary for a smooth transition from Union to Life." 

Makenna Morris (from Fayetteville, TN): Lincoln Memorial University

"I'm excited to continue my education so that I may be able to make a lasting impact on someone’s quality of life. My goal is to one day take what I learn and use it in the mission field.

When I decided to come to Union, I already knew that I wanted to pursue a career in occupational therapy. There were several professors that have encouraged me along the way, but one of my professors, Tim McKay, really helped me during my application process."

Kandace Messer (from Barbourville, KY): University of Pikeville

"I’m excited to come back home and serve my community after I graduate from the Kentucky College of Optometry. I really want to give back to underserved areas because I know how important vision care and going to the eye doctor is. I've always dreamed of providing free exams and lenses to the schools in Knox County and then extending that to other counties eventually. 

One of my psychology professors Dr. Katie Flynn has been very helpful during my time here at Union. I knew coming in that I wanted to go to optometry school, but she gave me a lot of encouragement along the way to keep pushing and believe that I could succeed at that high level of school. She also wrote a glowing recommendation letter when I applied this summer." 

Josie McHargue (from Barbourville, KY): University of Kentucky

"I've worked in a pharmacy for nearly 5 years now as a tech, so I'm excited to extend my knowledge of medications and the pharmacy field in general. I’m particularly excited about the thought of coming back to the Barbourville/Corbin area and serving patients in a hospital setting.

I came to Union with a different major in mind, but after my first semester, I had the opportunity to shadow a dear friend, Dr. Callie Mills, at Baptist Health in Corbin, which completely changed my perspective on pharmacy. I never felt that I was a solid “science” student, but I decided to take some science courses to see how I did. One of the first professors I encountered was Dr. Wechman, who worked so hard that first semester to make sure that his students were not only learning his course material but also enjoying it. He is unaware, but his class was one of the things that pushed me to change my major and decide to pursue pharmacy school. Since that semester, I have had Dr. Wechman in other courses, and he has continued to push me and my fellow peers toward our respective paths and supplied many of us with recommendation letters. Without having him as a professor, I doubt I would have had confidence in my scientific abilities and probably never would have pursued a career as a pharmacist." 

Morgan Blakley (from Harlan, KY): South College

"I’m excited to continue my journey as a physical therapist, and I have no doubt this is the plan that God laid out for my life. This career path aligns with my love of physical activity, sports, and helping others, and I will have job stability for the rest of my life because physical therapists are in high demand and the profession will continue to grow.

My experience as a physical therapy intern showed me that I’m making the right decision. One memory that stands out is my involvement in the recovery of a post-surgical patient who had contracted Covid-19, which had caused him to develop blood clots resulting in the loss of both of his legs. Witnessing his progress, from the initial struggle to regain basic mobility to achieving remarkable milestones, reinforced the importance of perseverance, patience, and the therapist-patient bond in achieving successful outcomes. 

I had the privilege to be in an amazing learning environment that allowed me to witness the complexities of patient care, development of essential skills, and confirm my passion for helping others through physical therapy. I know this will be a rewarding career, and it is a life goal that I am so eager to achieve."

Shelby Easton (from Lexington, KY): Bellarmine University

"My experience at Union has been guided by a variety of different individuals. Of these individuals, Dr. Larry Inkster and Ronald Benedict had the most profound impact on my collegiate experience. Through their courses I was able to find my true interests and decide what I wanted to pursue in the future. Dr. Benedict guided me through course scheduling and gave the little push of motivation I needed to research and apply to different graduate programs. Dr. Inkster was the type of professor that held his students to the highest standard and expected a lot out of them. You could tell that Dr. Inkster truly cares about each one of his students and wants them to succeed to the best of their ability. 

Another influential person that guided me along my path to finding the right graduate program for me was Renee Hicks. As a previous coach at Bellarmine, Coach Hicks was obviously slightly partial to their program, but she helped me get into contact with some of the faculty members within the program and was ecstatic when I got accepted. Overall, I'm extremely thankful for the guidance of the individuals mentioned above and can't thank them enough.

I'm looking forward to finding what specific area of physical therapy is the best fit for me and being able to help my patients have far better quality of life through their treatment."

Alex Farler (from Somerset, KY): University of Kentucky 

"I will be attending the University of Kentucky's Doctor of Physical Therapy program next fall. I'm looking forward to furthering my education, working toward my dream of becoming a physical therapist, and making personal connections with my patients and helping them along their journey to recovery. 

I've always wanted to become a physical therapist because as a former athlete I spent a lot of time with therapists. Rachel Gaynor has made the biggest impact on me here at Union. She has supported me throughout my college career, with classes and guidance on applying to graduate school. I will be forever grateful for everything that she has done for me."

Jenna Grayson (from Inez, KY): University of Kentucky

"My recent work experience in the physical therapy field has brought me much gratification and confirmed that I have chosen the right career path. I had an experience with a patient where we were not only able to make a difference in his life but also his family's life. I was able to witness a patient walking for the first time in several months and experienced his family's joy. I look forward to experiencing more moments like this in my future. 

Since I've been at Union there have been so many individuals that have encouraged and inspired me. Coach Wise gave me the opportunity to further my volleyball career and attend Union. In addition, all of my professors have encouraged me to work hard toward my goals. In particular, Dr. Larry Inkster was a one of the most impactful professors I have had at Union. I also would not have made it without my advisor, Rachel Gaynor, who guided me through my academics throughout my entire time at Union. Dr. Stephen Wechman and James Becknell may not realize it, but they played a huge role in supporting me in furthering my education, too.

I'd also like to thank my mom and dad, and the rest of my family, for being so supportive of me and helping me pursue my dreams."

Hannah Johnson (from Baxter, KY): South College

"Dr. Inkster was one of the most influential people in my decision to continue my education at South College for the Doctor of Physical Therapy. He motivated me to work hard, to be a better student, to do better work inside and outside of the classroom, to question myself, and to also challenge myself. 

Without Dr. Inkster, I wouldn’t have been as considerate as I was with my decisions, nor would I have been as confident in my abilities. He was confident in me and my ability to succeed, and that made all the difference.

I'm looking forward to continuing my education and learning new skills. I want to build on my knowledge and experiences that I have gained as a Bulldog to help my community." 

William Webb (from Irmo, SC): University of Evansville

"Dr. Ron Benedict was a big mentor in helping me properly navigate everything related to graduate level study. Making sure all my prerequisite courses were done, letters of recommendation, and just giving be general advice and support relating to going through professional school made the whole process a lot less intimidating.

I'm very excited to attend the University of Evansville. I eagerly await the opportunity to meet my new classmates and tackle the world of physical therapy together.

More than anything, I am excited to dig into the various specialties in the field. Sports, pediatrics, neurological therapy. I can't wait to learn more about how the human body functions." 

Cooper Collins (from Barbourville, KY): Lincoln Memorial University

"I firmly believe that the animals we keep in our homes and farms are part of our family and that every animal deserves the best possible life. I'm excited to be exploring the world of animal science and medicine and to use my knowledge to save the lives of animals across the region and positively impact the lives of their owners. I couldn’t be happier to embark on this new journey at LMU. 

Union has done a fantastic job of inspiring me to chase my dreams. It has given me several opportunities to network with professionals and colleges in my chosen field. Every professor I've encountered on this campus has always pushed me and encouraged me to work as hard as I can and do my best. No matter how discouraged I was, they were always there to help pick me up and set me back on my path. I have learned so much from this college, and many life lessons and experiences here have completely changed me and my life. I will always look back on Union as the place that shaped me into the man I am today."