Sometimes alumni connections can give an aspiring health care worker the perfect boost to propel them into their careers.
UNC Greensboro’s Health and Human Sciences Student Leadership Program prepares undergrads for success after graduation. It does this through a variety of leadership, professional development, and networking experiences, connecting students with alumni and community partners.
The late Sarah Shoffner ’62, ’64 MS, ’77 PhD, a professor emerita, provided funding for the new program. With her role as internship director in Human Development and Family Studies, she recognized the power of mentoring and networking.
Malachi was invited to the program as a sophomore considering kinesiology, but unsure.
He would participate in alumni/student events. One was at the Durham Bulls’ ballpark, where he met dentist Jamel McDuffie ’93.
In a recent interview at her clinic near Durham’s Southpoint, she recalled that alumni event. “He approached me when he found out that I was a dentist and let me know that he was interested in the field. I told him, “Come visit, make sure it’s something you want to do.”
After shadowing, he became an intern last September. “I sterilize instruments. I prep for procedures. I assist in them. I received my X-ray certification earlier this year,” he said.
Ward will apply to several dental schools this summer. Now a human health sciences major, he’ll graduate in December
“He’s going to be an amazing dentist,” Dr. McDuffie says.
She knew she wanted to be a dentist since eighth grade, she says. She majored in chemistry at UNCG to prepare for dental school at Howard University. She has built her dental practice in the same building for 26 years, she proudly says.
She loved her UNCG years. Her service on the UNCG Board of Visitors brings her back often to campus, where her son is now a Spartan, too. She speaks to students regularly. Conversations between alumni and students can be life-changing.
Through this program, you not only build relationships, you learn who you are as a leader, program co-leader Dr. Joi Bulls explains. And that doesn’t have to be leading a group or a health care practice; it may be leading your own life and career.
It’s all about preparing for the years after UNCG, program co-leader Larissa Witmer adds. The students become adept at talking about their professional goals and making decisions about next steps after graduation.
Malachi puts it in perspective. “The student leadership program got me where I am.”
By Mike Harris ’93 MA
Photography of Dr. McDuffie and Malachi Ward by Sean Norona ’13