New Faculty and Scholarship Recipient Advances EDI at the Forum
A PAEA scholarship that funds diversity-oriented professional development allowed Nancy Jacob, MBA, PA-C, to attend the 2024 Education Forum. Jacob is a new assistant professor at the St. John’s University PA program in the New York City borough of Queens where one of her goals is to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within the program and university.
Jacob received a PAEA Inclusive Excellence Advancement Scholarship, which funds up to $3,000 for professional development opportunities in the areas of leadership development, recruitment, and retention of faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds that may align with the diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements of ARC-PA Standard A1.11.
At the Forum, Jacob took part in activities that promoted the PA profession and equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Project Access, where she joined other PAs to help foster interest in the PA profession.
“It was an amazing experience that brought much joy and satisfaction,” she said. “It was wonderful to see how receptive high school students were to learning about the profession.”
She also moderated the presentation, “Intentional Mentoring for Black Men: Promoting Educational Equity and Sustainability,” which she said shaped her ideas and convictions and increased her determination to bring equity and diversity to PA education and the profession.
Jacobs said she viewed Forum as a transformative experience that enhanced her understanding of current trends, research, and innovations in PA education. “The presentations on groundbreaking research were particularly enlightening,” she added. “Staying informed about these developments is essential for evidence-based practice and integrating new research findings into my teaching.”
In addition, she said that engaging with peers and leaders in the field sparked new ideas and potential collaborations and reinforced the importance of cultivating professional relationships.
If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, visit the EDI webpage to learn about eligibility, funding, and submission guidelines. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
