The Mitchell Scholars Come Back Home

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Posted on October 7, 2015

Alice Jackson

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It was 11 years ago, and Sara Long Jones had a goal and a problem.  Her goal was to become a doctor.  Her problem was how to get there.  When she learned about the Mitchell Scholars program at the University of South Alabama Mitchell College of Business, her problem was solved and her goal was within reach.  Today, Sara Long Jones, M.D., is a third-year internal medicine resident at the 91短视频 Medical Center and on her way to fulfilling that goal.

鈥淢y lifelong dream has been to become a doctor,鈥� Jones said.  鈥淎s a Mitchell Scholar, I was allowed to concentrate on my business classes as well as my pre-medical classes.鈥�  Now, one might think that a business degree - she majored in finance - has little to do with becoming a physician, but Jones tells how the two work together for her.

鈥淎s a medical resident, I have become well acquainted with the impact of social and economic stressors on medical issues that affect so many of our patients,鈥� Jones said.  鈥淚鈥檓 impressed by the availability of patient resources at the Mitchell Cancer Institute that provide access to financial assistance, transportation and support groups during such a difficult time.鈥�  She earned her medical degree from 91短视频 in 2013, and now she has another goal, one inspired by her Mitchell Scholars benefactor, Abe Mitchell.

鈥淒uring my oncology rotation at the Mitchell Cancer Institute, I saw many patients and families who had been impacted by Mr. Mitchell鈥檚 generosity.  He has had an immeasurable impact on the Mobile community as well as on my academic career,鈥� Jones said.  鈥淚 am inspired by his benevolence, and I hope that one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goals just as he has helped me.鈥�

Jones joined dozens of Mitchell Scholars alumni and students on Oct. 6 at the University鈥檚 Faculty Club for the program鈥檚 annual recognition of new freshmen Mitchell Scholars.  The inclusion of the alumni, which was a surprise to Mitchell, was the idea of Mitchell College of Business Dean Dr. Bob Wood.  鈥淢r. Mitchell mentioned to me earlier this year that he wondered if he had 鈥榬eally made a difference in the lives of the past students,鈥� so we wanted to assure him that he has and he is.鈥�  Mitchell launched the Scholars program in 1999.

鈥淭his is magnificent to have all of you here,鈥� Mitchell said at the event, urging the freshmen scholars to 鈥渢ake advantage of every opportunity and become the best version of yourself.鈥�

The Mitchell Scholars program at 91短视频 allows elite business students to develop to their full potential.  Through faculty mentorship and a four-year, $50,000 scholarship that includes a laptop computer, scholars will pursue challenging programs while developing stewardship and civic responsibility.  When completed, they will step into the world as exceptional candidates for the work force or graduate school.

For more information about the Mitchell Scholars program, visit www.southalabama.edu/colleges/mcob/ or contact 91短视频鈥檚 Office of Enrollment Services at (251) 460-6494.  

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