NCAPA was proud to host the second annual HBCU Pre-PA Fair this past Saturday, April 6, at the Stead Center. Pre-PA students from North Carolina Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) traveled to Durham, where the day was full of intentional learning about the profession, eye-opening discussions with practicing PAs and PA students, and meaningful connections with PA program representatives.
The event, kicked off by Domonique Koomson, PA-C, NCAPA DE&I Committee, HBCU Outreach Subcommittee Chair, began with an overview of the PA profession and history by Dr. Jacqueline Barnett, DHSc, MHS, PA-C, Duke Program Director.
The presentation was then followed by a deep dive into CASPA and the PA school application process, presented by Dr. Donna Murray, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Director of Student Scholarship/Admissions at NC A&T PA Program.
Pre-PA students also got to hear tips and tricks relating to “Personal Statement Hot Topics,” presented by Daniel Regan, PhD, MSPAS, PA-C of Rex Cardiac Surgery Specialists.
Afterwards, pre-PA attendees got their questions answered from a panel discussion with practicing PAs and PA students, including 2023 Trailblazer Scholarship Award Recipient, Gabrielle Aiden, PA-S. Panelists shared their personal experiences and storied their journey into the PA profession.
Attendees then ended the day with a “PA Program Meet and Greet” with 13 PA programs and their representatives in attendance. Board representation was also present at the event, with Lavette Shirley Elee, DScPAS, PA-C, NCAPA Director-at-Large, tabling for Wingate University PA Program.
Thank you to the committee members of the NCAPA DE&I Committee/HBCU Outreach Subcommittee, volunteers, coordinators, program representatives, and speakers/panelists for your help in making this event come to life for a second year! The NCAPA could not have kept the momentum of growth and mentorship going without you.
It was a great opportunity to be able to speak with different schools, and it truly helped me to learn more about PAs. I am very thankful for today’s event. –Briawna Greene, St. Augustine’s College, event participant
HBCU Outreach Subcommittee Chair, Domonique Koomson, PA-C and HBCU Outreach Subcommittee Member, Jasmine Hemmings, PA-C
Pre-PA Students at the Stead
Jacqueline Barnett, DHSc, MHS, PA-C, Duke PA Program Director
Panelist and 2023 Trailblazer Scholarship Recipient, Gabrielle Aiden, PA-S
Donna Murray, DMSc, MS, PA-C, Director of Student Scholarship/Admissions at NC A&T PA Program
Daniel Regan presenting on “Personal Statement Hot Topics”
Pre-PA Students at the Stead Center
Pre-PA attendees at the Stead Center
Wake Forest University PA Program representatives
Gardner-Webb and Wingate PA Program Representatives
Pre-PA Students at PA Program Meet and Greet tables
Pre-PA Attendees
Pre-PA Attendee
Domonique Koomson, PA-C, HBCU Outreach Subcommittee Chair
PA Program Meet and Greet
ECU PA Program
PA Program Meet and Greet
PA Program Meet and Greet
Photography done by LM Consulting and Design
