The Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame has started a program that recognizes students from universities across the state as “Outstanding Students and Future Leaders” in their fields. In Addition To A $2,000 Scholarship, each awardee becomes known as a Finley Scholar.
This award is named in honor of past AHHOF Chairman, Wayne H. Finley, MD, PhD, and his wife the late Sarah Crews Finley, MD, who co-founded the first medical genetics program in the southeast region of USA. The Finley’s are widely recognized as pioneers in the field of genetics. After 33 years of service to UAB, and upon their retirement in 1996, President Claude Bennett stated that scientists Sarah and Wayne Finley “have been and will always remain an institutional treasure of UAB.”
The five 2024 Finley Scholar honorees are:
Heath Padgett
(Fourth-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry)
Heath has excelled in his studies of dentistry and has an excellent academic record. He is a unique individual with an extensive leadership portfolio at UAB.
Laney Smith
(Student at University of South Alabama Whiddon College of Medicine)
A Peer Academic leader at Univ. South Alabama WCOM, Laney is an excellent student, dedicated and passionate about a future career in pediatric orthopedic surgery.
Cambrye Rollins-Griffen
(Student in SN program at the UAB School of Nursing)
A standout student in the BSN program, she distinguished herself as a motivated learner with a great attitude and can-do-spirit. Rollins-Griffen serves as Chair of the Black Undergraduate Medical Association.
Caroline Thornton
(Cole Honors College, University of North Alabama)
At UNA Caroline has excelled in rigorous coursework consistently earning high grades. Her analytical skills, critical thinking, and attention to detail showcase her readiness for the challenge of nursing practice.
Leigh Anne Shirley
(MSN student at Jacksonville State University)
Exhibits strong record of academic achievement with 4.0 GPA & Academic Excellence Award, while working as RN at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, and as a JSU clinical instructor.