Scholarship Recipients

Alplato Chukpue-Padmore is a dedicated nursing student, educator, and experienced organizational leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to service, education, and healthcare. Prior to pursuing nursing, he served as the head Project Management Office for a public library system in Lexington, Kentucky, while simultaneously working toward a doctorate in education at Vanderbilt University.

His professional trajectory changed profoundly following his mother's multiple strokes in Liberia, West Africa. Returning home to support her through her recovery exposed him to the critical role nurses play in patient care and advocacy. That experience inspired him to redirect his career toward nursing, transforming a personal family crisis into a lifelong mission to improve the lives of others through compassionate, evidence-based healthcare.

Currently enrolled in the Registered Nursing (RN) program at Galen College of Nursing, Alplato is committed to combining his leadership experience, educational background, and passion for patient care to make a meaningful impact in the nursing profession. His academic excellence, resilience, and unwavering determination reflect his belief that nursing extends beyond clinical practice to education, advocacy, and empowering communities.

Alplato's long-term goal is to become a nurse educator. He plans to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing, continue to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and ultimately complete his doctorate in education. By integrating nursing expertise with educational leadership, he hopes to prepare future generations of healthcare professionals and foster innovative learning environments that strengthen patient outcomes and healthcare systems.

Driven by purpose, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to learning, Alplato Chukpue-Padmore exemplifies the qualities of a future nursing leader dedicated to improving healthcare both locally and globally.

Tamara Middlebrooks is a dedicated nursing student at Herzing University whose journey into healthcare is defined by perseverance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. As a mother of three and grandmother who returned to school at the age of 52, Tamara has embraced the challenges of balancing family, academics, and financial responsibilities while pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.

Driven by a desire to build a better future for herself and her family, Tamara understands the value of resilience and determination. Despite the demands of raising a family, managing the rising cost of living, and traveling to Tennessee multiple times, a requirement for her nursing program, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of academic excellence and professional growth. She views every obstacle as an opportunity to strengthen her dedication and deepen her commitment to the nursing profession.

Tamara's passion for nursing is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She aspires to provide exceptional, patient-centered care while serving as a trusted advocate for individuals who may feel unheard, vulnerable, or underserved. To her, nursing is more than a career—it is a calling to serve with empathy, integrity, and excellence.

Committed to lifelong learning and community service, Tamara is determined to use her education and experiences to improve health outcomes and inspire others, particularly non-traditional students, to pursue their dreams regardless of life's challenges. With the support of scholarship opportunities and the encouragement of her community, she is well on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a compassionate nurse who leaves a lasting impact on every patient and family she serves.