Dothan, Ala. — The Southeast Health Foundation has announced Angela Campbell as the 2026 recipient of the Patsy S. McGowan Memorial Scholarship, an award created to support students pursuing a career in surgical technology.
Campbell, who is currently enrolled in the Wallace Community College-Dothan Surgical Tech program, was selected for the scholarship based on both her dedication to healthcare and her personal story of perseverance.
In her scholarship application, Campbell shared that returning to school later in life has been driven by both personal goals and the desire to inspire her family.
“At 46 years old, I am chasing a dream that I refuse to give up on,” Campbell wrote. “The journey is about more than just me, it is about showing my family, especially my children and grandchildren that it is never too late to follow your dreams. I want them to see that hard work and faith in yourself can lead to something better. It can lead to your dreams coming true.”
Campbell said she hopes to use her education and training to provide safe, compassionate care to patients as a surgical technician.
Amy Bunting, director of the Southeast Health Foundation, said Campbell stood out as a deserving recipient of the scholarship.
“I am proud that the committee awarded a full scholarship to Campbell to finish the program,” Bunting said.
The scholarship was created in memory of Patsy S. McGowan, a longtime employee in the Medical Center Surgery Department who dedicated more than five decades of service to the organization.
According to the Foundation, McGowan worked in the Surgery Department for 51 years before retiring on Jan. 31, 2024. She passed away on July 21, 2024.
“Patsy touched many lives during her more than five decades in the Surgery department,” Bunting said. “Our Foundation Employee Council wanted to create a lasting memory for her dedication to the Medical Center.”
Foundation officials said the scholarship serves as both a tribute to McGowan’s years of commitment to patient care and an investment in the next generation of surgical healthcare professionals in the Wiregrass.
Those interested in supporting the scholarship or learning more about the Southeast Health Foundation can visit Southeast Health Foundation or call 334-673-4150.
