RHAU Awards Scholarships to 10 Outstanding Rural Students Pursuing Healthcare Careers

May 1, 2025

ST. GEORGE, UTAH — The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is proud to unveil an exciting new chapter in its mission to strengthen rural healthcare: the newly restructured RHAU Student Scholarship Program. Beginning in 2025, the program now awards scholarships directly to students from rural Utah who are preparing for careers in healthcare — helping nurture the next generation of providers where they’re needed most.

Why does this matter? According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), students from rural backgrounds are significantly more likely to return home and practice in rural areas. RHAU believes this holds true across the full spectrum of healthcare professions — and our own leadership reflects that. Every healthcare provider on the RHAU Board of Directors — all eight of them — grew up in a rural Utah community. They’ve come full circle, serving where their roots run deep.

This year, RHAU received over 60 inspiring applications from students across the state — all graduates of high schools in rural Utah. From this impressive pool, we are thrilled to announce the 10 recipients of the 2025 RHAU Student Scholarship. These individuals have shown outstanding dedication to the future of rural healthcare:

• Jessica Anderson, Cedar City High School – Communications/Public Health

• Mataya Barney, Panguitch High School – Nursing

• Raegyn Blackburn, Wayne High School – Dental Hygiene

• Kayla Jo Carter, Dixie High School – Population Health/Dental Hygiene

• Savannah Daines, Mountain Crest High School – Doctorate in Public Health

• Adam Fitch, Manti High School – Nursing

• Mallory Hinkley, North Sanpete High School – Marriage & Family Therapy

• Emily Pugh, San Juan High School – Nursing

• Ainsley Talbot, Piute High School – Radiography

“This was an incredibly tough decision,” said Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of RHAU. “Every applicant showed real passion for healthcare and rural communities. We’re honored to support these 10 future professionals — we wish we could support all 60 plus applicants.”

Funding for the scholarship program comes from the Annual RHAU Scholarship Golf Tournament, which continues to grow each year thanks to community support. This year’s tournament is set for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Southgate Golf Club in St. George, Utah.

“We hope to see even more people join us this year,” said Shakespear. “After reading these applications, it’s clear there’s no shortage of amazing young people in rural Utah who want to give back through healthcare. Let’s grow the tournament and open even more doors for them.”

Registration and sponsorships are now open at www.rhau.org/conference-golf-tournament.

For more information about the Rural Health Association of Utah or the Student Scholarship Program, please contact info@rhau.org.