Scholarships

For Western Michigan University Department of Physician Assistant scholarship information and applications, contact Shannon Penny.

Michael Debaja Endowed PA Scholarship

  • Who is eligible: Students in good standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) after completing two semesters in the WMU PA program. Students with financial obstacles, with preference given to students from underrepresented populations.
  • Awarded annually.
  • Award amount: Dependent upon fund accumulation.

Helen Elizabeth Gibbens PA Scholarship Fund

  • Who is eligible: Students in good standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) after completing two semesters in the WMU PA program who has demonstrated "unmet need" for financial assistance.
  • Awarded annually, the scholarship was established to honor Helen Elizabeth Gibbens, former Sindecuse Health Center nurse.
  • Award amount: Dependent upon fund accumulation.

John Josten Alumni Scholarships

  • Who is eligible: Students in good standing (minimum 3.0 GPA) after completing two semesters in the WMU PA program who have demonstrated "unmet need" for financial assistance.
  • Awarded annually. One scholarship is awarded to a first year student (after completing two semesters) and one to a second year student. John Josten was the first director of the PA program at WMU.
  • Award amount: Varies.

Department of Physician Assistant Anniversary Scholarship Fund

  • Who is eligible: Second year PA students with a minimum 3.5 GPA at the end of the didactic year who have demonstrated involvement in PA professional organizations.
  • Awarded annually, this scholarship was established to honor Dr. William Birch, MD (founder of WMU's PA program) and Dr. William Fenn, PhD, PA-C (former chair and professor).
  • Award amount: Dependent upon fund accumulation. 

Note: No student shall be discriminated against for these scholarships because of age, color, creed, handicap, marital status, national origin, race or sex.