Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship

A Legacy of Excellence

In 2009, Duke and Dot Kimbrell made a generous donation to CaroMont Health Foundation in honor of former CEO Wayne F. Shovelin, establishing the Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship Fund. This competitive scholarship fund was designed to support students pursuing health-related education with a commitment to serving their community.

Throughout his 23 years of leadership, Mr. Shovelin championed strategic investments in technology and facilities while cultivating innovative working environments that attracted outstanding healthcare professionals to the region. His visionary legacy continues through this fund, empowering the next generation of healthcare leaders.

The FY27 application window is now closed. The next Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship cycle, FY28, will open in October.

Application Details

Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship

Awarded annually to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees who plan to serve Gaston County and the surrounding region.

Application Criteria

Residency in Gaston County or employment with CaroMont Health
Current enrollment in a healthcare-related degree program at a two-year or four-year academic institution
Minimum GPA of 3.2
Demonstrated financial need
Evidence of student or professional leadership and community involvement
A clear commitment to pursuing a healthcare profession

Evaluation Process

All applications are reviewed against the criteria above. Those that qualify are then scored by the Scholarships Advisory Board.

Award Terms

Recipients of the Shovelin Scholarship are required to sign a promissory note and will be tracked by the CaroMont Health Foundation throughout their education and for a period afterward, as outlined in the note. The agreement requires recipients to work at a CaroMont Health facility for two years following graduation. Students who do not fulfill this requirement must repay the scholarship in full or at a prorated amount based on their length of employment at CaroMont Health.

Current Shovelin Scholars

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2025 | Olivia Michael

Olivia Michael, a senior at Stuart W. Cramer High School, serves as president of her school's Health Occupations Students of America chapter. She volunteers at CaroMont Health in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and The Birthplace, supporting nursing staff and comforting families during significant moments. A multi-sport athlete, Michael won a Big South AAA Women's Tennis championship and competes in soccer. She is also active in student government and has received multiple academic honors.

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2024 | Aissatou Diouf

A standout student athlete and captain of the varsity swim team, Diouf is a top-performing student and will graduate in May with an associate degree. She is a member of the National Honors Society and was selected for North Carolina's Governor's School for Natural Science and the Commissioner's School of Excellence. Diouf established a local chapter of Cancer Kids First, a national youth-led organization that provides normalcy and childhood experiences for kids and teens facing cancer. She also volunteers with pediatric oncology patients and Strong Like AK, a local group supporting families facing pediatric cancer. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall and plans to pursue a double major in biology and public health.

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2023 | Liana Mattera

Liana Mattera will graduate from Gaston Christian School with a 4.0 grade point average after completing a rigorous academic schedule. She plays varsity soccer, serves as president of the Interact Club and tutors elementary and middle school students in math and English. Mattera has a passion for fostering a love of science and technology in children and volunteers with children in a healthcare setting, gaining experience connecting with patients and families. She will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall and plans to pursue a career in pediatric medicine.