Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship
Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship
A Legacy of Excellence
Established in 2009 through a gift from Duke and Dot Kimbrell honoring former CaroMont Health CEO Wayne F. Shovelin, this scholarship is awarded competitively to students in Gaston County and CaroMont Health's service areas who are pursuing a health-related career. Across 23 years of leadership, Mr. Shovelin invested in technology and facilities and built working environments that drew outstanding healthcare talent to the region. The fund carries that work forward, supporting tomorrow's healthcare professionals.
The application window is now closed. The next Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship cycle will open in October.
Application Details
Awarded annually to students pursuing healthcare-related degrees.
Eligibility Requirements
- 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. Applications that meet the criteria are then evaluated by the Scholarships Advisory Board. Finalists will be invited to a panel-style interview with the 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.
Meet Our Scholars
2025 | Olivia Michael, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2029
Olivia Michael, a graduate of Stuart W. Cramer High School, served as president of her school's Health Occupations Students of America chapter. She volunteered 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 competed in soccer. She was also active in student government and received multiple academic honors.
2024 | Aissatou Diouf, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2028
Aissatou Diouf, a graduate of Ashbrook High School, was a standout student athlete and captain of the varsity swim team. A top-performing student, she graduated with an associate degree, was 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, and volunteered with pediatric oncology patients and Strong Like AK, a local group supporting families facing pediatric cancer.
2023 | Liana Mattera, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2027
Liana Mattera graduated from Gaston Christian School with a 4.0 grade point average after completing a rigorous academic schedule. She played varsity soccer, served as president of the Interact Club and tutored elementary and middle school students in math and English. Mattera had a passion for fostering a love of science and technology in children and volunteered with children in a healthcare setting, gaining experience connecting with patients and families.
Past Recipients
2022 | Evan Friday, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2026
2021 | Sophi Jolley, University of South Carolina Class of 2025
2020 | David Efird, Davidson College Class of 2024
2019 | Kyra Rhyne, Western Carolina University Class of 2023
2018 | Victor Ilevbare, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2022
2017 | Maren East, University of South Carolina Class of 2021
2016 | Linnea Jurs, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2020
2015 | Bailey Thomasson, UNC-Chapel Hill Class of 2019