Maggie Philpott ’24 is a senior health sciences major in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions (ENHP). A member of the honors program, she is a shining example of how embracing opportunities and seeking guidance can lead to remarkable success. Maggie's journey at UHart has been marked by determination, exploration, and a commitment to her field of study.
Maggie's involvement on campus reflects her passion for both academic excellence and community engagement. As an honors ambassador and member of Delta Zeta sorority (where she served as treasurer and academics chair), she found avenues to excel academically while fostering connections and leadership skills within her community. Maggie says that her favorite part of being a student at UHart has been “support from the staff and the small community you find here. You discover your group you really connect with, and it helps bring you out of your shell to try new things.”
Transitioning from a communication major to health sciences, Maggie's decision was guided by her newfound interest in communication disorders. With the mentorship of Associate Professor of Health Sciences Claudia Oakes, she seamlessly navigated this transition, finding her niche in health sciences. “Dr. Oakes has been great about fielding all my questions, encouraging me to take every opportunity that comes my way, and connecting me with professionals to shadow,” Maggie says. “I really think every success I’ve had at this university is largely owed to her guidance.”
Maggie also highlighted both Donna Snowdon, clinical/applied assistant professor of physical therapy, and Mary Gannotti, professor of physical therapy, for having a profound impact on her time at UHart. The personalized support and immersive experiences provided by the ENHP faculty empowered Maggie to explore interests fully and make informed career decisions.
Maggie describes UHart's emphasis on real-world learning scenarios in the health sciences and honors program curriculum as effective, granting her the skills and confidence needed for her future endeavors. “The honors program helped me tremendously in figuring out what I want to do following graduation,” she says. From shadowing professionals to conducting her honors project on health care professionals engaging with deaf patients, Maggie gained invaluable insights and experiences that will shape her career.
“My favorite part of my project was learning about the deaf community and applying my experiences to my future career,” she explains. “The project also allowed me to apply for the Cathles Grant and I was awarded $1,000 that funded a trip to Gallaudet University—a school famous for its deaf education.” In the spring, Maggie will present her project at the Honors Colloquium, and also attend the National Regional Honors Conference in Albany, N.Y., with a small group of UHart honors students.
As graduation approaches, Maggie plans to leave UHart committed to making a meaningful impact in health care. Armed with a wealth of experiences, knowledge, and a passion for serving others, she is poised to embark on a fulfilling career path, leaving an indelible mark on the field of communication disorders and beyond.