LEXINGTON, Ky. — Two first-year students at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry have been selected for the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), a prestigious national program that supports the education of future military healthcare professionals while preparing them to serve as commissioned officers.
D1 dental students Maddie Brown and Micah Cowen were chosen for the highly competitive scholarship, which provides financial support for dental school while offering leadership training and clinical opportunities within the U.S. Air Force.
The Health Professions Scholarship Program helps recruit and train healthcare professionals who will provide care to service members and their families around the world. For dental and medical students, the program typically offers three- and four-year scholarships that cover full tuition and required fees, including textbooks, equipment and supplies needed for study. Recipients also receive a monthly living allowance.
Amy McHone, financial aid coordinator at the UK College of Dentistry, said the scholarship reflects both the students’ dedication to service and the significant opportunity it provides for their education.
“Our students value service in and out of the dentistry profession, and this scholarship represents a culmination of that commitment for both Maddie and Micah,” McHone said. “From an aid perspective, this is an amazing opportunity to have their education funded, which alleviates a major burden as they will not need to worry about how to finance their dental education.”
While enrolled in the program, students complete 45 days of active duty training with the Air Force. After graduation, they serve as commissioned Air Force dentists, committing one year of active duty for each year of scholarship received, with a minimum service commitment of three years.
For Brown, the opportunity represents both professional growth and a meaningful way to serve those who dedicate their lives to protecting the nation.
“This scholarship represents an opportunity to provide care for the military members and families who serve our country, which I think is quite an honor,” Brown said. “The experience the HPSP scholarship will provide is unique and is an amazing learning opportunity. I am excited to join a supportive and compelling community as a future member of the Air Force.”
Cowen echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the personal and professional significance of the award.
“This scholarship means a lot to me — it represents hard work, growth, and the opportunity to serve something bigger than myself,” Cowen said. “I’m grateful for the chance to develop as a clinician and leader while giving back through the United States Air Force.”
The Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program supports a range of healthcare disciplines. In addition to dental and medical students, the program offers one- and two-year scholarships for allied health specialties such as pharmacy, optometry, clinical psychology and public health, as well as two- and three-year scholarships for nurse corps specialties.
The selection of Brown and Cowen reflects both academic achievement and a strong commitment to service — values that align closely with the mission of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry to prepare oral health professionals who improve the health of communities in Kentucky and beyond.
As they begin their journey toward becoming Air Force dentists, Brown and Cowen will carry forward that mission while serving military members and their families across the country and around the world.