The J.W. Darden Foundation, Inc., established in 2001, honors the legacy of Dr. John Wesley Darden, the first black physician in Opelika, Alabama. The foundation's primary initiatives include operating a wellness center and awarding scholarships to deserving students pursuing advanced health degrees. These scholarships are funded through the Annual Black Tie Legacy Gala.
The criteria for awarding scholarships emphasize academic achievement, volunteerism, character, and a commitment to serving underserved communities in East Alabama. Recently, two recipients were announced for 2024: Kalia Cook and LaQua’sha Wright.
Kalia Cook, a recent graduate of the Nurse Practitioner program at AU College of Nursing, achieved a 3.91 GPA. With ten years of nursing experience, including intensive care and emergency nursing, Cook is described as a dedicated nurse educator and staff nurse. She expressed deep gratitude for the scholarship, which enabled her to cover tuition expenses for the Spring 2024 semester. Cook plans to pursue a doctoral degree in Nursing starting in the Summer of 2024 and intends to practice as a nurse practitioner in rural healthcare settings, focusing on providing quality care across all age groups.
LaQua’sha Wright, currently in her second year of the Nurse Practitioner program at AU College of Nursing, maintains a 3.6 GPA. With over a decade of nursing experience in public health, emergency medicine, and infusion therapy, Wright is noted for her passion for healthcare and community education. She appreciates the foundation's support in reducing her debt burden and plans to become a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. Her career aspirations include delivering patient-centered care, advocating for underserved communities, and potentially pursuing studies in integrative/functional medicine.
Both recipients exemplify the foundation's mission to support healthcare education and community service, echoing the legacy of Dr. J.W. Darden's commitment to serving others. The scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also inspire recipients like Cook and Wright to contribute meaningfully to healthcare and their communities.
