The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Accelerated Pathway Program
The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute mission is to increase the number of physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals.
Vision
The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute provides a unique program to select, train and support the medical education of a cadre of gifted students who will become physicians, dentists and other healthcare professionals.
Goal
The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute is comprised of the following:
Four Components
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund Provides scholarships to support students, in the fields of medicine, dentistry, or healthcare.
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society A prestigious on campus organization supporting inspiring students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, and healthcare fields.
Accelerated Pathway Program • Meharry Medical College • Sidney Kimmel Medical School @ Jefferson University • Thomas F. Frist College of Medicine @ Belmont University
Lecture Series
Educational talks and presentations. delivered by experts, professionals, and scholars.
Program Structure
Cohort 2 15 students to graduate in May 2025
Cohort 1 14 students graduated May 2024 2 students graduated December 2024
Cohort 3 13 students to graduate in May 2026
Cohort 4 17 students to graduate in May 2027
DR. LEVI WATKINS JR. INSTITUTE PARTNERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2021- 2024
• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute had its inaugural class in 2021. The pathway started with one medical partner Meharry Medical College and Meharry Dental College. • The partnership has expanded to include 2 additional medical school partners: Sidney Kimmel Medical College@ Thomas Jefferson University and the Thomas F. Frist College of Medicine @ Belmont University. • Between the three medical school partners, the pathway has secured 17 medical seats and 5 dental seats for the scholars upon successful completion of the program requirements.
DR. LEVI WATKINS JR. INSTITUTE(DLWJI) ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2021- 2024
• The accelerated pathway has continued to grow and currently has 3 active cohorts with one graduated in May 2024 • Cohort 1 had the 2 top graduates for the class of 2024 with a GPA of 4.0 • The DLWJI contributed to overall graduation rate for the Biology Department increasing the rate by 61% • The DLWJI has an overall retention rate of 85% • DLWJI scholars maintain a GPA of at least 3.5 • DLWJI graduates receive honors distinction at commencement • DLWJI Scholars pursue an active leadership role on campus: Student Representative Board Of Trustees, SGA Leadership, Championship Debate Team, Student and Greek Organizations Officers, and Athletics
Cohort 1
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Composed of 14 students graduated from Tennessee State University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a 3.5 or more GPA. Two graduated in December 2024 for a total of 16 graduates. • Four graduates are at Meharry Medical College School of Medicine. • One graduate is at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. • One scholar is at Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. • Two graduates are at Meharry Medical College Physician Assistant Science Program January 2025. • One graduate is in Graduate School for Public Health Degree at TSU. • Five students will enter Meharry Medical College in Fall 2025.
Cohort 2
• Composed of 15 students who are scheduled to graduate from Tennessee State University in May 2025. • Students are in their third year of the 3-year Accelerated Program for the Bachelor of Science in Biology. • 1 Dental • 14 Medical
C omposed of 13 students who are scheduled to graduate from Tennessee State University in May 2026. Students are in their second year of the 3-year Accelerated Program. 2 Dental 11 Medical
Cohort 3
Cohort 4
• Composed of 17 students who are scheduled to graduate May 2027. • Students are in their first year of the 3-year accelerated program for the Bachelor of Science in Biology. • The cohort has an average ACT score of 29.
• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society is a registered student organization on the campus of Tennessee State University comprised of students who are considering the medical or dental profession. • Students must have a GPA of 3.2 as sophomores. Continuation as a junior and senior requires a 3.4 GPA. Lectures, seminars and educational tours are provided to complement their academic experience. • These students are in the 4-year Program for the Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry. • The Society is composed of 36 Seniors, 32 Juniors, and 8 Sophomores. • Graduates in medical school: One graduate is at University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, TN. One graduate is in the MD/PhD Program at Meharry Medical College. One graduate is in the University of Arkansas Medical School.
For more information on this investment opportunity, please contact:
Ms. Barbara Murrell Founder and Chair Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute PH: (615) 804-6125 Email: bmurrell@tnstate.edu
THANK YOU
Ms. Lalita Hodge Program Coordinator/Activity Director Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute Ph: (615) 963-6949 Email: lhodge@tnstate.edu Dr. Nolan McMurray Dean The College of Life and Physical Sciences PH: (615) 963-5854 Email: nmcmurra@tnstate.edu
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