Siblings receive Barksdale scholarships

By Staff
BROTHER AND SISTER TEAM Greg Vaughn, left, helps his sister, Kristina, with a chemistry project at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine. The Vaughns are the first siblings to receive Barksdale scholarships to attend medical school. They are graduates of Meridian High School. SUBMITTED PHOTO
By Georgia E. Frye / staff writer
Sept. 16, 2004
Authurine Vaughn's first words were "Thank-you, Lord" when she learned that her daughter, Kristina, had received a Barksdale scholarship to attend the School of Medicine at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
She and her husband, Celois, were overwhelmed when they realized Kristina would be following in her older brother Greg's footsteps. Greg Vaughn received a Barksdale scholarship last year.
Greg, who holds a Bryan Barksdale M.D. scholarship, recently began his second year of medical school. Kristina, who holds a Fred McDonnell M.D. Scholarship, is a first-year medical student. They are the first set of siblings to receive the scholarships.
The scholarships, each worth about $28,000 a year, were made possible by a $2 million gift from James and Sally Barksdale five years ago. The purpose of the gift was to encourage highly qualified African-American medical students to stay in Mississippi for their medical training. Recipients must commit to live and practice medicine in the state for a period of at least five years.
This is not the first time Greg has set a precedent for his younger sister. The siblings graduated from Meridian High School one year apart and majored in chemistry at Jackson State University, where they finished first in their respective classes. They were both named to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society for their scholastic excellence.
The Barksdales named the scholarships in honor of the physicians in their family: Dr. Bryan Barksdale and Dr. Don Mitchell, both of Jackson, and Dr. Fred McDonnell of Hazlehurst. Dr. Steven T. Case, associate dean for medical school admissions and professor of biochemistry, said the Barksdale scholarships have played a central role in recruiting the highest qualified African-American students who want to go to medical school at UMC School of Medicine.
The Vaughns said they have always encouraged their children to do their very best.
Greg has not decided what path he wants to take yet, while Kristina is interested in preventive medicine and internal medicine.
One of the biggest challenges the two face is learning how to balance their time. Both said it is an honor to be chosen as Barksdale scholars.