Davis & Elkins College partners with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center for employee scholarships

Davis & Elkins College has partnered with Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center to provide a scholarship to give current employees and their families the opportunity to attend the college more affordably. The Mark Doak Award was named for a former CEO of Davis Health System and will provide recipients with up to $2,500 per year for four years of attendance at Davis & Elkins College.

According to an article on Davis & Elkins College’s website, Chris A. Wood, the college’s president, was quoted as saying of the scholarship establishment, “D&E is grateful to Vandalia Health Davis Health System for this scholarship in recognition of Mark Doak. The establishment of a Doak Scholar at D&E reinforces the historical tie between the hospital and the College and honors a gentleman who has played a very important role for the hospital and the greater Elkins community. Mark has worked tirelessly and selflessly for decades to improve the quality of life for the residents of Randolph County and beyond. Mark’s life of service is a model for the Doak Scholar and us all. Davis & Elkins College is honored by this gift.”

In order to be eligible for the Mark Doak Award, the individual must be a current employee of Davis Medical Center or the dependent or family member of someone who works in Vandalia Health facilities of Monongalia, Broaddus, Webster, or Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC). The individual must apply for admission to Davis & Elkins College, and, if accepted, must also fill out the FAFSA. 

To determine the recipients of the award, members of a committee consisting of the Vandalia Health Human Resources Department, a representative from Davis & Elkins College’s Financial Aid Office, and a representative of Davis & Elkins College’s Office of Enrollment Management will review each candidate. Those who receive the award will be given $2,500 for up to four years, to $10,000 maximum.

Scott Goddard, the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, said, “We are deeply grateful to Vandalia Health for their generosity in establishing the Davis Medical Center Academic Scholarship-Mark Doak Award. This annual scholarship reflects the enduring partnership between Davis & Elkins College and Davis Medical Center, honoring the legacy of Senator Henry Gassaway Davis, a founder of both institutions. The scholarship, valued at $10,000 over four years, offers a meaningful opportunity for employees and their families to pursue higher education at D&E. It underscores our shared commitment to enriching the lives of our community and supporting the future of healthcare professionals.”

For more information about Davis & Elkins College, visit the school’s website.