by Sarah Mummert, Student Public Relations Writer
For demonstrating excellence and a passion for her community, Tess Harnett, a second-year physician assistant (PA) student at Cedarville University, is one of only three students statewide to receive a 2024 General Scholarship from the Ohio Association of Physician Assistants (OAPA). Harnett was honored at the 2024 OAPA General Conference in Westerville, Ohio, on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Originally from Kettering, Ohio, Harnett received her undergraduate degree in health and rehabilitation sciences from Ohio State University in 2020. Before enrolling at Cedarville, Harnett was a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), working in the fields of cardiac rehab, intensive care and outpatient counseling.
Harnett chose to pursue her PA degree at Cedarville because it allows her to build connections in the local community — the area in which she plans to live after graduation.
“My family and friends are nearby, which provides a strong support system that is important while I’m in school,” said Harnett. “It was also important for me to go to school in a location where I may end up working after graduation so I can create local connections and give back to the community.”
During her time at Cedarville, Harnett has demonstrated care for her community. She volunteered with Caring Partners International in Franklin, Ohio, to sort supplies for medical mission work in the United States and internationally, and she has helped with supplies at the Therapeutic Riding Institute in Spring Valley, Ohio, which offers equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities.
Harnett has also served her peers. In her first year, Harnett was elected to be her cohort’s Student Academy Representative at the OAPA and was involved in meetings with the North Central Region for the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA).
“Tess has been an amazing student,” said Jason Grahame, director of Cedarville’s PA program. “She comes with a wealth of knowledge from her background as a dietitian and has a strong work ethic. This award is a significant honor for Tess and a testimony to her character and future as a PA.”
The Cedarville University PA program produces medical professionals with a heart for their community and a passion for service. Although there are other faith-based institutions in Ohio with PA programs, Cedarville shines above the rest in being committed to biblical integration and intentional discipleship. Those qualities make Cedarville graduates a blessing to their communities, which is exactly what Harnett desires to be.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduateprograms. With an enrollment of 6,384 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its Master of Medical Science in PA Studies (M.M.Sc.-PA), and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.