Meleah Crockett is pictured just after her "white coat ceremony" at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she has been granted early acceptance — a rare honor for a pre-med student.
Meleah Crockett
Class of 2011
Hometown: Republic, Missouri
Major: Biological Chemistry/Pre-Med
Minor: Intercultural Studies
Meleah Crockett is a junior biological chemistry major in the pre-med program at Evangel University. A stand-out student who has always excelled academically, Crockett was recently awarded early acceptance to medical school — a rare honor for a med student. This means Crockett, who is preparing for a career in medical missions, will not have to take the MCAT and already has placement at the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is part of A.T. Still University, in Kirksville, Missouri. She will start medical school in fall of 2011. For now, Crockett is finishing her undergraduate degree at Evangel, where she is also a cheerleader and serves as president of her residence hall floor.
Why did you choose Evangel?
I chose Evangel after visiting several colleges and weighing out the pros and cons of each. Evangel was the only university that offered opportunities in both science and missions, and the atmosphere was completely different than the others. I decided on Evangel after lots of prayer, and I am confident that I made the right decision.
Which residence hall do you live in? Do you hold any floor/hall leadership positions?
I live in Spence. I am the president of my floor.
Did you receive financial aid?
Yes, I have a Founder’s full-tuition scholarship as well as departmental and cheerleading scholarships.
Did you visit Evangel before becoming a student?
Yes, I visited a few different times for Crusader Days (now called EU:24) and scholarship interviews.
What do you like about the campus?
I love the atmosphere at Evangel — it is unique among all the colleges I have visited. I felt welcome as soon as I arrived on campus. I have made so many close friends and met so many amazing people who are passionate about God’s plans for them. The professors here are genuinely concerned about me and my future, and they are willing to listen and help students in any way possible.
Why did you decide to pursue a medical career?
I have a biological chemistry/pre-med major and an intercultural studies (missions) minor. During my junior year in high school, I became very interested in biology, especially human anatomy and physiology. Shadowing doctors, volunteering at hospitals and clinics, and learning more about medicine have made me certain that this is the field for me. Also, since I decided on medicine, God has shown me how I can be used in medical missions around the world.
What do you like about being an Evangel student?
I like seeing how my faith can be so completely integrated into my whole life, including academics and my career. I like opening and closing classes with prayer and I appreciate the encouragement I get from my peers and professors to do my best. I like living with my closest friends, being able to share anything with them, having fun together, and getting to know them better every day. I like being involved on campus and in the community through clubs and community service. I like taking Bible classes to learn more about scripture and going to chapel to worship as a student body. There are so many things I like about Evangel!
What kind of service opportunities have you found at Evangel?
I have been on one Spring Break missions trip to El Salvador in March 2008 with Healthcare Ministries. I am currently planning to travel again with Healthcare Ministries on the spring break 2010 trip to Calcutta, India.
What about internships?
I had a four-week internship at Jordan Valley Community Health Center during summer 2008. During that time, I worked with the manager of the health clinic and learned more about the business side of medicine. I was able to organize standard operating procedures for the clinic, spend a day in the billing department, and I also spent some time shadowing nurses and learning how some medical procedures work.
Do you feel that EU's Pre-Med program has prepared you well for medical school?
The classes I have taken at Evangel have given me the background I need to understand medicine, and they have prepared me to learn at an even higher level. The professors in the Science and Technology Department have encouraged me constantly and have been there to answer all my questions. They have supported me in completing health-related community service, my internship, and many hours of shadowing physicians.
Why should a prospective student consider Evangel?
Students should come to Evangel because it is the perfect place to grow and learn and discover God's calling on your life. You will find challenging academic material, amazing spiritual growth opportunities and supportive encouragement to live for God.
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