Light the Way Scholarship: Introducing Recipients from Cohort 2026

Baylor University’s Light the Way Scholarship for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students was established by an anonymous donation and is supported by continued contributions from alumni, faculty, and friends of the Department of Physical Therapy. Below, meet the scholarship recipients from the Class of 2026, and learn what inspired them to pursue their degrees.

Lexie Calhoun

“My love for my family and my passion for health and exercise have inspired me to pursue a career as a DPT. With family members at every stage of life, I value having the knowledge to help each of them maintain their health and movement. I truly love serving others, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than through the power of movement.

Our family is currently living on a single income while I attend school full time to pursue my DPT degree. With only my husband working, and our 1-year-old daughter requiring a nanny during the day so I can focus on my studies, this scholarship greatly eases our financial burden to allow me to continue working toward my dream of becoming a DPT. We are truly so thankful.”

Hannah Duran

“I’ve always been passionate about working in the medical field. The physical therapy profession gives me the opportunity to help others, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact to an individual’s quality of life.

Receiving the Light the Way Scholarship has helped a ton with graduate school, allowing me to fully focus on my education and professional development. It’s also an amazing reminder that others believe in my potential to make a difference in the field.”

DoHee Kim

“My dad was a missionary in China, and he served others through chiropractic and massage therapy. Seeing his relationship with his patients, and how he could impact their lives, was fascinating to me. Also, I was an athlete throughout middle and high school, so I’ve always been interested in biomechanics.

This Light the Way award helps me because I can focus more on my studies and my future patients. Although we all want to be physical therapists to help others, we can’t overlook our debt and financial situations—and this scholarship has really helped ease my financial burden.”

Brooke Shepherd

“I was motivated to become a physical therapist after getting injured while running track in college. Through my own rehab process, I realized just how meaningful it is to help people regain confidence in their bodies and in themselves again. After overcoming my own physical and personal challenges, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to becoming a physical therapist so I can help others find strength and hope through movement so that they can do the same. 

Receiving this scholarship is deeply meaningful to me because it represents just how far I’ve come and how wonderfully supported I am on this path. It allows me to focus on my growth as a future clinician by easing the financial pressure of pursuing a degree from such a notable university. Most importantly, it motivates me to keep working hard and to one day use my education to make a difference for others facing their own challenges.”

If you would like to donate to the Light the Way Scholarship fund, please click here.