HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine proudly announces the establishment of the Dr. H.R. and Mrs. Carol B. Preston Scholarship, generously endowed by Henry R. Preston, M.D., and Carol B. Preston through the school’s “Adopt a Medical Student” initiative.  

The Prestons’ scholarship provides financial assistance to first-year medical students with demonstrated financial need and is renewable for up to three additional years, pending normal academic progress. First preference is given to graduates of Berea College, followed by residents of eastern Kentucky and then residents of Kentucky. 

Dr. Preston, a native of Louisa, Kentucky, is a 1992 graduate of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. After completing his family medicine residency in 1995 at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, West Virginia, he joined Georgetown Family Physicians in Georgetown, Kentucky. There, he specializes in general family medicine and sleep medicine. 

“Marshall provided me with the education and support I needed to build a fulfilling career,” he said. “This scholarship is our way of giving back while also encouraging Kentuckians to pursue medical careers.” 

Mrs. Carol Preston, a 1990 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in marketing, is the director of donor relations for the AMEN House, a nonprofit organization in Georgetown. Together, the Prestons have four children: Abby, Will, Caroline and Charlie. 

The “Adopt a Medical Student” initiative is a unique scholarship program that allows donors to support students directly, often creating lasting relationships and meaningful connections. The program provides much-needed financial relief to medical students while encouraging alumni and friends in creating an endowed scholarship over five years to invest in the next generation of physicians. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Preston for their generosity and commitment to the mission of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine,” said Linda S. Holmes, associate dean for development and alumni affairs at the School of Medicine. “Their investment will help inspire and support future health care providers who share their passion for service and dedication to their communities.” 

For more information or to make a gift to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, please contact Holmes at 304.691.1711 or holmes@marshall.edu. For news and information about the school of medicine, follow us on X @MUSOMWV, like us on Facebook or visit jcesom.marshall.edu.   

Date Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2024