HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A new scholarship to support incoming medical students from Cabell and Wayne counties has been established at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. 

The Ava W. & Charles E. “Pete” Peters Jr. Endowed Scholarship will be established through an estate gift from Ava and Charles “Pete” Peters, longtime supporters of healthcare in Huntington and the surrounding region.  

The Peters have deep roots in the Huntington community. Pete Peters is a Kenova native and graduate of Marshall University. A former licensed professional counselor and longtime healthcare practitioner, Peters founded Huntington Behavioral Health, which provides behavioral health and primary care services to Cabell and Wayne counties. Ava Peters ran a Longaberger basket business in Huntington. 

“Supporting the health and well-being of our community has always been a priority for Ava and me,” Pete Peters said. “Marshall’s medical school plays such an important role in preparing the physicians who will care for our families, friends and neighbors, so supporting the school was a natural choice for us. We hope this scholarship will help future medical students from our region pursue their dreams and, in turn, make a difference in the communities that mean so much to us.” 

Endowed scholarships provide support in perpetuity, with the investment generating funding for scholarship awards over time.  

“The Peters’ generosity reflects a deep understanding of the connection between educating future physicians and improving the health of our communities,” said David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “By investing in students from Cabell and Wayne counties, Ava and Pete are helping create opportunities for talented individuals to pursue a medical education while strengthening the pipeline of physicians who can serve the people of this region. We are incredibly grateful for their vision and for the lasting legacy this scholarship will provide.” 

For more information on scholarships or to make a gift to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, please contact Linda Holmes at 304-691-1711 or holmes@marshall.edu. 

Date Posted: Friday, August 28, 2026