Ross University Awards Eliza Anna Grier Scholarship to Lillian C. Otisi Edison, N.J. - Ross University, one of the world's largest providers of medical and veterinary education, announced that Lillian C. Otisi, 22, of Little Rock, AK., has been awarded an Eliza Anna Grier Scholarship to attend Ross University
School of Medicine. Named in honor of the first African American physician in the state of Georgia, the scholarship program is designed to increase diversity among physicians and veterinarians. It covers full tuition, required books, fees and required laboratory supplies for students attending Ross University School of Medicine or Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Otisi, who is enrolled in the January 2004 entering class of the medical school, received a bachelor of science degree in microbiology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in May 2003 with a 3.4 grade point average. While at the University of Arkansas, she was an All-American Scholar, a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and received the Multicultural Achievement Award in 2000, 2001
and 2003. Otisi was a part of the UAMS Summer Science Enrichment Program and was awarded the Phi Beta Sigma High Scholastic Achievement Award. She also participated in the NAACP Race for the Cure marathon for breast cancer and the Michelle Wilson Walkathon. “The Eliza Grier Scholarship is named in honor of a woman with a tremendous dedication to medicine, who persevered through numerous
obstacles to achieve her goals,” said Dr. Scott Obenshain, dean of Ross University School of Medicine. “Lillian Otisi embodies that wonderful sprit. Ross is pleased to be able to recognize her achievements and support her as she pursues her dream to become a doctor.” The Eliza Anna Grier Scholarship, funded by Ross University and requiring the nomination of a member of the
Congressional Black Caucus, is awarded to as many as 15 students every year. The program is designed to help qualified underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens meet their full professional and personal potential in the field of medicine. Eliza Anna Grier started her quest to become a physician 17 years after the Civil War. She would alternate years of picking cotton with
attending college in Pennsylvania. After 14 years, she earned a medical degree and returned to Georgia to serve African-American families. The scholarship is based on the Association of American Medical Colleges’ definition of underrepresented minorities. Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to Ross University. | 
