OT student selected as a Presidential Ambassador Scholar

By Kate Hunger 

First-year occupational therapy doctoral student Janna Roberts is the 2019 Presidential Ambassador Scholar for the School of Health Professions.

Roberts is one of five Presidential Ambassador Scholars to receive the award, which recognizes a future leader in each of UT Health San Antonio’s schools. In addition to receiving a $5,000 scholarship, students also may be called on to represent their schools during visits by distinguished guests or at presidential events. The Scholars received their awards at a ceremony on April 1.

“I am very humbled and appreciative to be nominated, considered and selected for the position and scholarship,” Roberts said. “I am super excited to represent the School of Health Professions.”

Roberts said the award validates her approach to being a student, which she describes as a commitment to looking at the bigger picture and seeking opportunities to increase her connections and interprofessional involvement with classmates in the School and at the University, as well as in the greater community. 

“I think being chosen was really great in that it let me know I was on the right path,” she said.

Roberts’ community service activities include volunteering with Kinetic Kids and serving as the School of Health Professions liaison for Frontera de Salud, a student-run organization that provides health care to underserved populations in Texas.

Funded by the President’s Council, the Presidential Ambassador Scholarships first were awarded in 1988 to recognize outstanding students to serve as ambassadors for their schools and UT Health San Antonio.