When Kathryn “Liz” Godwin first arrived at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine, a career in military service wasn’t on her mind.

But after learning about the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program, her interest was piqued. And on Friday, May 8, Godwin was one of six members of the Class of 2026 at the Quillen College of Medicine promoted into the military just hours before their formal commencement ceremony.

“I was intrigued by the prospect of serving those who are serving, gaining extra experience and training in battlefield medicine and the potential to serve overseas,” said Godwin, who came to Quillen after completing her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Godwin said she was drawn to Quillen because of its focus on primary care in rural and underserved areas. Her residency will take her to Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, where she will specialize in family medicine.

“I’m both excited and nervous to start my residency,” said Godwin, who is also a member of ETSU’s prestigious 1911 Society and was promoted to the rank of captain. “Starting residency is a major step with much greater responsibility, and I want to learn as much as I can and be the best possible advocate for my patients.

“I am most looking forward to starting street medicine outreach at my residency,” she added.

Along with Godwin, the following members of Quillen’s Class of 2026 were promoted into the military:

- Dr. Allen David Archer, Captain, U.S. Air Force. Archer will complete his residency at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in operational emergency medicine.

- Dr. Angela Young Chu, Captain, U.S. Air Force. Chu will complete her residency with the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in internal medicine.

- Dr. Michelle Ann Everly, Captain, U.S. Army. Everly will complete her residency with Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, specializing in general surgery.

- Dr. Emory Davis Latimer, Captain, U.S. Army. Latimer will complete his residency at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, specializing in internal medicine.

- Dr. Sharon Lea McLennan, Lieutenant, U.S. Navy. McLennan will complete her residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, specializing in emergency medicine.

ETSU and the Quillen College of Medicine have developed a strong reputation for being “Military Friendly®,” with Quillen boasting one of the highest percentages of enrolled veteran and military students in the nation.

“The Quillen College of Medicine has a long and storied history of supporting veterans and graduates entering military service,” said Dr. Bill Block, dean of the Quillen College of Medicine and ETSU’s vice president for Clinical Affairs. “We are committed to those who have served, or plan to serve our nation in the future.”

For more information, visit etsu.edu/com/.