Kendall Scholarship Empowers Coleman to Shape Future of Health Technology

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Thanks to the Kendall Scholarship, Ph.D. student Tracee Coleman is able to pursue graduate studies at Meharry Medical College — a journey she describes as both a calling and a commitment shaped by her faith and family.

“I am on the path to becoming the first in my family to earn a terminal degree, breaking generational barriers and creating new possibilities for those who come after me,” Coleman said.

“This generous award is not only a financial blessing, but also a profound affirmation of my calling to serve at the intersection of faith, health and technology,” she said. “In a time when emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping care delivery, your investment is helping ensure that clinical artificial intelligence is governed with ethical integrity, health equity and spiritual discernment.”

Coleman’s journey is rooted in faith and community. She is an active member of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, a congregation committed to discipleship, service and social justice. Cascade’s outreach includes food assistance, reentry programs, youth mentorship and STEM initiatives designed to inspire future innovators.

“This journey is not just for me; it’s [also] for my children, so they see that faith, perseverance and education can change the trajectory of a family,” Coleman said. “Thank you for believing in the power of education to transform both lives and systems.”

Her vision extends far beyond the classroom. “As a nurse, scholar and servant leader, higher education equips me to lead with wisdom, humility and justice in both my profession and my community,” she said. “It’s a calling I’m honored to pursue.”

With expertise in nursing, informatics and health law, Coleman aims to guide strategies for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in health care, particularly for underserved communities. “I envision serving as a senior leader shaping ethical and equitable health technology policy,” she said.

“My work will focus on clinical AI governance, regulatory frameworks and mentoring future leaders,” she said. “I see myself as a nurse socio-technologist, bridging human compassion with technological innovation to transform care delivery.”

Her goal is clear: “To ensure that emerging technologies advance health equity and uphold dignity, safety and justice for all patients.”

GBHEM Scholarship Program

GBHEM Scholarships offer financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world. Learn more.