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By Bridgette Dillard

Davie Community Foundation

Thanks to the luck of the draw, Katie Barber was the first recipient of the Diana Springer scholarship in 2012 awarding her free tuition and fees for four years at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Today, shre is a physician’s assistant with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist ENT/Head and Neck Surgery.

After completing her undergraduate degree in biology at Chapel Hill, Katie chose to take a gap year to live in and explore Spain—an enriching experience that broadened her perspective before continuing her education. After her return, she attended Wake Forest University and worked as a CNA and medical scribe while obtaining her physician’s assistant degree.

Katie’s advice to college students is guidance she embraces and encourages: “Do not rush. Take your time to discover what fulfills you.”

She credits receiving the Diana Springer scholarship as a key part to her not feeling the pressure other students may experience of rushing to graduate to begin paying off debt.

This summer, Katie will adventure to Nicaragua for a medical mission trip, where she will educate community health workers about managing nose bleeds and ear infections.

In her free time, she enjoys attending her boyfriend’s band, Mild Goose Chase, shows, taking her dog on hikes, reading and exploring new destinations. Despite her busy schedule and adventures, Katie always makes time to return to Davie to visit family who still reside in Advance.

Katie expresses immense gratitude for the Diana Springer scholarship and the Davie Community Foundation for making her college experience with reduced cost possible. For Katie, education is not just an achievement but a lifelong investment—one that empowers individuals and enriches communities.