University of Lynchburg Office of Graduate Success

"My time at the University of Lynchburg has been truly transformative. As a student-athlete and graduate student, I was able to grow both academically and personally while competing at a high level. ... Lynchburg gave me not only an education, but also a supportive community that felt like family and prepared me for my future career." - Madelyn Foreman '24, '26 MSAT

Madelyn didn't need to spend much time weighing her college options. While searching for schools where she could continue swimming, she came across the University of Lynchburg, reached out, learned our program was just getting started, and knew almost immediately she had found the right place.

Six years later, she's still in love with Lynchburg.

During her time at Lynchburg, Madelyn grew into the kind of student, athlete, and leader who made the most of every opportunity in front of her. She built lifelong friendships with teammates and classmates, formed strong relationships with professors, and found a community that made everyday moments feel special.

Her passion for athletic training grew alongside those experiences. Through her undergraduate and graduate work, leadership roles in Iota Tau Alpha and Lynchburg's MSAT program, and hands-on experiences with athletes, Madelyn developed a strong commitment to advocating for both the physical and mental health of student-athletes. She also carried that work into research, studying VO2 peak differences between Division III mid-distance swimmers and runners to better understand sport-specific performance.

Now, she is headed to Wake Forest University for an Athletic Training Fellowship, bringing with her everything Lynchburg helped strengthen: compassion, work ethic, leadership, and a clear sense of purpose.

A graduate degree is an investment in the work you hope to do, the impact you hope to make, and the future you are preparing to lead.

Join us for an upcoming Graduate Information Session to explore the University of Lynchburg’s graduate programs and discover how our community can support your career goals.

https://www.lynchburg.edu/events/

Growth begins with intention, curiosity, and the courage to take the next step.

Our upcoming graduate information sessions offer the opportunity to explore the University of Lynchburg’s graduate programs, connect with our community, and consider how your next degree can support your professional ambitions.

Register today: https://www.lynchburg.edu/events/

"My experience at the University of Lynchburg has been truly rewarding. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to participate in such a rigorous program, and I have greatly valued the guidance and support I have received from faculty." - Shannon Urena ʼ26 DMSc

Through the Doctor of Medical Science program, Dr. Urena found a rigorous academic experience that challenged her to grow while continuing her work as a PA in plastic and reconstructive surgery. She wanted a program that could match the pace of her profession while also opening new doors in leadership, academia, and healthcare administration, and she found that at the University of Lynchburg.

What made her experience stand out was the support behind it. Dr. Urena credits Lynchburg’s faculty with creating an environment that is both demanding and deeply encouraging, one that helps students build confidence not only in their knowledge, but in their future as leaders. She also points to faculty member and alumna Dr. Raquelle Akavan as someone who helped inspire her to take the leap and pursue the program.

Her doctoral work reflects that same forward-looking mindset. Shannon’s research, “Value of Integrating Physician Associates into Academic Hospital Plastic Surgery Departments,” speaks to the evolving role of PAs in healthcare and the meaningful contributions they bring to complex clinical settings.

As she looks ahead, Shannon hopes to continue growing in leadership and legislation while also exploring future opportunities in academia.

Ready to go farther in your field?

Join us for a University of Lynchburg graduate program information session!

https://www.lynchburg.edu/events/

Considering a career in counseling?

Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about the MS in Counseling program at the University of Lynchburg.

https://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/graduate/master-of-science-in-school-counseling/information-sessions/

The connection Frank Caruso ʼ26 MPH, ʼ19 DMSc has to the University of Lynchburg reflects a lasting commitment to learning, leadership, and service.

After completing his Doctor of Medical Science degree in 2019, Dr. Caruso returned to Lynchburg to earn his Master of Public Health, adding another meaningful chapter to a journey already rooted in healthcare education. As both a graduate and a faculty member in the DMSc program, he brings a perspective that speaks to the strength of the University’s academic community and the value of continuing to grow within it.

Dr. Caruso has helped shape healthcare leaders through his teaching in the Doctor of Medical Science Emergency Management and Global Health program while continuing his own study in public health. His latest degree reflects the same dedication that defines his career — a desire to keep learning, stay engaged in work that matters, and contribute in meaningful ways to the future of healthcare.

The University of Lynchburg will be closed today, Monday May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen tomorrow at 8:30 a.m.

Our alumna, Ann Wagoner ʼ25 MEd, was recently spotlighted by Wilson Language Training for her work implementing Just Words at Brookville Middle School in Lynchburg, VA!

Educator Spotlight: Intervention Program Sparks Lightbulb Moments in Struggling Middle School Readers - Wilson Language Training How did one middle school accelerate progress for below-grade-level readers? See Just Words® in action.