Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Ruckira Nixon
Ruckira Nixon’s focus on the importance of family and community carries over into her decision to attend East Carolina University as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar — and into her career aspirations.
“I chose ECU because the moment I stepped on campus, I didn’t see a school full of ‘numbers’ — I saw a family,” she said. “I could see exactly what makes ECU so different from other colleges.”
The family focus is also important to Nixon because she will be the first in her own family to have the opportunities the scholarship brings.
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means being the first person in my family to be able to journey into all the privileges of being a college student and navigating life without financial hardships,” she said.
Brinkley-Lane Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
Nixon, 18, the daughter of Candace Hall of Greenville, plans to major in nutrition and dietetics on her way toward studying at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine and becoming a neonatal surgeon and “starting a medical practice that specializes in the treatment of women and children,” she said. “My hope is that I will be able to aid in the dissolution of nutritional and health-related disparities in our local underserved communities.”
Before coming to ECU this fall, Nixon plans to spend time making memories with family and friends. Once she arrives on campus, she wants to explore extracurricular activities including intramural sports, the Black Student Union, Minority Association of Pre-Health Students and the American Medical Student Association.
Beyond campus, Nixon also plans to explore her opportunities for studying abroad.
“My top three potential destinations are Malaysia, Spain or Equatorial Guinea,” she said. “I chose these countries because I have been amazed by their rich culture, history and traditions.”
While she’s eager to begin her journey at ECU, Nixon also keeps her eyes on what the future holds.
“In 10 years,” she said, “I hope to be in the middle of my surgical residency to become a neonatal surgeon.”
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means being the first person in my family to be able to journey into all the privileges of being a college student and navigating life without financial hardships.”
High school: Pitt County Schools Early College High School
Intended major: Nutrition and dietetics
Current City: Greenville