Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Starla Fuller
East Carolina University is gaining a motivated and service-driven student with incoming Brinkley-Lane Scholar Starla Fuller. Fuller is bringing both academic ambition and a strong desire to help others as she prepares to start her college journey.
Fuller plans to take on a rigorous academic path, majoring in both public health and biology. She is also considering a minor in business administration, which she says has always interested her.
“Something about it is calling me,” Fuller said.
The mix of science and business could give her a well-rounded perspective, especially as she looks toward a career in medicine. Her main goal is to become a physician, and she is hoping to pursue ECU’s early assurance program with the Brody School of Medicine.
Fuller has a jump start on her goal to attend medical school. She’s completing an associate’s degree in science from Beaufort Community College and is certified as an EMT. She also hopes to take courses to become a nurse’s aide.
Housed in the Honors College, the 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. Both in-state and out-of-state recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and high impact experiences. Included in the scholarship is the ability to explore the world and pursue additional educational opportunities with a $5,000 study abroad stipend and a $3,000 enrichment scholarship. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
Fuller said she is especially interested in studying abroad in Asia, where she hopes to learn about different healthcare systems and cultural approaches to medicine. For Fuller, studying abroad isn’t just about travel — it’s about gaining perspective. She wants to understand how other countries address healthcare challenges and bring those ideas back to improve communities in the United States. What stands out most about Fuller, though, is her commitment to service. She is focused not only on her career, but also on thinking about how she can make a difference on a larger scale.
“The biggest thing I want to do after graduation, besides becoming a physician, is definitely doing humanitarian service,” Fuller said. “I want to help people in our country right now, but I also want to help people outside of our country … and bring what I have learned into America because we have a lot of problems.”
Fuller is no stranger to healthcare volunteerism. She volunteers at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital and earned a volunteer award for serving the most hours.
In addition to her healthcare service, Fuller is involved in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She finished in the top 10 at the state FBLA conference and will represent her high school at FBLA nationals.
Fuller is coming to college with clear goals, but also a willingness to grow and adapt. Between her academic drive, interest in studying abroad and strong sense of purpose, she is ready to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.
“The biggest thing I want to do after graduation, besides becoming a physician, is definitely doing humanitarian service.”
High school: Northside High School
Intended majors: Public health and biology
Current City: Washington, NC