Brinkley-Lane Profile: Percy Shorter III
Percy Shorter III wants to help others and one day develop new medical drugs and treatments for disease.
The 18-year-old son of Percy and Stephanie Shorter, he is one of 20 freshmen entering ECU this fall as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at the university. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane scholar means I get to be a part of a group that is focused on giving back to the community, as well as excelling academically,” Shorter said.
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.
“I chose ECU because I feel the community is invested in my success and wants to see me thrive as a student,” Shorter said. “With ECU achieving R1 status, I am eager to get involved in research.”
As a student at John Paul II Catholic High School, Shorter has led an impressive academic and service career. He has a 4.100 weighted GPA, is a member of the high school’s English Honor Society, Science Honor Society and Honor Roll, and he is a member of the National Honor Society. Shorter has volunteered more than 100 hours at the ECU Health Medical Center over the past two summers and has participated in an ECU Health Pharmacy job shadowing experience. He is CPR certified and has participated in the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed interactive training course.
Shorter has participated in many extracurricular clubs and activities, including Spanish Club, the Future Business Leaders of America and Pitt Community College’s cyber security boot camp. His athletic activities have included junior varsity and varsity baseball, varsity track and field, varsity tennis, ultimate frisbee, and beach volleyball and racquet club. He also looks forward to taking part in intramural sports while at ECU.
As part of the Brinkley-Lane Scholar program, Shorter said he already knows where he would like to study abroad.
“I plan to study abroad in Japan because, as a kid, my mom would always tell me stories about the time she lived in Japan, and I have always wanted to experience it for myself,” he said.
This summer, Shorter will be traveling to Europe, hanging out with friends and volunteering at ECU Health Medical Center.
After completing his undergraduate degree, he said he wants to continue his education through graduate school and pursue a doctorate in pharmacology.
“I want to lead a team that develops new drugs and treatments,” he said.
“I chose ECU because I feel the community is invested in my success and wants to see me thrive as a student.”
High school: John Paul II Catholic High School
Intended major: Chemistry
Current City: Greenville