Empowering the Next Generation of PAs, Honoring the Legacy of Joyce Nichols

“By donating to scholarships, you’re not just giving money—you’re contributing to the success of future PAs all over the country.”

February 3, 2025

By Alex Morse

Joyce Nichols
Joyce Nichols; courtesy of the PA History Society

PA Joyce Nichols (1940-2012) is an inspiration to many and a reminder of perseverance and advocacy. Nichols was the first Black woman to formally be educated as and practice as a physician associate and the first person of color to serve on the AAPA Board of Directors. She also established and served as the first chair of the AAPA Minority Affairs Committee.

The Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship, part of the Physician Associate Foundation (PAF) Scholarship Program, honors PA Nichols’s memory and legacy.

This scholarship is open to Black or African American PA students who demonstrate passion for the PA profession, commitment to serving their communities and future patients, and exceptional leadership potential.

Scholarships like this one are awarded based on the availability of funds provided through contributions from AAPA members, other individuals, and corporate partners.

[Help empower future PA leaders – donate to the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship fund today!]

Nkiruka Anudokem, Chloe Deavens, Maurice Paylor II, Gifty Addison, and Mallory Pitchford received the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship in 2024. Learn more about each of them and their accomplishments below.

Nkiruka “Niki” Anudokem, MSPAS, MPH, PA-C  |  California

Niki Anudokem found that much of her background and goals as a future clinician aligned with the essence of the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in public health, she attended PA school at Touro University. While completing her rotations in Solano County, she realized she wanted to be a provider in the community and couldn’t wait to provide a helping hand to those going through hardships.

“It is my hope to do right by my patients while working to systemically improve the delivery of healthcare to all,” said Anudokem, who graduated with two master’s degrees in 2024.

Anudokem contributes much of her drive to her mother. “She was a pharmacist and was such an inspiration to me as a Black woman in medicine,” said Anudokem, who mourned the loss of her mother while she was in PA school. “I saw the hardships she dealt with, especially given she was also an immigrant from Nigeria, and grew to appreciate the strength and intelligence it takes to be in the field of medicine, especially as a person of color.”

Now a practicing PA, Anudokem has returned to Touro University to work as an adjunct faculty and makes a point to encourage students to apply to the PAF Scholarship Program.

Chloe Deavens  |  Arkansas

While Chloe Deavens was growing up, she spent 15 years at a private Christian school where every teacher, staff member, and coach volunteered their time without pay. Her mother was a full-time teacher, and her father volunteered part-time while juggling two other jobs. “This environment shaped my core values, instilling in me the importance of selflessness, service, and community,” she said.

Deavens pursued a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology at the University of Arkansas (UA) before continuing to the UAMS PA program and is expected to graduate in August 2025. “Growing up, I had little exposure to healthcare and rarely saw African Americans or women in medical roles. I want to bridge that gap, inspire others, and show them that this path is possible,” she said. “Representation matters—it strengthens patient-provider relationships, improves outcomes, and leads to higher-quality care for diverse populations. I am especially passionate about educating young people about the PA profession.”

Receiving the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship eased Deavens’ financial strain and allowed her to focus more on her studies. “Scholarships like these are great opportunities, and they can be incredibly helpful in supporting your journey.” It also allowed her the opportunity to invest in educational resources like UWorld and SmartyPance. “It’s a wonderful reminder that your hard work is paying off, and it can be just the boost you need to keep pushing forward. It certainly was for me!”

Maurice Paylor II  |  Tennessee

Maurice Paylor II was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where he developed a strong passion for healthcare and helping others. He earned his bachelor’s degree in general biology with a minor in health from Bethel University and is currently enrolled at Meharry Medical College PA Program, expected to graduate in May 2025.

Paylor decided to become a PA to serve underserved communities and positively impact the lives of patients. “I aim to provide compassionate care and empower patients to achieve better health outcomes. The knowledge that I am contributing to meaningful change in my community inspires and motivates me every day.”

When he learned about the PAF Scholarship Program and Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship, he was motivated to apply. “Joyce Nichols’ legacy as a trailblazer for African American PAs deeply resonated with me, motivating me to apply. Her story reminded me of the importance of perseverance and service, values I strive to embody in my career.”

Gifty Addison |  Illinois

Gifty Addison was born in Tema, Ghana, and moved to the United States when she was five years old. Addison received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biomedical science from Miami University in Ohio before attending the PA program at Rosalind Franklin University.

“As a Ghanaian immigrant and a woman, I’ve seen and experienced the undeniably apparent challenges that come with those identifiers alone,” she said. “So many individuals are being unheard, dismissed, and mistreated, leading to mistrusting the healthcare system. As a PA, I want to help rebuild that trust in my community and advocate for other immigrants.”

The Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship helped relieve some of Addison’s financial burden and allowed her to continue the steps needed to accomplish her goals. “Scholarships like this are essential because they provide hope.”

Mallory Pitchford  |  Tennessee

Mallory Pitchford is from Richmond, Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Hampton University, and once she learned about the PA profession, she knew it was the right fit for her. Pitchford joined Meharry Medical College’s PA program in Nashville, Tennessee, and is expected to graduate in May 2025.

“As a future minority PA, I aspire to become a provider that allows patients from diverse backgrounds to feel comfortable when seeking care,” she said. “These scholarships help push future minority providers to reach the end goal of providing a safe space in medicine for other minorities who may feel unheard or unseen.”

Pitchford was motivated to apply to this scholarship due to the legacy and path Joyce Nichols paved for other African American students. “I will always be an advocate for pushing other students like myself to apply for these opportunities,” she said. “Opportunities like these allow students to highlight what makes them unique and the challenges they may have overcome.”

[The 2025 PAF Scholarship Program application cycle is open from February 3 to March 17. Apply today!]

Make an Impact on Future PA Leaders
“Your support plays a direct role in helping students like me grow in our education and future profession,” Deavens said. “By donating to scholarships, you’re not just giving money—you’re contributing to the success of future PAs all over the country.”

Make a gift to support the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship today!

Visit the PAF website for more information on scholarships like the Joyce Nichols Memorial Scholarship and how you can support the next generation of PAs.

Alex Morse is AAPA’s Communications Associate. She can be reached at [email protected].

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