KEARNEY – As communities across the state continue to face health care provider shortages, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is investing in students committed to changing that reality.
More than 60 high school seniors have been selected to join the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) this fall, beginning their academic journeys at UNK with the goal of serving rural Nebraska as future health care professionals.
These students from the KBRX have been selected:
Atkinson – Pavan Larson, nursing
Burwell – Zella Smith, pharmacy
O’Neill – Suhani Chaudhari, nursing
O’Neill – Leah Wiese, physical therapy
Pierce – Emily Endorf, nursing
Representing communities from the Panhandle to the Missouri River, the incoming students were chosen for their academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment to practicing in rural or medically underserved areas.
“These students represent the future of health care in Nebraska,” said Peggy Abels, director of UNK Health Sciences. “The work they begin at UNK will have a ripple effect across the state, expanding access to care, strengthening local health systems and ultimately improving the quality of life for countless Nebraskans.”
According to data from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, more than 80% of the state’s health diagnosing and treating practitioners are located in metropolitan areas, while much of the state remains federally designated as medically underserved. Programs like KHOP are designed to address that imbalance by recruiting students from rural communities and supporting them through professional training.
Launched in 2010, KHOP provides financial assistance, academic support and professional development opportunities for students pursuing careers in 12 different health professions: dental hygiene, dentistry, medical laboratory science, medical nutrition, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, public health and radiography. Many participants receive full-tuition scholarships to attend UNK and guaranteed admission to UNMC upon successful completion of program requirements.
Through the Douglas A. Kristensen Rural Health Education Complex, most students can complete both undergraduate and professional training in Kearney before entering practice. The model reflects a shared commitment by UNK and UNMC to educate providers closer to the communities they are most likely to serve.
As part of the KHOP Learning Community, first-year participants live together in a residential setting that provides structured academic support and early exposure to health careers. Students meet with health care providers, tour medical facilities and build connections that prepare them for professional school and future practice. The program provides a $2,000 scholarship for all KHOP Learning Community members during the first year.
More than 170 students are currently part of KHOP, and the 67 high school seniors accepted for fall 2026 represent the second-largest class in program history.
“The continued interest in KHOP shows that students across Nebraska are ready to step up and address the health care challenges facing our state,” Abels said. “We’re excited to welcome these outstanding individuals into our community, and we look forward to supporting them as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in the years ahead.”
For more information on the KHOP program, visit unk.edu/khop
