August 16, 2024

Nearly 40 years after beginning her physician assistant (PA) courses, UMB security officer Evelyn Greenhill now beams with pride as she shows off her own short white coat. The 70-year-old was shocked to hear her name called during a ceremony this year honoring the PA Class of 2025.

“[Greenhill] confided in me one day that she took all her prerequisite courses to attend PA school many, many years back,” said Cherilyn “Cheri” Hendrix, DHEd, MSBME, DFAAPA, assistant dean for physician assistant education. With just one year left in the program, Greenhill withdrew to take care of her two children. “That tugged at my heart. I could see in her eyes how she is still bothered to this day that she could not finish what she started. ... I wanted Evelyn to be our ‘honorary’ PA student,” Hendrix added. Greenhill says she enjoys working behind the scenes. She is devout in her faith and says it grounds her in her work. Her care is clear to those who work with her and students who pass her desk each day.

Read more about Ms. Greenhill.