USU Psychology Student Awarded Prestigious Military Scholarship
Hallie Tannahill is commissioned as a Second
Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Hallie Tannahill, a second-year student in the Combined Clinical/Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program at Utah State University, has been selected for the United States Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP). This unique and generous scholarship covers the cost of all tuition and fees and also awards a monthly allowance for living expenses. Tannahill will receive support for supplies and textbooks, and while continuing her education at Utah State University, she will participate in 45 days of active duty status in the Air Force annually. Following graduation, Tannahill will attend an 8-week officer training course and serve one year of active duty for each year of scholarship support.
“I’ve known for years that I wanted to pursue a career as a military psychologist, so the decision to apply for the HPSP was an easy one,” said Tannahill. “As an Air Force spouse, I’m familiar with military culture and am captivated by it. At the same time, I am aware of the high prevalence of mental illness within the military, along with the stigma associated with it.”
According to the Air Force website, there are opportunities for providers “to pursue research in conjunction with the Department of Defense, local, national and international government and academic institutions and industry.”
“I will have the chance to see the world, work with a diverse population, and obtain top-level training so as to best serve my Airmen,” said Tannahill. “Though my plan is to retire with the Air Force, the training I will receive will surely set me up well for any civilian career that may follow.”
She added that the process was a long one, but the financial stability, near guarantee of a career after graduation, and the ability to make a difference in the life of a service member make it a worthwhile journey. Tannahill was officially commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on May 3, 2019, at Hill Air Force Base in Roy, Utah.
Qualified applicants for the HPSP are U.S. citizens, must have an undergraduate degree and be enrolled in an accredited program. Read more information about the HPSP.