Equestrian's Jordan Scott is a finalist for prestigious post-graduate scholarship
Doing good for the sake of others is nothing new for Jordan Scott. The senior on South Carolina’s equestrian team plans on attending Physician’s Assistant (P.A.) School after she earns her undergraduate degree in exercise science this spring. In addition to academics and athletics commitments, Scott is devoted to community service and is a finalist for the Brad Davis Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship from the Southeastern Conference that will help her continue to make an impact in her field.
“Service is something I’ve always taken very seriously,” Scott said. “Every time I’m involved in community service of any sort, my eyes were opened to see things a little bit differently.
“I was really shocked when I heard about the scholarship, and I’m incredibly thankful for the scholarship. Honestly, I was a little scared about taking out loans for grad school, so this really helps a lot. I was recently accepted into the South College P.A. school program in Knoxville, Tennessee.”
Each of the SEC’s 14 schools nominates a male and female finalist for the award, which guarantees they will receive some assistance to apply to their post-graduate education. One male and one female Davis Award finalist each receive a $10,000 post-graduate scholarship, provided by the SEC. The 26 remaining male and female finalists for the award receive a $5,000 post-graduate scholarship.
Scott has performed more than 350 hours of community service during her career which included local efforts with Curing Kids Cancer and Pawmetto Lifeline. She also went on a 10-day medical service trip with Med Life to Ecuador as a junior.
“In Ecuador, we helped doctors, dentists and an OBGYN; spending time by their sides to help them and take vital signs of patients,” Scott said.
“Whether it’s seeing a six year old girl learn how to brush her teeth for the first time in Ecuador, or with Curing Kids Cancer, watching a look of happiness come over a child’s face that has been battling cancer, it just opens your eyes and allows you to see things differently. That’s something that can’t be replaced.”
“It’s all about time management and realizing how much time that you do have available during the day.”
A native of Bristol, Tenn., Scott’s dedication to service led her to her chosen career path.
“I have been involved with community service ever since I was little,” Scott said. “That’s something that my mom held value to, and she got me into community service. In helping people, that’s what made me realize what I wanted to do with my life. I started volunteering at my local hospital and figured that’s what I wanted to do.”
Through her participation in South Carolina’s Beyond Sports Professional Development and Summer Internship Program last year, Scott worked under former Gamecock diver Chay Malvasio (2011-2013), who is a physician’s assistant at Palmetto Health USC Orthopedics. With all that is going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, Scott isn’t scared about the path she has chosen.
“I’m not rethinking it at all,” Scott said. “It makes me want to move forward and get into it and start helping in any way that I can.”
A well-rounded student-athlete, Scott has found success in academics and athletics. Holding a 3.95 grade point average, she has earned numerous academic accolades during her career after being named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, NCEA All-Academic First Team, and the Farnam All-Academic First Team, among others. In the equestrian ring, she was named to the SEC All-Freshman team in 2017 and ranks eighth all-time at South Carolina in reining victories.
“It’s all about time management and realizing how much time that you do have available during the day,” Scott said of her busy schedule. “I have a tougher time doing things when I have so much spare time. When I fill my schedule by doing community service, taking care of my grades, and all that’s going on with the team, it seems like it’s easier to get things done.”
The SEC Community Service Post-Graduate Scholarship was named for former Associate Commissioner Brad Davis, who passed away from cancer in 2006. The award recipients are chosen by a committee of Faculty Athletics Representatives from the 14 SEC institutions.
