After Steven Kraft, PA ʼ76, MD ʼ81, was admitted to the UF College of Medicine’s third physician assistant class, he went on to complete an internal medicine internship and residency, then a cardiovascular fellowship at UF. This led him to a 26-year clinical and teaching career in Gainesville, spanning HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, UF and the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Now, he and his wife, fellow UF alumna Randy Kraft, have established the Dr. Steven M. Kraft and Mrs. Randy E. Kraft Endowed Scholarship to honor academic achievement, clinical excellence, leadership skills and community service for graduating PA students.

“I’m fortunate to have achieved my dream of becoming a physician and to have trained in the PA program,” Steven Kraft said. “It’s a privilege for my wife and me to establish this scholarship.”

UF School of PA Studies Director Melissa K. Turley, PharmD, MPAS ʼ05, said that now more than ever, PAs are critically needed as advanced practitioners who fill gaps in the health care landscape.

“Scholarships like the one established by the Krafts help support well-rounded students who can immediately impact our communities,” she said.

One such student is the scholarship’s inaugural recipient, Amanda Reeder. A double Gator whose family member faced significant health challenges, Reeder feels pursuing this path is a calling.

“Patients value not only clinical skill but also compassion, trust and clear communication during vulnerable moments,” she said.