Background
Paula Myers-Keith graduated from West Liberty State College in 1971 with a degree in biology. She went on to receive an MS degree in microbiology from West Virginia University in 1973 and a PhD in microbiology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1978. For more than 35 years, Dr. Keith directed Research and Development in the Biopharmaceutical industry. Of particular note: she was a strategic hire at Wyeth-Lederle to lead the Bacterial Vaccine Process development team and make the clinical lots to obtain FDA approval of the vaccine Prevnar (for prevention of streptococcal pneumonia in infants and the elderly) and later at Novartis to lead the Viral Vaccine R&D portfolio (including the seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines Flucelvax and Fluad). In both cases, the criteria for Dr. Keith’s selection was the breadth and depth of her scientific training which began at West Liberty.
In 2022, Dr. Keith established this endowed scholarship to provide opportunities for West Virginia students who intend to pursue a career in the field of science. As a student at West Liberty State College and the daughter of a widow on a fixed income, Dr. Keith relied on teaching and lab assistantships to help defray tuition and college expenses. It is her hope that this scholarship will support students who share her interest in science and the desire to make it their career.
Uses and Purposes
The Paula Myers-Keith Scholarship has been created to financially aid students majoring in Biology or Chemistry who intend to pursue a career in science. The amount of the yearly scholarship and number of recipients will be based on income available in the fund.
Minimum Requirements for Consideration:
- West Virginia resident
- Enrolled as a major in Biology or Chemistry
- 3.0 GPA
If you are a prospective or current student interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact the Professor of Biology at 304-336-8284.