When a student from a regional public university lands a spot in a competitive national health professions program at an Ivy League medical center, it says something about both the student and the institution that prepared them. For Albany State University junior Jose Holmes II, that moment arrived this summer at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The Berkeley, California native and Health and Human Performance major spent his summer alongside undergraduates from across the country in the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), an immersive experience designed to introduce students to healthcare careers through academic enrichment, professional development, mentorship and direct exposure to the health professions. For Holmes, the program sharpened his understanding of physical therapy and reinforced his determination to pursue graduate study in that field.
“Participating in SHPEP was an exciting and transformative experience. I learned alongside students from across the country who shared my interest in healthcare careers. Through academic instruction, professional development workshops and exposure to physical therapy, I gained a better understanding of the demands and rewards of becoming a healthcare professional. Living and studying in New York City also challenged me to become more independent, confident and adaptable.”
Holmes said a key takeaway from the program was that succeeding in healthcare demands more than strong grades. He learned that effective communication, compassion, cultural awareness, professionalism and the ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds are just as essential to delivering quality care as technical knowledge.
The experience also underscored the value of building professional networks, seeking out mentors and starting graduate school preparations early.
“SHPEP confirmed that being a Doctor of Physical Therapy is the career path I want to pursue. I want to become a compassionate healthcare professional who can make a positive difference in the lives of others, and this experience helped me better understand what that responsibility requires.”
Holmes credits Albany State University’s academic environment and the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program for helping him compete for such a selective opportunity. Through rigorous coursework, faculty mentorship and his Honors Program involvement, he has built the academic discipline, confidence and professional awareness necessary to seek out experiences beyond the classroom.
“My professors have challenged me to think critically, communicate effectively and take responsibility for my education. The Honors Program has provided guidance, mentorship and access to opportunities that have helped me become more confident in my abilities and more intentional about my career goals.”
SHPEP is a national initiative aimed at expanding access to health professions careers by helping undergraduate students prepare for graduate and professional education. Participating institutions offer academic enrichment, career exploration, mentorship and professional development to strengthen students’ readiness for advanced study.
For Holmes, the summer provided a chance to apply what he has learned at Albany State in a new academic setting while gaining a wider perspective on healthcare and the physical therapy profession.
Outside of his coursework, Holmes is active in the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Health and Human Performance Club. He has earned Dean’s List recognition and contributed to the ASU community through service supporting Honors Convocation preparations, a mathematics tournament and the Albany Marathon.
Those activities reflect his dedication to academic excellence, service and ongoing personal growth.
Looking ahead, Holmes plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree and continue building the knowledge and skills needed to serve patients from a variety of backgrounds.
“ASU has taught me the importance of preparation, perseverance, leadership and service. Because of the support I have received here, I feel better prepared to pursue graduate study and become the kind of healthcare professional who can make a meaningful difference.”
Albany State University’s Honors Program has a strong track record of placing students in prestigious summer programs at leading institutions, including Columbia University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Brown University, Duke University, UCLA and other nationally recognized research universities. These opportunities broaden students’ academic horizons while strengthening the University’s reputation for developing exceptional scholars and future leaders.
Why it matters: Holmes’ experience illustrates how structured mentorship and rigorous undergraduate preparation can open doors to elite graduate pathways — particularly for students from institutions that may not always be in the national spotlight. As healthcare fields grow more competitive, programs like SHPEP and the support systems at schools like ASU are proving essential for building a diverse, well-prepared workforce.
Rachel Lawrence, Ed.D.
Albany State University
+1 229-364-6683
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