Founders’ Leadership Award

*  Rising OMS III student
*  Enrolled and in good standing in the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
*  Demonstrated leadership capability
*  Demonstrated excellence in academic achievement

*  Personal statement describing noteworthy accomplishments in student activities supporting OSU-COM and the osteopathic profession which demonstrate the applicant’s ability to be a leader. The personal statement should highlight how the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and upholds the purpose of this award. It should also highlight leadership activities and experiences that add to the individual’s worthiness to receive this award. (written by applicant)
*  Current photo (in jpg or png format)
*  CV outlining participation as a leader in osteopathic organizations at the COM, state or national level.
*  Transcript (a current unofficial transcript is acceptable)
*  One faculty letter of recommendation, optional (may be emailed separately to mcaine@osteopathicfounders.org)

Applicants will be reviewed based on the following criteria…
*  Leadership position(s) in osteopathic organizations at the COM, state or national level.
*  Excels academically.
*  Leadership activities improve and support OSU-COM and the osteopathic profession.
*  Personal statement describes views on the importance of physician leadership in the osteopathic profession.
*  Serves in community organizations as an active volunteer (not required through OSU-COM).

After the committee reviews the applications, each applicant will be notified of his/her status. Please allow 6-8 weeks for the notification from the close of the application.

Additional questions may be directed to Michele Caine at 918-551-7300 or mcaine@osteopathicfounders.org.

The application is now closed for the 2025-2026 academic year. Please check back on February 1, 2026 when the application will reopen for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Osteopathic Founders Foundation is honored to announce Gracie Schultheis as the recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Leadership Award.

Gracie graduated cum laude from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Biology and has continued to distinguish herself as a student leader and advocate for excellence within the osteopathic community. She currently serves as the Interim President for the OSU-COM Class of 2027, where she leads with integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to her classmates and the mission of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Throughout her time at OSU-COM, Gracie has demonstrated exceptional leadership in multiple organizations, including serving in leadership roles with Business Leadership in Medical Practice and the Student American Medical Women’s Association (SAMWA). Her dedication to professional growth and service is further reflected in her membership in both the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, recognizing her academic excellence, compassion, and ethical leadership.

Gracie was also selected as a 3+1 medical student, an honor that allowed her senior year of undergraduate study to serve as her first year of medical school, underscoring her academic strength and readiness for the rigors of osteopathic training.

Her leadership, academic achievement, and service to others embody the spirit of the Founders’ Leadership Award, which celebrates students who demonstrate the vision, initiative, and commitment to lead the osteopathic profession into the future.

2014	Matthew L. Haney, Matthew W. Smith
2015	Taylor J. Craft
2016	Owais Durrani
2019	Christopher L. McNeil
2020	Rebecca Gaglia, Anh Lam, Toni Nigro
2021	Adrianna Elbon
2022	Jordyn Austin, Alexander Douglas
2023	Joseph Schnitker, Deserée Jones
2024	Joanna George
2025	Gracie Schultheis