Kelsey Hall earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2021. She went on to physician assistant school, spending two years preparing for her career in medicine. She has been practicing as a physician assistant in dermatology for three years, helping patients across Illinois. 

Why UIS?

Kelsey chose UIS for two main reasons. It was close to her hometown, Macomb, Illinois, and UIS was a good value. It was also very affordable compared to other colleges she looked at. When she got here, she loved that all her professors knew her by name and that the classes were small enough that she could get to know everyone in class. 

“It made college a much more intimate experience and it was really nice knowing I could always approach my professors or classmates for help. “

With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, professors know more than just students' names. UIS professors understand students’ strengths, interests, and goals. Faculty connect students with experiential opportunities and help develop leadership skills. This happens in the classroom, through student organizations and internships.

As a member of the Honors Program, she received multiple scholarships from the capital honors program. Kelsey also took classes outside of her major. This challenged her to think differently and consider new perspectives.

Today, that skill carries over into her work as a healthcare provider. Every patient comes from a different background and has different experiences, concerns and needs. Keeping an open mind allows Kelsey to build trust with patients and provide more compassionate care.

Making Memories at UIS

Some of Kelsey's favorite UIS memories happened outside the classroom. During Springfest, she spent time playing volleyball, competing in mud tug-of-war, and making memories with her teammates. 

She also participated in Alternative Spring Break for two years. Kelsey says this was an experience she still considers her favorite part of college.

“ASB is my favorite thing I participated in during college. We went to Puerto Rico my sophomore year and had a blast and were able to participate in some great projects including restoring a grade school.”

In addition to service opportunities, Kelsey served as Risk Management Chair in Tri Sigma. The role introduced her to leadership opportunities. It also allowed her to attend a national conference, where she connected with members from across the country.

The Tri Sigma sorority is no longer an active sorority at UIS, but please see our other active sororities.

From UIS to Physician Assistant

Getting accepted into physician assistant school is highly competitive. Only 20–36% of PA school applicants are accepted each year. Dermatology remains one of the most specialized areas of practice, with just over 4% of physician assistants working in the field.

Kelsey says her UIS classes and professors gave her the individual attention she needed to succeed academically and prepare for the next step in her education. Beyond the classroom, UIS encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone through leadership opportunities, service experiences, and involvement on campus.

“UIS helped me push myself out of my comfort zone.”

The confidence and skills she developed at UIS helped her navigate the challenges of PA school and led her to a career where she serves patients as a kind and compassionate provider.

Kelsey's UIS experience was about more than earning a degree. It was about growing both personally and professionally. It was about challenging coursework, campus involvement and meaningful relationships with faculty and peers. These invaluable experiences continue to shape her career and who she is today.