Alumna Hopes to Help Address Shortage of Health Care Workers
Janet Brumfield establishes scholarship for students pursuing health care degrees
OXFORD, Miss. – A University of Mississippi alumna hopes to ease the path for students pursuing careers in health care.
With gifts totaling $100,000, Janet Brumfield, of Atlanta, has established a scholarship endowment to help reduce the financial burden for students from southwest Mississippi working toward degrees in physical therapy and nursing.
"These health care professions have touched my life deeply, and supporting future caregivers feels especially important," said Brumfield, a 1976 graduate of the School of Health Related Professions at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She later earned a master's degree in educational administration from Mississippi State University.
During her years in Mississippi, Brumfield practiced physical therapy at Methodist Rehabilitation Center, working on the stroke/CVA service and establishing its cardiopulmonary service. She also served as an associate professor of physical therapy before relocating to Georgia.
Her professional career in Atlanta spanned decades at Northside Hospital, where she held various roles including manager of rehabilitation services, operations improvement specialist and manager of outpatient radiation oncology and infusion.
"After retiring, I spent time reflecting on my life, my career and the people who helped me along the way," Brumfield said. "As part of my estate planning, I wanted to give back in a way that felt meaningful. Supporting scholarships became a natural choice.
"By directing my gifts to SHRP and to students from my home region of southwest Mississippi, I can honor the community that raised me in McComb and the education that shaped my professional life."
Brumfield's commitment to the school is also a family legacy: her sisters, Brenda Brumfield Swords and Dennie "Betsy" Brumfield Naugle, both earned dental hygiene degrees from the school and enjoyed long, successful careers.
Jay Garner, the school's dean, expressed appreciation for Brumfield's vision in helping students pursue their educational goals.
UM physical therapy students practice skills in class at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Photo by Joe Ellis/UMMC Communications
"Scholarships like this can open doors for students who might otherwise be unable to afford higher education," Garner said. "Beyond easing tuition costs, they validate a student's hard work, character and potential, often becoming life-changing investments in both students' futures and in the communities they will serve."
Brumfield said she directed a portion of her gift to nursing to help address the persistent shortage of students entering the profession.
Recent data reveal significant increases in nursing vacancies and turnover statewide during the past decade. In 2023, Mississippi reported about 1,500 open nursing positions, with turnover rates exceeding 20% in many regions.
"Janet Brumfield's gift will help meet the urgent need for more students entering our profession," said Tina Martin, dean of the School of Nursing. "Her generosity sends a powerful message that our students' commitment to caring for others is valued and supported, inspiring them to remain in the field."
A native of McComb, Brumfield proudly claims ties to both Mississippi and Louisiana after spending part of her youth in New Orleans. She credits her upbringing for instilling a strong sense of community.
Physical therapy students practice helping patients move around at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Photo by Lindsay Murtray/UMMC Communications
"Growing up, I benefited from a close‑knit community that believed in its young people," she recalled. "I was raised by a 'village' of family, neighbors, teachers and mentors who encouraged me every step of the way. While the community has changed, many young people still possess the ability and determination to create better futures for themselves.
"My hope is that these scholarships will ease the financial burden of education and let students know that someone believes in their potential. This is my way of paying forward the support I once received."
Brumfield played French horn in the Mississippi Lions All‑State Band for three years and attended the University of Mississippi on a music scholarship. She played in the Pride of the South marching band and the university's symphonic orchestra before transferring to UMMC.
Over the years, she has volunteered with the United Way, the American Physical Therapy Association's Georgia Chapter and the Foundation for Physical Therapy. She is also a national recipient of the Lucy Blair Service Award, recognizing distinguished service to the community.
In retirement, Brumfield sought a meaningful way to serve others and became involved with Solidarity Sandy Springs, an organization addressing food insecurity by providing access to fresh, nutritious food. Its pantry serves 750-850 families per week.
After contributing hundreds of volunteer hours, she was recently named to the organization's board of directors.
Widowed after a 35‑year marriage, Brumfield lives in Sandy Springs, Georgia, with her two dogs.
To support the University of Mississippi Medical Center, click here or contact Brad Ewing, director of development, at gewing1@umc.edu or 601-815-5893.
Top: Physical therapy students in the School of Health Related Professions practice skills learned in class. Retired physical therapist Janet Brumfield has established a scholarship endowment to help reduce the financial burden for students from southwest Mississippi seeking degrees in physical therapy and nursing. Photo by Lindsay Murtray/UMMC Communications