SHREVEPORT, La. – LSU Health Shreveport Foundation has awarded the first Bradie James Scholarship to student Phoebe Vi, providing financial support to help her pursue her healthcare education and career goals. The scholarship honors academic excellence and aims to reduce the financial barriers faced by aspiring health professionals.
Bradie James, a former LSU All-American linebacker and 10-year NFL veteran, established the scholarship to give back to his home state. James, who played for the Dallas Cowboys and was the first player in franchise history to lead the team in tackles for six consecutive seasons, has remained active in philanthropy since his retirement.
He founded the Bradie James Foundation 56 in memory of his mother, focusing on education, mammogram screenings, diagnostic testing, and therapy programs for breast cancer patients and survivors.
“As a proud Louisiana native, I’ve seen firsthand how access to quality healthcare can transform lives and uplift entire communities,” James said. “Supporting LSU Health Shreveport means investing in the future of our state, ensuring that families from Monroe to New Orleans receive the care they deserve.”
The scholarship benefits students in LSU Health Shreveport’s School of Health Professions and Sciences, supporting those committed to improving preventive care and wellness across Louisiana.
“This scholarship reflects our shared commitment to building a stronger, healthier future for our state,” said Dr. Sharon Dunn, dean of the School of Health Professions and Sciences. “By supporting our students, we’re cultivating the next generation of healthcare leaders who will champion wellness and compassionate care in every community they serve.”
Scholarship recipient Phoebe Vi, a first-generation college student from Abbeville, Louisiana, is part of the Physician Assistant Class of 2027. Inspired by her own experiences with healthcare disparities and the loss of her father, Vi said the scholarship honors her family’s sacrifices and her commitment to serve others.
“It is a tribute to the resilience, love and sacrifice that have guided my journey thus far,” Vi said. “I am deeply grateful for this support as I continue working to become the kind of provider who gives back to the communities that have shaped me.”
More information about scholarship opportunities is available at lsuhsfoundation.org/about-scholarships.