Featuring Brogan Foote of Wayne, who is majoring in Biology (Pre-Dentistry) at Wayne State College.
Unlike most of us, Brogan Foote didn’t dread going to the dentist as a kid – in fact, Foote’s family dentist would help him form his career choice. Foote, a junior from Wayne, Neb., who is majoring in Life Sciences/Biology at Wayne State, is this week’s subject of the Student Spotlight Series.
“Dr. (Robert) Burrows made sure every visit was welcoming and comfortable, which is a standard I intend to continue in my future as a dentist,” said Foote, who is an alternate in the Rural Health Opportunities Program (Dentistry) at Wayne State. “As generic as it sounds, I have always enjoyed helping others. I was drawn to dentistry because I get to form numerous meaningful relationships with patients that have a lasting impact. Also, I love working with my hands, and dentistry allows me to constantly work with my hands.”
Growing up in Wayne, Foote said he always heard great things about Wayne State. How great the professors were, the small and personal class sizes, and the welcoming student body.
“I was really impressed with how quickly this place felt like home,” said Foote. “Campus is always a welcoming and supportive scene. My professors know my name and take a genuine interest in my success. My classmates create a positive environment where everybody shows support and care for each other. Wayne State is a place where everyone you encounter seems truly invested in your well-being and success.”
Students selected for RHOP come from rural Nebraska. They know the unique needs of their community, and they are dedicated and passionate about their home state and its rural health care needs. RHOP represents that commitment and prepares students to return to rural Nebraska and care for its citizens.
Rural communities make up a majority of Nebraska. They are the lifeblood of the state and deserve quality medical care. Established and successful for more than 25 years, RHOP is a special cooperative program between Wayne State College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) to meet that need.
Wayne State’s Biology degree program lays the groundwork needed for students entering medical or professional school after graduation, where Wayne State graduates have attended top medical schools such as Nebraska’s own UNMC College of Medicine and even Johns Hopkins University.
At Wayne State, Foote is active in the Philomathean President’s Honorary Society. He also serves as vice president of the Pre-Dental Club and as a Peer Tutor for the Holland Academic Success Center.
Foote is scheduled to graduate in May 2027. He plans to attend dental school at the UNMC College of Dentistry and open his own dental practice someday.
Fun Fact: “I have a Lego car collection that contains about 30 cars.”