Southwest Virginia Community College Establishes Scholarship to Honor Late EMS Leader, Bill Akers Jr

Photo bycourtesy of Washington County Lifesaving Crew, Inc./Facebook

Memorial Scholarship Aims to Support Future EMS Professionals in Southwest Virginia

RICHLANDS, Va. - Southwest Virginia Community College’s Education Foundation has announced the creation of the William “Bill” Akers, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, a new fund dedicated to supporting students pursuing careers in emergency medical services (EMS). The scholarship honors the legacy of William “Bill” Akers, Jr., a respected local paramedic, educator, and long-time director of the college’s EMS programs, who passed away on Thursday.

The announcement was made Monday by the college, which described the scholarship as a tribute to Akers’ significant contributions to EMS education in Southwest Virginia. The fund will provide financial assistance to EMS students at the college, helping to cultivate the next generation of emergency responders in the region.

Dr. Bob Mueller, a close friend and former colleague of Akers, jumpstarted the scholarship with an initial donation of $5,000. “Bill Akers epitomized a dedication to improving emergency medical care throughout Southwest Virginia by elevating the training and skill levels of pre-hospital providers,” Mueller said in a statement. “He will be greatly missed. This scholarship will ensure his passion endures.”

Southwest Virginia Community College is now seeking additional donations to match Mueller’s contribution, with the goal of endowing the scholarship with a minimum of $10,000. The college emphasized that every contribution will help sustain the scholarship for years to come, ensuring that Akers’ legacy continues to impact the EMS community.

Individuals interested in contributing to the scholarship fund are encouraged to contact Dr. Susan Lowe at 276-964-7304, visit the SWCC Education Foundation’s website at sw.edu/foundation, or email susan.lowe@sw.edu.

Akers was a distinguished figure in the EMS community, having served in various capacities throughout his career. His roles included teaching chemistry at St. Paul High School, working as a flight paramedic with the Virginia State Police’s Med-Flight program, and serving as captain of the Lebanon Lifesaving Crew. His influence extended across the Commonwealth, where he mentored numerous paramedic programs and inspired countless EMS professionals.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Akers was awarded the Governor’s EMS Award for Excellence in EMS by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2023, underscoring his impact on the field.

The William “Bill” Akers, Jr. Memorial Scholarship not only honors his memory but also aims to uphold the high standards of EMS education he championed. By supporting aspiring EMS professionals, the scholarship will help ensure that Akers’ dedication to public service and emergency care continues to benefit Southwest Virginia for generations to come.

Sources:

• Virginia Office of EMS: Background on the Governor’s EMS Awards and William "Bill" Akers, Jr.'s recognition for excellence in EMS.
• Southwest Virginia Community College: Information on the EMS programs and the SWCC Education Foundation’s scholarship initiatives.
• Virginia State Police: Details about the Med-Flight program and Akers’ involvement.