UVa-Wise graduate Donovan Mabe plans to support region through specialized medical treatment

Although his plans upon graduating from The University of Virginia’s College at Wise this year will take him far away from his hometown of Appalachia, Donovan Mabe doesn’t plan to stay away from Wise County forever.

A summa cum laude member of the Class of 2008, Mabe will share the “Moment of Reflection” with his fellow graduates during UVa-Wise Commencement Exercises on May 17.

Upon graduation, Mabe will pursue his medical degree at West Virginia University with plans for a career as an orthopedic surgeon.

“I would like to return to Wise County to open a practice,” says Mabe, who was the valedictorian of his high school. “Most people have to go somewhere else, so I’d like to be one of the few who offer this kind of treatment in the area.”

Mabe’s interest in the medical field was sparked by a course in cellular biology.

“It was fascinating,” Mabe says. “It made me think about things in a completely different way.”

At that point, Mabe knew he wanted to become a pre-med student at the College and majored in biology. The rest is history, and Mabe has nothing but good to say about his UVa-Wise experience.

“During my first two years, I commuted to school from home, and then I decided to live on campus,” Mabe says. “That’s when I flourished as a student.”

At the College, Mabe served as the president of the Pre-professional Club and joined the Highland Cavaliers football team for his senior year.

Unfortunately, Mabe broke his leg during the team’s spring game and had to sit out the fall season – a bit of irony for a student planning a career in orthopedic surgery to help patients with muscular and skeletal injuries.

“Regardless, I’d do it all over again,” Mabe says. “I had a great time with the team.”

Mabe also appreciates his experience as a student of the Department of Natural Sciences and is grateful to the department’s faculty for their help and support in enhancing his experience at the College.

“UVa-Wise became less like school, and more like a family,” Mabe says. “It’s been great for me.”

Posted May 5, 2008