When Shaniya Jacobs-Lanier crossed the stage at Samford University’s commencement ceremony this spring, she was already preparing for her next major milestone. Just days later, the Howard College of Arts and Sciences graduate was commissioned into the United States Air Force through Air Force ROTC Detachment 012.
Jacobs-Lanier, a biochemistry major with minors in biology and aerospace studies, was the only Samford student commissioned into the Air Force this year. This fall, she will attend Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, through the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP).
For Jacobs-Lanier, the opportunity represents both a professional achievement and a calling to serve others.
“Commissioning means that I will get to serve my country at a national level,” Jacobs-Lanier said. “I am passionate about serving others, and being an officer allows me to encourage growth in others as I lead them through each mission.”
Although she will spend the next several years focused on dental school, Jacobs-Lanier said she is eager to begin the journey toward a career in military dentistry and future leadership within the Air Force.
Throughout her time at Samford, Jacobs-Lanier balanced rigorous coursework with the demands of Air Force ROTC, experiences she said helped equip her for both military service and graduate education.
“I have learned how I operate in team environments, how I react under various levels and types of stress, and the many ways one person can serve others in a deeply impactful way,” she said.
Faculty members said Jacobs-Lanier’s leadership, professionalism and commitment to service distinguished her throughout her time at Samford.
Chris Pursell, chair of Samford’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said Jacobs-Lanier consistently demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
“Shaniya is very smart, competent, hard-working, mature, responsible, dedicated and concerned about the needs of others,” Pursell said. “I am confident that she will be a great dental student and will become an excellent dentist.”
Pursell also highlighted Jacobs-Lanier’s involvement in undergraduate research, student recruitment efforts and leadership roles within Air Force ROTC and the department’s chemistry stockroom. He described her as someone who “goes above and beyond to help get the job done” and said she has the character and work ethic necessary to succeed in both military and medical settings.
Jacobs-Lanier also credited Samford’s Christ-centered environment for shaping her personally and professionally.
“Samford exudes the Christian values that I have aligned myself with my entire life, so it has been a pleasure to learn, grow and receive mentorship in an environment focused on developing the children of God,” she said.
At Case Western Reserve, Jacobs-Lanier said she looks forward to joining a program that reminds her of Samford because of its investment in students and learning spaces.
She said the HPSP scholarship will allow her to fully focus on her education and future service without the burden of financial stress.
“HPSP will allow me to focus on my studies while affording me the freedom from financial burdens,” she said. “I couldn’t ask for a greater blessing from God.”
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