Fall grad exemplifies power of mentoring, research experience
- Rachel Robles
- Student success
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos | Rob Salazar, Video
5 – minute read
Looking toward his future as an emergency medicine physician assistant, Stephen Vale, 27, has been reflecting on the path and people who got him where he is today. On Dec. 14 he received his master of physician assistant studies during Florida Gulf Coast University’s fall commencement.
Vale’s interest in psychology began early. As one of nine children, his siblings often turned to him for support. His own experiences with bullying during his middle and high school years inspired him to try to understand people and their behaviors and how to better support others.
But it was his undergraduate civic engagement project at Special Equestrians — a therapeutic riding center offering equine-assisted activities and therapies — that became pivotal in his academic path leading him to medicine.
“While working with individuals who faced significant barriers to care, I saw firsthand how uneven access to healthcare can be,” said Vale. “That experience shifted my focus from wanting to help people primarily on a psychological level to wanting to make a broader impact by addressing the healthcare gap in a more direct, clinical way.”
FGCU’s ‘2+2’ path to a bachelor’s degree
Vale first learned about FGCU while he was completing his dual-enrollment studies at Florida SouthWestern State College when his academic advisor suggested he explore FGCU as an option for continuing his undergraduate studies. FGCU has what’s known as a “2+2 agreement” with FSW and other partner schools to offer associate’s degree recipients a seamless transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Vale completed his bachelor’s in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience and cognition, along with a biology minor. While shadowing various healthcare professionals, Vale learned more about a physician assistant’s role and that the position originated in part to help bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for underserved populations.
“Throughout my PA training and clinical rotations, I developed a strong passion for both primary care and emergency medicine,” said Vale. “I hope to build a career that allows me to integrate both fields. In addition to clinical practice, I plan to continue my research efforts to contribute to evidence-based medicine and support ongoing improvements in patient care.”
Transformative mentorship in research
While taking a research methods course with another professor in 2017, Vale was introduced to Todd McElroy, an associate professor of psychology. He began assisting McElroy with data work on one of his projects, and within a few months developed a poster presentation that Vale took to the Southeastern Psychological Association Conference (SEPA). Afterward, McElroy wanted to publish the project with Vale — not as a student researcher, but as an author.
“That moment changed everything for me,” said Vale. “Our relationship grew into one built on collaboration, trust and mutual respect. His mentorship transformed my academic experience. Instead of feeling like I was simply a student moving through courses, he helped me feel like a true collaborator within the broader academic community. Working with him strengthened my confidence, shaped my critical-thinking abilities, and refined the way I approach evidence-based practice.”
In turn, Vale became a mentor to junior researchers after his promotion to student research director in McElroy’s lab. In this role, Vale worked directly with incoming students and guided them through every stage of the research process, creating training modules and instructional videos.
“Mentoring taught me a great deal about leadership, patience and the importance of clear communication,” said Vale. “It taught me how rewarding it is to support others as they grow academically and professionally. Watching students present their posters at SEPA and knowing I had played a part in their development was incredibly meaningful. It reminded me of where I started and allowed me to see the process come full circle.”
Bound for a distinguished career
“In my 20 years of mentoring students, I can state without reservation that Stephen is among the finest students I have ever had the privilege to work with,” said McElroy. “His intellectual curiosity, uncompromising integrity and genuine compassion for others create a rare combination that will undoubtedly lead to a distinguished career in healthcare.”
To date, Vale and McElroy have published two manuscripts and are actively working on additional projects. Vale is also preparing his first single-authored manuscript based on his capstone project about vaccination and HIV. He also recently completed his own peer review of an academic journal. Vale has presented research 10 times at SEPA, the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Conference in Australia and various events at FGCU.
“I would like to add how deeply meaningful my relationship with Dr. McElroy has been,” said Vale. “Over the years, he has become far more than a mentor. He has become a lifelong friend and someone whose guidance has shaped both my academic journey and my personal development. His belief in me, from the very beginning, helped me recognize my own potential, and the impact he has had on my life is something I will always value.
“The support I received throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies helped shape me into the person and future clinician I am today.”