Rad tech society establishes scholarships in memory of 2 influential members

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is establishing two scholarships to posthumously honor two of its longstanding, dedicated members. 

The ASRT Foundation is offering the scholarships in memoriam of ASRT Life Members Mattie Tabron, EdD, and Bettye Wilson, MA Ed. Each woman played a significant role in advancing the medical imaging and radiation therapy professions, the society said. The Dr. Mattie Tabron Entry-level Radiation Therapy Scholarship and the Bettye Wilson Entry-level Medical Imaging Scholarship are intended to gives others the opportunity to do the same. 

Dr. Mattie Tabron’s career in imaging spanned a period of more than 45 years. Tabron was the first Black woman to be named an ASRT fellow—something she described as her “greatest honor”—and the first radiation therapist to have a seat among the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist’s board of trustees. Tabron also is credited with establishing the first baccalaureate degree program for radiation therapy in the United States at Howard University, in addition to the numerous other honors she earned throughout her career. Tabron passed away peacefully in August, remembered as “a trailblazer in education and healthcare” who was loved by many, according to an obituary.

Bettye Wison also is considered a leading figure in the field of medical imaging and education. Wilson began her imaging career in 1970 and mastered multiple modalities before transitioning into education. She served as an associate professor emerita at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as president of the UAB African American Faculty Association and contributed to the UAB Commission on the Status of Women. Wilson dedicated over five decades of service to medical imaging sciences, with over 32 years as an educator at the UAB School of Health Professions while also holding multiple leadership roles within the profession. She taught and mentored countless students throughout her career. 

ASRT has established a webpage where donations to help fund the scholarships can be made. For more information, click here.