Student Studies Healthcare at Mom's Alma Mater

Apr 29, 2026

By Katharine Jefcoats

Editor

Hannah Williams

To say Hannah Williams is actively active might be an understatement.

The Campbell University junior is studying kinesiology with a pre-physician assistant track and a minor in healthcare management.

She is one of 20 students across 11 SSPBA divisions to receive a PBF scholarship this year through a parent's membership in PBA. Her stepfather is Robert J. Maxbauer III, a K9 handler of K9 Jäger at Louisburg (N.C.) Police Department for almost a year.

In addition to her college hours, Hannah holds down a job as a CNA in home-health care to gain direct patient care experience.

“This role has given me the opportunity to assist patients with their daily needs, develop strong communication skills and learn how to provide compassionate care in a very personal setting,” she said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to build meaningful relationships with patients and their families while also gaining a deeper understanding of the realities and responsibilities of healthcare.

“These experiences together — from the discipline and teamwork I developed through dance to the hands-on caregiving skills I am building as a CNA — are shaping me into a more well-rounded and prepared future healthcare provider,” continued Hannah.

Hannah finishing up her nurse's aide certification program

Yes, dance.

“One of my longest-standing extracurricular activities has been competitive dance, which I began at a young age and continued through high school,” she said. “Being part of a dance team required consistent dedication, discipline and the ability to balance long hours of training and competitions with my academic responsibilities. It also taught me how to work collaboratively toward a shared goal, persevere through challenges and perform under pressure.”

Her passion for dance also ties into her major at Campbell.

“I chose kinesiology because it combines my passion for understanding the human body with my goal of becoming a physician assistant,” Hannah said. “The major challenges me to study movement, the body and rehabilitation, which is extremely valuable as I prepare for PA school.”

She recently added the minor to help strengthen her understanding of the business and organizational side of medicine.

“That way, I'm not only prepared to take care of patients on the clinical side, but I'll also understand how to work within teams, manage resources and navigate the healthcare system effectively,” said Hannah. “Together, the major and minor help me balance both the science and the leadership side of medicine, which I think will make me a stronger PA.”

Maxbauer said he shares Hannah's commitment to community and serving others.

“I chose to become a police officer because it gave me the opportunity to continue serving my community after my time in the military,” said Maxbauer. “In the military, I developed a strong sense of duty, discipline and commitment to protecting others, and I wanted to carry those values into civilian life. I was drawn to law enforcement because it aligns with my desire to serve, to lead by example and to be part of something larger than myself that directly contributes to the safety and well-being of others.”

Although receiving the scholarship naturally helps ease Hannah's financial burden, she added that she feels fortunate to be associated with PBF.

Check presentation photo: Mason Adams, board member with the Capital chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association presents a check to Hannah Williams. Hannah is from Louisburg, NC and attends Campbell University. She is majoring in kinesiology and hopes to become a physician assistant. Congratulations, Hannah!

“Although I'm not eligible for financial aid, scholarships make a huge difference in helping me pursue my education,” she said. “The Police Benevolent Foundation division scholarship, in particular, is especially meaningful to me because it not only eases the financial burden on my family but also connects me to an organization that values service and community support.

“Receiving this scholarship gives me the freedom to dedicate more time to my academics, leadership opportunities and volunteer work — experiences that are shaping me into the healthcare provider I hope to become,” continued Hannah.

Hannah said one of her career goals is to be in a position of leadership and mentor. Her mother, Stephanie Maxbauer, also attended Campbell, where she studied pharmacy. Hannah said Stephanie set an admirable example for her.

“From a young age, I admired her dedication to her education and career,” said Hannah. “What makes her influence even more meaningful is that for many years, she raised my brother and me on her own, balancing the demands of being both a parent and a professional.

“Watching her handle those responsibilities with strength and determination showed me what resilience truly looks like,” she continued. “She not only provided for us but also instilled in me the values of hard work, independence and perseverance. Even during challenging times, she made it clear that giving up was never an option, and she encouraged me to approach obstacles as opportunities for growth. The way she balanced her career in healthcare with her responsibilities at home showed me that it is possible to succeed in both personal and professional aspects of life.”

Her stepfather came into her life during Hannah's high school years and has provided a strong role model for her.

Hannah with her stepfather Robert J. Maxbauer, III and his K9 partner Jäger

“He has been a steady source of support for my family ever since,” said Hannah. “He comes home almost every day, sharing so many interesting stories from his work as a police officer, and hearing those has given me a deeper respect for the challenges and sacrifices that come with serving in law enforcement.

“What stands out most to me is the dedication and selflessness he shows — not only in his career but also at home,” she continued. “Watching him balance the demands of law enforcement while still making time to guide and support us has taught me resilience, responsibility and the importance of serving others. Being raised by a parent in law enforcement has given me a strong appreciation for integrity, discipline and community, and those values continue to guide the way I approach challenges and support the people around me.”

Hannah remained steadfast in her dedication to leadership throughout high school, staying active in honor societies:

• National Honor Society, where she served as vice president during 2021-2022 and president during 2022-2023
• National Technical Honor Society and the Student Government Association in 2022-2023

“Academically, I earned high honors all four years while taking multiple AP courses, including AP seminar and AP research,” she said. “These experiences strengthened my leadership skills, time management and ability to balance academic rigor with extracurricular involvement.”

In college, Hannah continued to stay active in organizations that support her academic and professional goals, as a member of the Pre-Med and Allied Health Honor Society and as the social media manager for the Pre-Physician Assistant Club.

She is also the vice president of the Exercise Science Club, which has allowed her to take on a leadership role in planning events and promoting collaboration among students.

“These experiences have allowed me to continuously build leadership, communication and teamwork skills that I know will be essential in my future,” said Hannah.

Hannah at a Campbell University football game

In addition to her academic load and professional obligations, Hannah spends her spare time volunteering. Through Pre-Med and Allied Health Honor Society, she helped assemble goody bags for local law enforcement officers and hospital workers as a way to show appreciation for their service.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she took part in creating meaningful cards for patients and survivors, which allowed her to offer encouragement to individuals facing difficult health challenges.

“Additionally, I assist with my school's career closet initiative, where I help clean and organize donated business clothing so students can access professional attire at no cost,” she said.

Her achievements have certainly impressed her stepfather.

“Hannah strives for excellence in everything she does, consistently going above and beyond what's expected,” said Maxbauer. “She approaches every challenge with determination, curiosity, and a genuine desire to grow, which has allowed her to achieve remarkable success both academically and personally.

“I'm especially thrilled that she has chosen to dedicate herself to a career in medicine, where she will be able to combine her intelligence, work ethic and empathy to make a meaningful difference in people's lives,” he continued. “I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and positively impact everyone she encounters on her journey.”