The University of Mississippi Medical Center on Friday conferred degrees to hundreds of students who are beginning their careers in the health sciences, or entering into a new chapter of an existing one in this state and beyond.
The graduates of the schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences, Population Health, and Health Related Professions are leaving campus with the aim of improving health and quality of life. Of this year’s graduating class of 959 students, more than 700 walked across the stage in cap and gown to receive their diplomas in person.
“There are just four things I want you to take with you,” Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, told graduates.
“Today is a milestone. It is not the end. In fact, this is only the beginning of your learning process,” Woodward said. “As you go forward, you will learn from one another and you will learn from the greatest teachers of all: the patients.
“You will make choices every day that will impact others in a significant way. Deal with others and those you serve with a deep respect for our differences,” she said. “Choose respect. Choose kindness. Choose courage.
“Our nation will continue to struggle with ways to care for the sick. I challenge every one of you to be part of the solution to this struggle. In all things, leave it better than you found it.
“You will never practice any health profession well if you don’t have a good time doing it,” Woodward said. “The work before you is hard. It is important. It is heavy. And, it is rewarding and it is worth doing. Remember the excitement, the spirit, the passion you have today. Look for the joy. Have a good time.”
Dr. Glenn Boyce, chancellor of the University of Mississippi, told graduates that he’s confident they are well prepared for their next steps of training or for launching their careers as a health care provider or researcher.
“We’re especially grateful for this class of graduates who demonstrated perseverance and resilience during one of the most challenging periods in our nation’s history,” Boyce said. “You’ve reached this pinnacle and your educational goals through hard work, grit, and determination.
“And, I know you’ve done so with the steadfast support, and many times sacrifice, of your loved ones,” he said. “It is my honor to join you here today as we mark the culmination of years of study, sacrifice and diligent preparation, and the fulfillment of many lifelong dreams.”
Area graduates include:
StudentName
Parents
Hometown
Ebony Sharda Avant
Shelia Avant and Sam Vaughan
MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Bethany Patrice Ball
Steven and Patricia Ball
Louisville, MS
MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Katie McCool Boydstun
Robert and Pam McCool
Louisville, MS 39339
Louisville, MS
DPT - Doctor of Physical Therapy
Mark Allen Briscoe
Richard and Jean Briscoe
Kosciusko, MS
Kosciusko
MD - Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Kaitlyn Howell Chunn
Danny and Debbie Howell
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Kosciusko, MS
MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Raylin Elizabeth Cooper
Scott and Melissa Cooper
Eupora, MS
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Kyle Reynolds Donald
Daphne Donald
Louisville, MS 39339
Louisville, MS
DMD - Doctor of Dental Medicine
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Mrs. Stacey Nicole Elkins
Bert and Shirley Phillips
Harold and Donna Elkins
Maben, MS
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Josie Catherine Flake
Chris Flake
Quintina Flake
Mathiston, MS
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Leah Shae Fondren
Kevin and Melissa Fondren
Ackerman,MS
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nichalos Gardner
Ackerman
OTD - Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Jonathan Paul Hamilton
Jimmy and Janice Hamilton
Louisville, MS
MD - Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Hannah Lane Martin
Rodney and Beverly Waters
Duck Hill, MS
OTD - Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Daulton Konnor Newman
Mark and Charlotte Newman
Eupora, MS
MD - Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Haley Marie Smith
Lisa Smith
Noxapater, MS 39346
Marty & Bridget Hatcher: 40106 Hamilton Rd. Hamilton, MS 39746
Noxapater, MS
MS- Master of Science
Hayden Hill Smith
Scott and Liz Hill
Maben, MS
Maben, MS
OTD - Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Shakeria Rodnai Smith
Rodney Smith, Sr.
Carrie Smith
Ackerman, Mississippi
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tyler Briant Sullivan
Dan and Valerie Sullivan
Louisville, Mississippi
MD - Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Michael Edward Temple
Tommy and Brenda Temple, PO Box 689 Maben MS 39750
Maben, MS
MD - Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Lauren Elizabeth Threadgill
Chris and Amy Threadgill.
Ackerman, Mississippi
MS - Master of Science
Abigail Leigh Wells
Chasity and Chris Wells
Noxapater, Mississippi
BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
