What's Happening at Baptist

The 2025 Spring Alumni Reunion was more than just a celebration, it was a heartfelt return to where many careers in compassionate care began. From soulful music to honoring service, the evening beautifully captured the spirit of BHSU and the lifelong bond shared among its alumni.

First-year Osteopathic Medical Student, Catherine (Catie) Lockhart, recently had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. on March 26–27 to participate in DO Day on the Hill, hosted by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

On Thursday, April 10, Baptist Health Sciences University held a spring commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee.

First Horizon Foundation awarded $1 million to BUCOM. The donation was celebrated with the unveiling of the First Horizon Atrium, named in recognition of the gift.

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) President T. Hampton Hopkins recently traveled to Washington, D.C., alongside members of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA).

Faculty, staff, and students filled the Assembly Hall at Baptist Health Sciences University on March 3 for the 2025 Faculty & Staff Honors Convocation.

At Baptist Health Sciences University campus safety is a top priority. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, faculty, staff, and students participated in an Active Shooter Training session led by Michael Rawlings, System Director of Safety and Security at Baptist.

BHSU welcomed over 700 students, parents, and professionals to the annual Black Men in White Coats: Building Diverse Health Care Professionals Summit on February 22, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn.

On Thursday, February 6th, the Team-Based Learning (TBL) Room at BUCOM was filled with engaged faculty, staff, and students eager to strengthen their communication skills.

On Monday, February 3rd, Baptist Health Sciences University proudly reopened its Health Sciences Library, showcasing renovations that are designed to enhance student learning and engagement.

Stop by and explore the new and improved library today!

Vice Provost and Dean of BUCOM, Dr. Peter Bell, emphasizes the importance of protecting your health. Stay ahead of the season—schedule your flu shot today and help keep our community healthy!

Dr. Peter Bell, Vice Provost and Dean of BUCOM, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Shekher Mohan, Ph.D. as the new Associate Dean of Research and Scholarly Activity. Dr.

At BUCOM, we are committed to creating a robust, high-quality learning environment for our future DOs. Through innovative programs like our Standardized Patient and Simulation initiatives, we are equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to excel in their careers.

Baptist Memorial Health Care and Christ Community Health Services hosted the annual Tree of Faith, Hope & Love holiday luncheon for 170 individuals experiencing homelessness on Friday, Dec. 13 at Memphis First United Methodist Church. 

Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony on Thursday, December 12 at First Baptist Church in Millington.

At Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM), the development of compassionate, empathetic, and well-rounded physicians begins on day one.

Members of the community and health care practitioners joined with Baptist team members in Southaven, Mississippi, to celebrate the opening of the Baptist Medical Group-Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Clinic on Friday, Nov. 15. 

On October 28, 2024, in the Campus Hub Gymnasium, the Baptist University Nursing Division hosted its third White Coat Ceremony for the class of Summer 2026, a rite of passage that not only emphasizes the importance of compassionate patient care early in nursing training but also plays a pivotal r

Following in your parent’s footsteps can be expected, especially when it comes to college decisions. Anthony “AJ” Guinn’s (nursing, class of 2024) story is no different but with a Baptist twist. Few can say they followed both their mom’s education and career path.

The nursing division at Baptist Health Sciences University proudly hosted the second Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholarship research day on Nov. 19, 2024.

BHSU recently hosted its third annual TN Health Careers Summit & Expo alongside Cancer Awareness Day. This impactful event brought together students, health professionals, and advocates to inspire future healthcare leaders while raising awareness about cancer prevention and treatment.

This Homecoming was a great way to celebrate our Blue Healer community and kick off the fall season. Here’s to many more years of memories—Let’s Go Blue Healers!

The SHE Leads the Way Symposium at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis brought together over 70 students and parents to inspire young women in STEM. Hosted by BHSU HealthCORE, the event featured BHSU alumni Jamila Smith-Young, D.N.P., M.P.H., who shared her journey in nursing and public health.

In honor of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, we’re shining a spotlight on two alumni from BHSU who have made an impact in sonography.

The annual scholarship luncheon not only celebrated academic excellence but also emphasized the community spirit that defines BHSU.

In celebration of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week, we proudly highlight the journeys of Baptist Health Sciences University’s Nuclear Medicine alumni.

The 2024 Allied Health White Coat Ceremony not only welcomed students into the next phase of their education but also reminded them of the profound responsibility they bear as future health care professionals.

This generous contribution enhances the learning experience for BUCOM students, allowing them to train in a fully equipped and modern environment, mirroring the high standards set by osteopathic institutions across the nation.

Welcome Month at BHSU has been filled with memorable moments, setting the stage for an exciting and successful 2024-2025 academic year. With plenty of academic, social, and spiritual growth opportunities, students are off to a great start. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

Anuja Ghorpade joined Baptist Health Sciences University as provost and vice president of academic affairs, chief academic officer. She has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and biomedical programs. 

Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) makes its second appearance at Osteopathic Medical Education Conference (OMED) in San Antonio, Texas.

Baptist Memorial Health Care is in the beginning stages of establishing a new hospital to improve access to care for the residents of Fayette County and surrounding areas.

In celebration of National Surgical Technologists Week, we’re proud to highlight the journey of a recent graduate, Shania Fields, from Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU).

This week at Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU), we proudly shine a spotlight on our Environmental Services (EVS) team. During EVS Appreciation Week, we recognize the dedication, expertise, and attention to detail that our EVS team brings to every corner of our campus each day.

On Saturday, September 7th, 2024, the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) hosted its annual Wellness Festival at Morris Park, drawing attendees from the surrounding neighborhoods.

At the beginning of each academic year, Baptist Health Sciences University has a few faculty and staff kick off traditions before we welcome students on campus. On Tuesday, August 27th we held the annual University Gathering to kick off the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

Dr. Steve Threlkeld is known for his infectious disease expertise, and became the go-to source for information on COVID-19 when the global COVID pandemic started in 2020.

On Wednesday, August 7, 2024, Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) hosted an alumni lunch at Baptist Women’s Hospital, bringing together 35 Blue Healers, spanning the graduating classes from 1957 to 2023.

On Thursday, August 15, Baptist Health Sciences University held a summer commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. President, Dr. T.

Baptist Health Sciences University Division of Nursing will be reviewed for re-accreditation October 16-18, 2024, by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

On August 3, 2024, Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) proudly hosted its inaugural White Coat Ceremony, welcoming 81 first-year students to the practice of medicine as the class of 2028.

On July 8, 2024, in the Campus Hub Gymnasium, the Baptist University Nursing Division hosted its second White Coat Ceremony for the class of Spring 2026, a rite of passage that not only emphasizes the importance of compassionate patient care early in nursing training but also plays a pivotal role

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) held its first international alumni medical mission trip in June, providing essential services to the people of Abaco in the Bahamas.

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) and Baptist Memorial Health Care hosted 52 high school students and 26 middle school students from the tristate area for the third HealthCORE STEM Summer Camp.

On June 25, 2024, the Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner's office visited Baptist Health Sciences University to tour the College of Osteopathic Medicine building.

In 1874, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still pioneered the osteopathic medical philosophy, emphasizing wellness and the importance of treating illness within the context of the whole body.

In the month of May, we recognize and prioritize Mental Health Awareness, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. The Baptist Health Sciences University campus has taken steps to support mental health by providing resources to their Baptist Healers.

Baptist Health Sciences University students, faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Pucallpa, Peru, in April for a medical mission trip. They joined with local pastors and missionaries to help improve the quality of life of indigenous people living in the jungle.

Embarking on the journey of higher education can be both thrilling and daunting for many aspiring health care students. The promise of knowledge, growth, and new experiences often comes with the heavy burden of tuition fees.

Baptist Health Sciences University hosted a presidential inauguration for T. Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., on Friday, March 22 at the Frank S. Groner auditorium on the university’s campus. He is the third president since the school started offering a four-year baccalaureate program in 1994.

In front of more than 400 faculty, staff, board members, students and other officials, Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) celebrated the completion of $34 million in renovations for its new college of osteopathic medicine with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, April 6.

Faculty, staff, and students filled the Assembly Hall at Baptist Health Sciences University on March 4 for the 2024 Faculty & Staff Honors Convocation.

The Blue Healer Pantry is a vital resource that provides much-needed support to the student community of BHSU. It is a welcoming and warm space that offers free food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies without the fear of being judged.

The Baptist Medical Group-Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) Clinic – a collaboration between Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM), Baptist Medical Group (BMG) and Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) – is adding more doctors who specialize in Osteopathic Neuromusc

Baptist Memorial Health Care and Anderson Regional Health System of Meridian, Mississippi, have finalized their merger, which was initiated with a shared mission agreement signed on Oct. 18, 2023. Baptist Memorial leaders officially welcomed Anderson Regional on Tuesday, Jan.

As a new student on campus, it can be challenging to keep up with all of the events happening around you. If you are feeling lost, the Student Engagement team is here to help.

In November, the Tennessee Academy of Science, Annual Meeting was held in Memphis, Tenn. at Rhodes College. Dr.

On Thursday, December 14, Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony at First Baptist Church, Millington, Tennessee. President, Dr. T.

The Nursing Division at Baptist Health Sciences University proudly hosted its first-ever Doctor of Nurse Practice Scholarship Research Day November 30, 2023. This highly anticipated event drew over 60 attendees, including students, faculty, and staff.

More than 1,000 participants attended the second annual Tennessee Health Careers Summit & Expo on Thursday, Nov. 9.

A nacho bar was the icing on a beautiful BHSU logo cake to bring together BHSU alumni, current students, faculty, staff, and other team members who helped prepare the next generation of healers.

Cancer Awareness Day was a highly anticipated event held on Tuesday, November 7, at Baptist Health Sciences University. The radiation therapy program organized the event in collaboration with the Baptist Cancer Center to raise awareness about cancer in the Memphis community.

Baptist hosted a job fair for Baptist Health Sciences University students on Monday, November 5th.

In its 2024 institutional rankings, Intelligent.com ranked Baptist Health Sciences University highly in three categories, including Best Online Accelerated RN-to-BSN Degree Programs, Best Online Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration Degree Programs and Best Online Colleges in Tennessee. &n

Assistant Professor of Nursing at Baptist Health Sciences University Felicia Cobbs, MSN, RN, started the nonprofit organization Better Woman Better Wife in 2018 to award scholarships to deserving nursing stud

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) HealthCORE held their second annual SHE (Science, Health, Empowerment) Leads the Way event on Monday, Oct. 23.

Baptist University's Active Minds organization participated in the Memphis Out of the Darkness Community Walk on October 22, 2023. The walk aimed to raise awareness about the issue of suicide and support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Baptist Health Sciences University and Baptist Memorial Health Care held a grand opening for the BHSU Career Center on Monday, Sept. 25.

Last week, Dr. Peter Bell, dean of medical education and vice provost at Baptist Health Science University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, attended the Osteopathic International Alliance’s 2023 Annual General Meeting and Conference in London. Dr.

On October 9, 2023 the division of Allied Health held the eleventh annual White Coat Ceremony for students entering the clinical phase of their programs.

The fall season has arrived in Memphis and Baptist Health Sciences University celebrated it with their second Homecoming event.

Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine makes its first appearance at Osteopathic Medical Education Conference in Orlando.

Baptist Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) hosted their first Research Collaborative on September 25, 2023. Faculty from BUCOM as well as other colleges of the University were invited to present their research interests to

U.S. News and World Report ‘s 2023–2024 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings honored several Baptist Memorial Hospitals. U.S. News recognized four hospitals with a high state ranking, and six hospitals earned High Performing recognition.

Baptist HealthCare is a comprehensive community program that is delivered by Baptist Health Sciences University in partnership with Baptist Memorial Health Care.

At the beginning of each academic year, BHSU has a few faculty and staff kick off traditions before we welcome students on campus.

Baptist HealthCORE is excited to present the 2^nd Annual SHE Leads the Way symposium on October 23, 2023 at 6 p.m. on the campus of Baptist Health Sciences University.

On Thursday, August 17, Baptist Health Sciences University held a summer commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. President, Dr. T.

As the trimester comes to a close, Rachel Lock, a Student Success Coach at Baptist Health Sciences University, has shared some helpful tips for fellow students to improve their study journeys.

Are you ready to start your BHSU journey in an amazing way? Hartley is thrilled to invite both new and returning students back to campus for Welcome Week!

A milestone moment for the Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) was celebrated on June 23, 2023 with the BUCOM building commemoration event and signing of a steel beam to be installed in the BUCOM building. 

Baptist Health Sciences University is pleased to announce Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., will be the university’s new president starting on July 10 following the retirement of Betty Sue McGarvey, who has been in the role since 2005.

From dissecting sheep eyeballs to receiving a chiropractic stretch—students were fully engaged in the second year of Baptist HealthCORE STEM Summer Camp.

On Monday, May 29, students from Baptist Health Sciences University convened in the Campus Hub Assembly Hall and immediately gathered into groups of low-income families.

Baptist Health Sciences University held a luncheon at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville on Thursday, May 18. The luncheon was held to thank Baptist graduates, current students, and those who work with future healers for their dedication to the Baptist family.

Over 120 alumni, family, friends, and BHSU faculty and staff gathered on April 15 for the Blue Hawaii Luau Alumni Reunion atop the Mississippi Terrace at the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid.

Baptist Health Sciences University students, faculty, staff and alumni traveled to Pucallpa, Peru, in April for two medical mission trips. They joined with local pastors and missionaries to help improve the quality of life of indigenous people living in the jungle.

Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) recently implemented a Faculty of Practice program, which brings Baptist practitioners into the classroom. The program began as a pilot in 2022 and currently has six members appointed in Health Administration.

As universities and college campuses across the nation struggle to adapt to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners and changing workforce, two Memphis universities Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) and Christian Brothers University (CBU)  have joined forces to create an innovati

On Thursday, April 20, Baptist Health Sciences University held a spring commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. President, Dr.

BHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine can now accept applications for 2024.

The Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation has granted Baptist Health Sciences University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (BUCOM) pre-accreditation status.

Baptist Health Sciences University held a luncheon at Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto on Tuesday, April 4.

Minority middle school, high school and college students interested in working in health care gathered at Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) on Saturday, April 1 for the fifth annual Black Men in White Coats: Building Diverse Health Care Professionals.

Baptist hosted a hiring event for Baptist Health Sciences University students on Wednesday, March 22. Nearly 70 students attended the event, held in the Campus Hub Atrium and Library. Baptist extended multiple job offers to students during and after the event.

The 2023 Presidential Ambassadors of Baptist Health Sciences University (BHSU) have been announced. Due to the pandemic, the program was regrettably placed on hold, but the new Presidential Ambassadors have arrived and are bringing with them pride for the University.

Faculty, staff, and students filled the Assembly Hall at Baptist Health Sciences University on March 6 for the 2023 Faculty & Staff Honors Convocation.

Baptist Health Sciences University welcomes our newest #BlueHealers to our faculty and staff. Get to know the February 2023 new hires:

“We (health care workers) have a responsibility to close the gap with knowledge. I want the audience to walk away with a call to action.”-Kira Anderson

It was a whimsical evening at BHSU on Thursday, Feb. 9 as the Campus Hub gym transformed into a ballroom for the first Blue Healer Ball.

Baptist Health Sciences University welcomes our newest #BlueHealers to our faculty and staff. Get to know the January 2023 new hires:

Meet Lisa McMahon

Baptist Health Sciences University President Betty Sue McGarvey, Ph.D., R.N has announced her plans to retire in the summer of 2023. After 48 years as a student, nurse, professor and accomplished leader, Dr.

On Thursday, December 15, Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony at First Baptist Church, Millington, Tennessee. President, Dr.

“Medical education does not exist to provide students with a way to make a living, but to ensure the health of the community.”- Dr. Rudolf Virchow

Saturday, Nov. 12^th, the Baptist Health Sciences University auditorium was filled with students and their parents as the TN HOSA event got underway.

The purpose of this event was to:

Homecoming has come to the Baptist Health Sciences University campus. On Oct. 1, BHSU had its first on-campus Homecoming, allowing current students and alumni to reunite on campus for the day. 

Baptist University's campus has come alive again, with a slew of students eager to begin classes for the Fall 2022 Trimester.

Earlier this summer, Baptist Health Sciences University launched two new learning spaces called Immersion Rooms, one in the nursing building and one in the collaboration building. This immersive learning experience is unique to Baptist locally and is the only of its kind in the tristate area.

Vice Provost and Dean of Medical Education Peter Alan Bell, DO, MBA, HPF, FACOEP-Dist, FACEP, joined Baptist Health Sciences University in August 2021 to assist the university with gaining accreditation for a College of Osteopathic Medicine.

A summer camp that allows you to dissect cow eyeballs and analyze your own urine – who could not fall in love with health care after that?

Great things are happening to increase the number of highly trained neurodiagnostic technologists available to help patients with the treatment of conditions like epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Baptist is a proud sponsor of the recently opened Best Buy Teen Tech Center in South Memphis.

In the fall of 2021, Dr. Kimberly Cunningham, the then-director of the Center for Academic Excellence, opened an email from the Department of Education that she had to reread several times to make sure it was real.

Register for Baptist Memorial Health Care’s Black Men in White Coats: Building Diverse Health Care Professionals Virtual Summit on Saturday, Feb. 27 from 9–10:30 a.m. Participation is free, but space is limited.

On August 13, Baptist College of Health Sciences held a walk-thru graduation and private event for our Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates.

We are so excited to announce that we are becoming a University! Starting August 6, Baptist College of Health Sciences will officially become Baptist Health Sciences University.

When Lois Billings Woods graduated from the then-Baptist School of Nursing in 1944, things were very different.  World War II was still ongoing and three years of tuition cost $86, including books, nursing uniforms and housing.

One of the commitment statements in the mission of Baptist University is “Fostering an atmosphere of respect for cultural diversity and the dignity of all persons.” Underlying this commitment statement is the belief that all persons are created in God’s image and worthy of love and respect.

Like so many, our students set to graduate in April 2020 from the Baptist College of Health Sciences had to reimagine their graduation activities, at least for now. Faculty, staff and administration found a unique, socially-distant and responsible way to honor their spring graduates.

In the 107-year history of the College, the school has never had an officially-recognized mascot. The College recently changed its colors to shades of blue to identify more with the Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation organization. Now with the new colors, comes a fun mascot.

In June 2019, a group of Baptist College of Health Sciences students and faculty from four different disciplines participated in a first-ever collaboration theater using real-life patient scenarios to solve a problem.

OR Nurses Nationwide President/CEO, Denise Stewart, presented Baptist College with a donation to assist senior Nursing students with immediate needs to help complete graduation requirements.

On October 16th, over 360 people attended our annual scholarship luncheon recognizing the scholarship recipients, their families and donors. A total of 210 awards in the amount of $738,050 was given for the current academic year. Alumnae, Ms.

Three Baptist College of Health Sciences students were recognized this term for their quick-thinking and expertise during clinical rotations.

OR Nurses Nationwide President/CEO, Denise Stewart, presented Baptist College with a donation to assist senior Nursing students with immediate needs to help complete graduation requirements.

The American Chemical Society selected the student chapter at Baptist College to receive a Commendable award for its activities conducted during the 2016-2017 academic year. Additionally, Dr. Charity Brannen, faculty advisor of the chapter, received a special commendation.

Baptist College's Cultural Exchange club recently won the Jenzabar Foundation’s Student Leadership Award for 2017.

The thirty-first commencement ceremony of the Baptist College of Health Sciences was held on April 13 at Bellevue Baptist Church. President Betty Sue McGarvey presided over the ceremony. Dr. William Cochran, chair of the College Board of Directors, introduced the featured speaker, Mr.

Congratulations to the Baptist College case competition team of Krista Rinehart, Bretley Agee, Amanda Deering, Taylor Wisdom, and Sarah Johnson on their victory over Christian Brothers University on Tuesday evening at the 2nd Annual Inter-Professional Health Care Case Study Challenge.

Join us Tuesday, February 21st for the 2nd Annual Interprofessional Health Care Case Study Challenge between Baptist College of Health Sciences and Christian Brothers University (CBU).

February 21st

6:30 – 8:30 pm

Want to know more about the upcoming Doctor of Nursing Practice at Baptist College? Join our Twitter Chat on January 23rd, 3pm – 4 pm to get all your questions answered from the Baptist University DNP team.

Baptist College of Health Sciences received approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The first cohort of students to begin the post BSN to DNP Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program is targeted for January, 2018.

Please join us in welcoming our four new faculty members joining the GEHS division - Ms.  Kimberly Cotter,  Assistant Professor of Sociology; Dr. Richard Ewool Assistant Professor of Mathematics;  Dr. Sumedhe Karunarathne, Assistant Professor of Physics; and Dr.

Campus Ministries sponsored the annual Spiritual Renewal Week, February 22 – 26. This year’s theme was “Expressions of Prayer,” praying through color to express your faith. 

Baptist College of Health Sciences was honored as the 2015 "Healthcare Group of the Year" during Lifeblood's seventh Annual Awards Luncheon.

Congratulations to the students and faculty from Baptist College for winning the inaugural Baptist College/CBU Inter-Professional Health Care Case Study Challenge. Dr.