Congratulations to Baptist University’s Spring 2026 Graduates

Baptist Health Sciences University celebrated its Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN. The College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, and the College of Sciences and General Studies honored a total of 86 graduates Thursday evening. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of these new professionals. 

President, Dr. T. Hampton Hopkins welcomed guests and conferred associate and bachelor’s degrees to graduates representing more than 10 different Baptist University programs across the 3 colleges. 

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Anuja Ghorpade recognized graduates receiving special honors, including magna cum laude, summa cum laude, and cum laude distinctions. 

President Hopkins presented the Board of Directors Award to Savannah Ballard, Biomedical Sciences graduate. This prestigious award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, commitment to community service, and strong leadership skills. 

Ms. Sherita Martin, Director of Development for the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation presented the following awards:  

Joseph H. Powell Award – Presented to Kaden Braddock, Nuclear Medicine Technology graduate. This award honors Joseph Powell, former CEO of Baptist Memorial Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, for his legacy of leadership in health care and community service. The recipient demonstrates outstanding academic performance and potential for advanced study in the health sciences. 

Sarah Ainsworth Award – Presented to Savannah Ballard, Biomedical Sciences graduate. Established by a gift from her husband, Jim, this award honors Sarah Ainsworth’s dedication to helping her students grow as health care professionals. The recipient demonstrates leadership potential, commitment to Christian values, and ranks in the top 25% of the graduating class. 

Ling Lee Award – Presented to Andres Raffety, Medical Radiography graduate. This award is named in memory of Dr. Ling H. Lee, a prominent Memphis radiologist. The recipient of this award has attained the highest cumulative grade point average among students graduating in the Medical Radiography major.  

John Rockett Award – Presented to Kylee Schrecengost, Nuclear Medicine Technology graduate. This award is named in memory of Dr. John F. Rockett, medical director for the BMH School of Nuclear Medicine for many years. The recipient of the John Rockett Award demonstrates outstanding academic performance in research in methodology and a commitment to excellence in clinical practice. 

Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award – Presented to Katelyn Dison, College of Nursing graduate. This award, named in memory of Elizabeth Farnell, vice president of Nursing for Baptist Memorial Hospital from 1971 to 1991, honors her significant contributions to the nursing profession during her 20 years of service. The recipient attained the highest cumulative grade point average among entry-to-practice nursing graduates. 

Dean of Nursing, Dr. Cathy Stepter presented the Sigma Theta Tau Award to nursing graduate Jorge Almanza-Ochoa. This award, given by faculty, recognizes a nursing graduate who embodies the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Honor Society of Nursing and the second-largest nursing organization in the world. The recipient has demonstrated leadership in the classroom and clinical settings. 

Honors Scholar Graduates  

• Bonita Jackson, Public Health: HEART 4 Moms: A Pilot Program Supporting Postpartum Mothers with Hyperintensive Disorders Through Advocacy, Care Coordination, and Education  
• Kylee Schrecengost, Nuclear Medicine Technology: Evaluating the Presence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Cancer Patients Who Have Undergone a PET Scan & The Determination of Trends Present 
• Gabriel Webb, Nuclear Medicine Technology: Awareness and Practices of Echocardiography Staff Regarding Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Imaging Environments 

On Tuesday, April 14, Baptist Health Sciences University held its Honors Recognition Ceremony to recognize exceptional academic achievement. Inductees and honorees included: 

• Alpha Eta Society Inductee:  
• Adair Olsen, Diagnostic Medical Sonography  
• Emily Ramsey, Diagnostic Medical Sonography 
• Kaden Braddock, Nuclear Medicine Technology  
• Kylee Schrecengost, Nuclear Medicine Technology  
• Emily Orellana, Medical Radiography  
• Andres Raffety, Medical Radiography  
• Ronee’ Thomas, Medical Radiography  
• Sakhoma Taylor, Radiation Therapy  
• Laura Fox, Surgical Technology  
• Ariana Carter, Surgical Technology 
• Eboni Taliaferro, Surgical Technology  
• Dr. Kenneth Okpor, Honorary Member 
• Sigma Zeta: 
• Savannah Ballard, Biomedical Sciences 
• Upsilon Phi Delta: 
• Bonita Jackson, Public Health 
• Honors Graduates: 
• April Bryant, Nursing  
• Katelyn Dison, Nursing  
• Alejandra Gomez, Nursing  
• Kayln Jordan, Nursing  
• Emma Nichols, Nursing  
• Julianne Price, Nursing  
• Felescia Sanders, Nursing  
• Andres Raffety, Medical Radiography  

Welcome to the Alumni Family! 

Congratulations to all Spring 2026 graduates! On behalf of Baptist Health Sciences University and the Alumni Association, we are proud to welcome you into our alumni community. Once a Blue Healer, always a Blue Healer. As you begin your careers, know that you have a tremendous amount of support surrounding you. We wish you the very best and continued success in fulfilling your calling. Keep us updated at [email protected]!