Congratulations to the December Class of 2024
On Thursday, December 12, Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony at First Baptist Church in Millington, Tennessee. President Dr. T. Hampton Hopkins conferred associate, bachelor’s, and doctoral degrees to 66 graduates in the programs of Biomedical Sciences, Health Administration, Medical Laboratory Science, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Pre-Health, and Nursing.
Dr. Anuja Ghorpade, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, recognized graduates receiving special honors, including magna cum laude, summa cum laude, and cum laude distinctions.
Mrs. Beverly Jordan, Chair of the Board of Directors, presented the Board of Directors Award to Bri Jones. This prestigious award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, commitment to community service, dedication to Christian principles, and potential for leadership in the health care professions.
Ms. Sherita Martin, Director of Development for the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation, presided over the following awards:
Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award – Presented to Shannon Malenky. This award, named in memory of Miss 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.
Joseph H. Powell Award – Presented to Maria Rodriguez. This award honors Mr. Powell, former Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, for his legacy of leadership in health care and community service. The recipient demonstrated outstanding academic performance and potential for advanced study in the health sciences.
Dr. Thomas McColl Chesney Award – Presented to Kelsey Downs. Established by the Pathology Group of Memphis in honor of Dr. Thomas M. Chesney, a distinguished general surgical pathologist and former president, this award recognizes the graduate with the highest cumulative grade point average in the Medical Laboratory Science major.
Sarah Ainsworth Award – Presented to Maria Rodriguez. Established by a gift from her husband, Jim, this award honors Mrs. 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.
Advanced Practice Leadership Award – Presented to Alana Altomare. This award recognizes a Doctorate in Nursing Practice graduate who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership abilities, clinical excellence, and professional behavior.
Dr. Cathy Stepter, Dean of Nursing, presented the Sigma Theta Tau Student Achievement Award to nursing graduate Shannon Malenky. 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.
2024 Honors Scholars
On December 10, 2024, Baptist Health Sciences University held its Honors Medallion Ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating Honors students. The following scholars were recognized:
- Maria Rodriguez: Biomedical Sciences
- Kayla Lowery: Nursing
- Carlee Miller: Nursing
- Health Administration and Public Health Senior Recognition: Kenisha Loverson and LaTosha Rogers
- Upsilon Phi Delta Graduate: Kenisha Loverson
A Message to Our Graduates
Congratulations, graduates! On behalf of Baptist Health Sciences University and the Alumni Association, we are delighted to officially welcome you to our team of alumni. You are an invaluable part of the BHSU family, a connection that will remain with you for life. 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].