Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12 at First Baptist Church in Millington. BHSU President Hampton Hopkins, Ed.D., bestowed associate, bachelor’s and doctoral degrees on 66 graduates in biomedical sciences, health administration, medical laboratory science, neurodiagnostic technology, pre-health studies and nursing.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Anuja Ghorpade recognized graduates receiving special honors, including magna cum laude, summa cum laude and cum laude.
Chair of the Board of Directors Beverly Jordan presented the Board of Directors Award to Bri Jones. This prestigious award recognizes graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, commitment to community service, dedication to Christian principles and the potential for leadership in health care professions.
BHSU Director of Development Sherita Martin presided over the following awards:
Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award — Presented to Shannon Malenky. Named in memory of Elizabeth Farnell, vice president of Nursing for Baptist Memorial Hospital from 1971 to 1991, the award honors her contributions to the nursing profession during her 20 years of service. Winning recipients of this award have the highest cumulative grade point average among entry-to-practice nursing graduates.
Joseph H. Powell Award — Presented to Maria Rodriguez. This award honors Joseph Powell, former president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care, for his legacy of leadership in health care and community service. Award recipients demonstrate 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, this award recognizes graduating students with the highest cumulative grade point average in Medical Laboratory Science.
Sarah Ainsworth Award — Presented to Maria Rodriguez. Established by a gift from Jim Ainsworth, former Baptist VP and hospital administrator, this award honors his wife’s dedication to helping students grow as health care professionals. The recipient of this award demonstrates leadership potential and commitment to Christian values and must rank in the top 25% of the graduating class.
Advanced Practice Leadership Award — Presented to Alana Altomare. This award recognizes Doctorate of Nursing Practice graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership abilities, clinical excellence and professional behavior.
Dean of Nursing Cathy Stepter presented the Sigma Theta Tau Student Achievement Award to nursing graduate Shannon Malenky. Given by faculty, the award 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 demonstrates leadership in the classroom and clinical settings.
2024 Honors Scholars
On Dec. 10, 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
- Kenisha Loverson, Health Administration and Public Health Senior Recognition and Upsilon Phi Delta Graduate
- LaTosha Rogers, Health Administration and Public Health Senior Recognition
