Congratulations to the August Class of 2025

On Thursday, August 14, Baptist Health Sciences University held a summer commencement ceremony at Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, Tennessee. President, Dr. T. Hampton Hopkins, conferred associate and bachelor’s degrees to 37 graduates in the programs of Health Administration, Public Health, Medical Imaging Sciences, Neurodiagnostic Technology, Radiation Therapy, and Nursing.

Dr. Hopkins recognized special honors including graduates for magna cum laude, summa cum laude and cum laude.

Mrs. Beverly Jordan, chair of the board of directors, presented the Board of Directors Award to nursing graduate, Tyeisha Kones. This award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, commitment to community services, commitment 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, Joseph H. Powell Award, and the Sarah Ainsworth Award.

The Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award was presented to nursing graduate, Mae Marshall Cotton. This award is named in memory of Miss Elizabeth Farnell, Vice President of Nursing for Baptist Memorial Hospital from 1971 to 1991. This award was established by her colleagues to honor the many contributions of Miss Farnell to the nursing profession during her 20 years of service. The recipient of this award has attained the highest cumulative grade point average among entry into practice nursing graduates.

The Joseph H. Powell Award was also presented to nursing graduate, Mae Marshall. The award honors Mr. Powell, former Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Memorial Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation. Mr. Powell provided a noteworthy legacy of leadership in health care and community service. The recipient of this award has demonstrated outstanding academic performance and the potential for advanced study in the health sciences.

The Sarah Ainsworth Award was presented to neurodiagnostic technology graduate Miriam Guerrero. Established by a gift from her husband, Jim, this award honors the dedication and commitment Mrs. Ainsworth made to helping her students learn and grow as health care professionals. The recipient demonstrates leadership potential, commitment to Christian values, and is ranked in the top 25% of the graduating class.

Dr. Cathy Stepter, dean of nursing, presented the Sigma Theta Tau’s Student Achievement Award to nursing graduate, Treveka Terry. The Student Achievement Award conferred by Sigma Theta Tau, Beta Theta At-Large Chapter, is given to a nursing graduate selected by faculty who has demonstrated qualities important to the mission of this great organization and shown leadership qualities in the classroom and clinical settings. Sigma Theta Tau, International, is the National Honor Society of Nursing and is the second largest nursing organization in the world. 

2025 Honors Scholar

On August 12, 2025, nursing scholars Bayleigh Cooper, Ayaat Ibrahim, and Yara Quran were celebrated at Baptist Health Sciences University’s Honors Medallion Ceremony. This special event recognizes the dedication, scholarship, and leadership of graduating Honors students who have successfully completed the rigorous Honors Program.

As part of their final achievement, each graduate presented and defended their Honors Capstone Experience Project, showcasing their commitment to evidence-based practice and advancing the health sciences:

• Bayleigh Cooper — The Role of Continuous Labor Support in Improving Maternal and Newborn Outcomes
• Ayaat Ibrahim & Yara Quran — Preventing Preeclampsia through Mediterranean Diet: An Evidence-Based Research

______________

Congratulations, graduates! On behalf of Baptist Health Sciences University and the Alumni Association, it is our pleasure to officially welcome you to our team of alumni. You are a special part of our BHSU family, a connection that will remain with you for the rest of your life. As you begin your journey in your career, please know that you have a tremendous amount of support surrounding you. We wish you the very best and continued success in the fulfillment of your calling. Keep us updated at [email protected].