Congratulations to the December Class of 2022
On Thursday, December 15, Baptist Health Sciences University held a winter commencement ceremony at First Baptist Church, Millington, Tennessee. President, Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey, conferred associate, bachelor’s, and doctoral degrees to 56 graduates in the programs of Pre-Health Studies, Health Administration, Medical Laboratory Science, and Nursing.
Dr. Barry Schultz, provost of Baptist University, recognized special honors including graduates for magna cum laude, summa cum laude and cum laude.
Mrs. Anita Vaughn, Board of Directors Chair, presented the Board of Directors award to Sara Lyles. The award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, commitment to community service, 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, Dr. Thomas McColl Chesney Award, Sarah Ainsworth Award, and Advanced Practice Leadership Award.
The Elizabeth Farnell Achievement Award was presented to Kaitlyn Hartz. 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 presented to Brooke MacFerran. 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 Dr. Thomas McColl Chesney Award was presented to Madalyn Sloan. This award was established by the Pathology Group of Memphis in honor of Dr. Thomas M. Chesney, a distinguished general surgical pathologist and former president. Dr. Chesney also served as Director of Trumbull Laboratories, Director of Laboratories at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis, and held numerous medical staff leadership and quality roles. The recipient of this award attained the highest cumulative grade point average among the graduates of the medical laboratory science major.
The Sarah Ainsworth Award was presented to Natalie Thurmon. 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.
The Advanced Practice Leadership Award was presented to Marayla Polischeck. This award recognizes a well-rounded professional Doctorate in Nursing Practice graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, strong leadership abilities, clinical excellence, and exemplary professional behavior.
Dr. Cathy Stepter, dean of nursing, presented the Sigma Theta Tau’s Student Achievement Award to nursing graduate, Ms. Brooke MacFerran.
On December 13, 2022, 2 scholars, Brooke MacFerran and Natalie Thurmon, were recognized at Baptist Health Sciences University’s Honors Medallion Ceremony. Honors Program Coordinator, Dr. Paul Criss, states, “The Honors Medallion Ceremony recognizes the accomplishments of graduating Honors students. We have two students graduating at the December 2022 graduation ceremony. The students presented and defended the following Honors Capstone Experience Projects at the Honors Form VI on November 29, 2022.”
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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].