The new students sat quietly and listened. The speakers who welcomed them to the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences talked about the challenges ahead. The sacrifices they’ll make.
The success they’ll achieve.
The focus, though, was on the short, white coats — symbols of professionalism and compassion — the students held in their laps. The coats they will wear as they leave the ceremony and throughout their time at Campbell. Until, upon graduation, the short, white coats are replaced by longer ones.
“This ceremony represents a symbolic start of your professional education journey as we gather to celebrate the beginning of your transformation into professional students and ultimately into healthcare professionals,” said Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
The rite of passage, held Aug. 16 in the Pope Convocation Center’s Gore Arena, included 55 students entering the Master of Physician Assistant Practice Class of 2026, 59 entering the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2028 and 48 entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2026.
“As you will learn over time, there is no specific act or single event that marks the beginning or end of your professional development, but rather, it is a constant pursuit of excellence, integrity, respect, compassion and continuous improvement that ultimately makes you a professional,” Mercer said.
Dr. Ashley Moose, who delivered the keynote address, said the short, white coat is so much more than a garment.
“It positions you to be a leader in the profession and to advocate for your patients,” she said.
Moose received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Campbell in 2008. She is pharmacy manager and co-owner of Moose Pharmacy in Monroe and co-owner of Moose Pharmacy of Mount Holly. Moose also serves as the director of Network Development for the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Networks USA, America’s first clinically integrated network of pharmacy providers, according to her bio.
Moose told students they’re stepping into a role allowing them to make a difference in patients’ lives.
“The Campbell emblem on your coat represents that you are a provider of integrity that upholds a strict code of ethics, trained to assist patients in reaching quality outcomes. You have passed the biggest test already,” she said.
“You have chosen and accepted the invitation to come to Buies Creek, and I can confidently stand before you and confirm that you have made one of the best decisions of your life. …”
Moose talked about a simple, handwritten note her mother-in-law keeps on her refrigerator. A subtle note that, Moose said, could be mistaken for a grocery list. Still, it’s an important message, a reminder to help start each new day — It says, “Dear God, I pray that you bring someone in my path that I can help today.”
Said Moose, “Each day that you awake and your feet hit the floor, be excited about the greater purpose that you’ve been called to fulfill. Remember and embrace the season of your life, for the opportunity to observe from industry experts, learn and practice skill sets and determine your mission for how you treat individuals that present in your own practice.
“Focus your mind to remember the hours that you’re going to spend, sacrificing and studying, learning, refining your political and professional skills. It’s all for a bigger purpose.”
Moose has earned myriad honors. She was named N.C. Association of Pharmacists Community Pharmacist of the Year and National Community Pharmacists Association Outstanding Adherence Educator.
An avid runner, Moose has completed several marathons. She referenced her running experiences in encouraging the new students.
“I’ve learned so many lessons from running — how to prepare for conditions, the circumstances that make you want to quit, the perfect conditions that make you want to keep running,” she said.
“In these long races, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the miles to go. We don’t think about how far we’ve already gone. We only focus on getting through the miles ahead.”
Keep pushing. Keep moving forward.
“Your character, integrity and mental toughness that you brought here today is exactly what is needed to find success ahead. So take a deep breath and leave the rest to the faculty to teach you the skills that are critical for performing at the top of your profession.”
Toward the end of the ceremony, students, with the help of Health Sciences faculty and leaders, donned those short, white coats.
Those students included Samari Liggins of Charlotte, who is entering the physical therapy program, and Malia Locklear of Laurinburg, who will study pharmacy.
Said Locklear, “Whenever I looked at all the other pharmacy schools in North Carolina, Campbell really stood out, not only because of the high graduation rate and (pharmacy boards) passing rate, but because classes are smaller, and I can feel more connected.
“For physical therapy,” Liggins said, “I liked how hands-on they were, and how opportunities they give us to work with patients. That was really the biggest deciding factor why I chose Campbell.”