Doctor of Health Sciences students celebrate culmination of academic journey

A diverse group of students gather in front of a Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences backdrop for a group photo. A woman in a bright blue suit stands in the center, surrounded by smiling attendees in professional and business-casual attire.

Campbell University’s Doctor of Health Sciences program celebrated a major academic milestone as 27 students gathered to present their capstone research and mark the culmination of years of advanced study.

The event provided students an opportunity to share research focused on complex issues in healthcare and health sciences. Through poster presentations, students discussed their work with faculty, classmates and guests, highlighting topics ranging from healthcare access and utilization to patient outcomes and health disparities.

For the students, the day represented far more than a final academic presentation. It was a moment years in the making and a chance to reflect on the work, perseverance and personal growth that brought them to this point in their doctoral journey.

“Watching our students reach this milestone is incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. K. Paige D. Brown, director of the Doctor of Health Sciences program. “They have invested countless hours in their research while balancing careers, families and other responsibilities. Their capstone projects reflect not only the knowledge and skills they have developed, but also their commitment to addressing real challenges in healthcare and making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.”

Four award recipients stand side by side in a bright hallway at Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, each smiling while holding a framed certificate. From left to right: a woman in a cream pantsuit, a man in a light gray blazer, a woman in a colorful patterned suit with a white turtleneck, and a woman in a white sleeveless dress. The group faces the camera in a posed recognition photo with large windows and campus artwork visible in the background.
Award winners Altovise Staton, Ibrahim Alrwais, Felice Jones Lee, and Dominique Brown.

The celebration also included recognition of student accomplishments and the presentation of program awards.

  • Perseverance Award 
    In recognition of significant improvement in academic performance, research, or other areas while overcoming significant obstacles.  

    • Altovise Staton

  • David Coniglio Award
    In recognition of academic excellence, work ethic, and for the meaningful contributions one will make to academia. 

    • Felice Jones Lee

  • Outstanding Graduate Award
    In recognition of the outstanding contributions to coursework and discussions,  displaying leadership qualities, and for the meaningful impact one will make on the future of the community he serves. 

    • Ibrahim Alrwais

  • Outstanding Student Leader and Mentor
    In recognition of displaying outstanding leadership skills in the classroom, demonstrating initiative in coursework and the program, and providing inspiration to others to do their best.  

    • Dominique Brown

Students, faculty and guests shared plenty of smiles and laughter as they celebrated the achievements of the soon-to-be doctors.

Students pose for a large group photo beneath an orange, black, and white balloon arch inside the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. The group is arranged in seated and standing rows and smiles toward the camera.
Doctor of Health Sciences Class of 2026

Campbell’s Doctor of Health Sciences program prepares health professionals to serve as leaders, educators and researchers who can help shape the future of healthcare. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and the application of research to real-world health challenges.

For the 27 students celebrated at the event, the capstone presentations marked the culmination of their academic journey and a final milestone before earning their doctoral degrees.

Twenty-seven students. Years of work. One major milestone — and a group of soon-to-be doctors ready to make an impact.

Three people smile while posing together in front of an orange Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences step-and-repeat backdrop during a recognition event. A young woman stands between two adults, and all three face the camera. Three family members smile while posing together in front of a Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences step-and-repeat backdrop during a recognition event. Attendees smile and listen during a recognition ceremony at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Audience members watch a presentation during a recognition ceremony at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. A faculty member presents an award or recognition to an attendee during a ceremony at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. A smiling presenter stands beside a research poster display during a research symposium at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. A man in a gray suit with a yellow tie listens attentively while speaking with attendees during a research poster session at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Student talks with faculty member about her poster. Three ladies smile for a picture in front of a poster.

A smiling attendee wearing a blue-and-white floral dress raises one hand while posing in front of an orange Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences step-and-repeat backdrop during a celebration event. Students pose together on a wide staircase inside the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences building. The group is arranged on multiple steps and smiles for the camera in business and business-casual attire.A student presents a research poster while discussing her project with an attendee during a poster session at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. An attendee listens attentively during a presentation in a lecture hall at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. An attendee smiles while carrying a framed award through the audience during a recognition ceremony at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. A woman presents her research poster while speaking with an attendee during a poster session at the Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.