Campbell University’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences celebrated an important milestone Friday, Aug. 21, as students from four health sciences programs received their white coats during the 2026 White Coat Ceremony.
Held at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center, the ceremony brought together students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2028, Master of Physician Assistant Practice Class of 2028, Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2030, and Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2028. CPHS was also honored to welcome Campbell University President Dr. William M. Downs and First Lady Kim Downs, who joined students, families, faculty and staff for the celebration.
The ceremony marks an important milestone as students begin the professional phase of their education and embrace the responsibilities that come with caring for patients and communities. Receiving a white coat serves as a visible reminder of their commitment to compassion, integrity, professionalism, service and lifelong learning.
Surrounded by family, friends, faculty and staff, students crossed the stage and were helped into their white coats by the program directors, symbolizing another step forward in their Campbell journey. Each student also signed the CPHS Honor Code onstage before those gathered, publicly affirming a commitment to the ethical and professional standards expected of Campbell health sciences students.
Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, presided over the ceremony, welcoming students and guests before introducing the afternoon’s professional address by Connie Barnes (’90 PharmD), vice-associate dean for Pharmacy & Academic Affairs and professor of Pharmacy.
A Campbell legacy
For Dr. Barnes, speaking at the White Coat Ceremony represented a special full-circle moment.
A proud Campbell alumna, Dr. Barnes graduated magna cum laude as a member of the charter Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 1990 before completing a Drug Information Residency at Campbell University. She went on to build a career at the institution where her own journey as a pharmacist began, dedicating more than 35 years to pharmacy education, faculty development, academic leadership, and student success.
Throughout her Campbell career, Dr. Barnes has held numerous leadership positions, including interim associate dean for Academic Affairs, executive vice-chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, director and co-director of the Drug Information Center and residency program director. She has taught a wide range of didactic and experiential courses while mentoring countless student pharmacists and faculty.
Her influence extends beyond the classroom. Dr. Barnes has authored or co-authored more than 50 publications, book chapters and peer-reviewed articles, contributed to multiple editions of Comprehensive Pharmacy Review, secured grants and contracts supporting educational initiatives and presented at regional and national conferences.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Campbell University 35-Year Service Award, Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award, Preceptor of the Year, Class Marshal and the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year Award. She has also provided extensive leadership through University, College and professional service and served nine years on the Johnston County Board of Health, including terms as chair and vice chair.
Her journey from a member of Campbell’s first PharmD class to longtime faculty member and academic leader made Dr. Barnes a fitting voice to address students as they reached a milestone in their own professional journeys.
A milestone across four professions
Following Dr. Barnes’ professional address and remarks from Mercer, Mark Moore (’00 PharmD, ’07 MSCR), associate dean for Student & Professional Affairs, led the white coat presentation.
Students were coated by representatives of their respective programs. Pamela Edwards, chair and director of Nursing, and Krystle Edge, assistant director of Nursing, presented coats to nursing students. Laura R. Gerstner (’24 DHSc), chair and director of PA, and Keller Whitlock (’26 MPAP), vice president of the 2026 Wallace Student Society, participated in coating PA students.
Pharmacy students were coated with the participation of Beth Mills (’98 PharmD), chair of Pharmacy Practice, and Dr. Charles Carter, chair of Pharmaceutical & Clinical Sciences. Dr. Bradley Myers, chair and program director of Physical Therapy, and Michelle Green, assistant director of Physical Therapy, participated in coating physical therapy students.
The ceremony also reflected the generosity of alumni, families, friends and supporters of CPHS. The Luby & Catherine Wood Family Foundation provided white coats for all participating Bachelor of Science in Nursing students. Alumni, parents and friends who contributed through the Note in the Coat campaign sponsored coats for Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Physical Therapy students, while the Class of 2026 Wallace Student Society sponsored the coats for Master of Physician Assistant Practice students.
The ceremony opened with an invocation from Gavin Garcia, a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate in the Class of 2028, and concluded with remarks from Mercer and a benediction by Alex Baggett, a Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate in the Class of 2028.
For students, the white coats they now wear represent both an achievement and a responsibility. By signing the CPHS Honor Code before those gathered to support them, they also made a visible commitment to carry the College’s values into their classrooms, clinical experiences and future professions.
