Fifty-five members of Campbell University’s Physician Assistant Class of 2025 were honored on July 18 during the program’s annual Long White Coat Ceremony — a milestone event that signifies the transition from PA student to practicing clinician.
Held at the Hobson Performance Center, the ceremony was led by Laura R. Gerstner (’24 DHSc), chair and director of the PA program, and included honoring well-deserving students, alumni and friends of the program, the coating of each graduate, a blessing of the hands, and the recitation of the Physician Assistant Oath.
“Now, as newly minted PAs, you are equipped with the knowledge, skills and compassion to go into hospitals, clinics, and communities — bringing healing and hope to those you serve,” said Gerstner.
During the ceremony, Robert L. “Bobby” Ransdell, Sr. was honored with the Honorary PA Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the PA profession and a deep personal commitment to the mission and values of the Campbell PA program. Ransdell’s support of Campbell’s health sciences programs stems from a personal encounter in rural North Carolina that revealed the stark realities of limited access to health care. Since then, he has made it his mission to champion initiatives that prepare students to serve in underserved communities.
Through the Ransdell Charitable Trust, he has supported scholarships, a mobile clinic and the Ransdell Family Health Professions Readiness & Enrichment Program (HPREP) — a transformational experience for students from underrepresented and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Ransdell’s generosity has helped empower future health professionals to find their path while reinforcing Campbell’s commitment to service, access, and community impact.
The keynote speaker, Danielle Partin (’17 MPAP), delivered a moving and deeply personal address. A Raleigh native and co-founder of Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health, Partin is a psychiatric physician assistant and a proud 2017 graduate of Campbell’s PA program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a concentration in medicine and public health from UNC-Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Health from UNC Greensboro, where she focused on at-risk populations and community health education.
During her time in PA school, Partin courageously battled leukemia for two years — a journey she credits with shaping her into the provider she is today.
Partin said, “I think many people feel sorry that I went through this experience, but I am so grateful for it, because I know that I could never be the provider that I am today had I not been met with that obstacle.”
Since earning her PA degree, Partin has worked in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care, treating individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. In 2022, she co-founded Raleigh Wellness & Behavioral Health, a rapidly growing virtual outpatient psychiatric practice now staffed by eight providers.
“Amazing things can happen when you are open to the plot twist,” she told the graduates. “Because I was open to releasing my plans and exploring the plot twist, we were able to create a space where providers can make livable wages, have real work-life balance, and provide excellent care to their patients.”
The ceremony marked a meaningful milestone for the Class of 2025, celebrating their transition into clinical practice and their commitment to compassionate, purpose-driven care.
2025 Honors & Awards
THE JERRY M. WALLACE SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND CHARACTER FELLOWS
Students receiving this distinction have been selected by the Program Chair and have successfully completed a year-long seminar under the leadership of Dr. Jerry M. Wallace for the purpose of informing and inspiring the calling and commitment to interprofessional servant leadership, service, and advocacy in healthcare.
- McKenna Carol Grant
- Zachary Thomas Powers
PI ALPHA HONOR SOCIETY
The Pi Alpha Honor Society is committed to promoting lifelong learning and participation in intellectual life.
- Siera Blackburn
- Isaak Cirone
- Jasmin Darden
- McKenna Grant
- Alyssa Klassa
- Julie Ledgett
- Kinsey Roberts
- Jenna Smull
- Alumni honorees: Julia Niemi (’23 DHSc, ’19 MPAP) and Danielle Partin (’17 MPAP)
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to service of classmates, the program, the PA profession, and the community.
- Corin Adams
EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONALISM AWARD
Presented to a student who exemplifies professionalism, demonstrates leadership, and represents the program with honor and integrity.
- Kaden Eaton
- Anjali Rai
OUTSTANDING CLINICAL PERFORMANCE AWARD
Presented to one or more students who have demonstrated excellence and received outstanding preceptor evaluations during the clinical year.
- Marianna Voola
- Alyssa Klassa
RODNEY HIPWELL SPIRIT AWARD
Recognizes the student who best embodies Rod Hipwell’s positive, purposeful, and passionate spirit.
- Zachary Powers
JERRY M. WALLACE LEGACY AWARD
Presented to a student who exemplifies compassion, warmth, humility, and the Campbell University creed of “Faith, Learning, and Service.”
- Stephen Marquardt
DIRECTOR’S AWARD
Presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, perseverance, and resilience throughout the PA Program.
- Sarah Calvert
EXCELLENCE IN PRECEPTING AWARD
Nominated and chosen by students, these clinicians have demonstrated excellence in clinical education.
- Phebe Idol, PA-C — UNC Health Nash, Internal Medicine
- Derek McClure, DNP, FNP-BC (ANCC) — Ashe Family Healthcare
HONORARY PA AWARD
Honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the PA profession and the mission of the Campbell PA program.
- Robert L. Ransdell, Sr.
View the recording of the ceremony: https://campbelluniversity.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=46701736-4793-4c40-8938-b2eb014d0cb6
