The new students were absorbing every word. 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.
Dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Dr. Jeff Mercer, addressed the students, “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. 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 consistent pursuit of excellence, integrity, respect, compassion, and continuous improvement that ultimately makes you a professional.”
The rite of passage, held Aug. 22 in the Pope Convocation Center’s Gore Arena, included students entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Class of 2027, Master of Physician Assistant Practice Class of 2027, Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2029, and Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2027.
Dr. David Tillman, chair of the Department of Public Health, delivered the professional address. Tillman, a longtime public health leader and educator, encouraged students to view their training as not only the development of clinical skills but also as a calling to compassion, integrity, and service.
His message reflected his career of working with communities across the U.S. and abroad to address health challenges through partnership and innovation. In 2023, Tillman received the Golisano Health Leadership Award from Special Olympics North Carolina, the highest recognition given to health partners in the state.
Faculty leaders from nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, and physical therapy assisted students as they donned their short, white coats for the first time.
Toward the end of the ceremony, Emily Pierce — a nursing student from the Class of 2027 — offered the benediction, sending her classmates forward with a reminder of the greater purpose their coats represent.
The 2025 ceremony was made possible by the support of alumni, parents, and friends. The Wallace Student Society Class of 2025 sponsored the PA students’ coats, while the “Note in the Coat” campaign and other generous contributions provided coats for pharmacy and physical therapy students. The nursing coats were sponsored by Dr. James Thomas Edwards, along with additional alumni and friends.
The symbolism of the moment was not lost on the students, who now begin their journeys to become the next generation of healthcare professionals.
