UAMS News Syndication Block

Sept. 11, 2026 | The UAMS Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology recently celebrated the new incoming classes of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology Class of 2028 and the Doctor of Audiology Class of 2030 with a white coat ceremony.

The annual ceremony marked the students’ transition into their professional programs and emphasized the responsibility, compassion, and commitment required of future healthcare providers.

Opening the Aug. 28 event, Samuel Atcherson, Ph.D., professor of audiology, encouraged attendees to think beyond the traditional symbolism of the white coat.

“I want to inspire you to, every time you hear someone mention white coats, to think of them instead as cloaks of compassion because that is what they really should mean as these students begin making a difference in the lives of people they serve as speech language pathologists and audiologists,” Atcherson said.

Dana Moser, Ph.D., associate professor and director of the Speech-Language Pathology Program, welcomed the incoming students and highlighted the strength of the profession. She cited national rankings and employment projections showing continued demand for speech-language pathologists and described the profession’s role in the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders across the lifespan.

“A journey is beginning that will be exciting, and challenging, and frustrating, and rewarding for you,” she said.
Madison Howe, Au.D., assistant professor and director of the Audiology Program, told students that the ceremony represented not only a celebration of their accomplishments but also a commitment to the professionals they are becoming.

“You’ve worked really hard to earn your place here, and you’re right where you belong,” Howe said.

She said that graduate education is about more than mastering academic content. She urged them to remain curious, ask questions, seek help when needed, and embrace personal and professional growth throughout their training.

Addressing the importance of patient care, Howe said students should remember that behind every class, exam, and clinical experience are people whose lives may be positively changed through their care.

Susan Long, Ed.D., dean of the UAMS College of Health Professions, congratulated the students on reaching what she described as a significant milestone and welcomed them into the health professions community.

“I know you realize that becoming a healthcare provider is an absolute privilege,” Long said.

She said they should keep in mind the responsibility that comes with earning the trust of those they serve and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. Long also encouraged students to consider what patients see when they encounter a clinician in a white coat and to strive to be the compassionate, highly trained professional their patients hope to find.

After the speeches, the faculty and staff presented each student with a white coat. Faculty members in the Audiology Program who helped audiology students don their coats after crossing the stage were Howe, Caitlin Price, Au.D., Ph.D., assistant professor; and Bryson Howard, Aud.D., assistant professor.

In the Speech-Pathology Program, Jacob Crockcroft, M.S., assistant professor, announced the names of the students as each walked to the front of the auditorium, and then Shanna Williamson, M.S., director of Clinical Education and assistant professor, and Sarah Allen, MCD, assistant professor, assisted them in putting on their white coats. Kristen Muller, Ph.D., assistant professor, presented them with pin lights.

Taylor Mynatt, M.S., SLP assistant professor, and Bryson Howard, Au.D., Audiology assistant professor, then led the students in reciting the Clinician’s Oath, a pledge to conduct themselves to the best of their abilities while treating patients. Portia Carr, Ph.D., delivered closing remarks that concluded the ceremony.

Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.), Class of 2030

• Kaylee King
• Ava Lafferty
• Abbigale Lane
• McKenzie Sturdivant
• Mary Frances Oxner
• Emily Veach

Master of Science (M.S.) in Speech-Language Pathology program, Class of 2028

• Jaqueline “Jackie” Arreola
• Lillian Edwards
• Rocio Flores
• Claudette Guevara
• Maitlyn Harrison
• Karis Hernandez
• Shawn Hicks
• Clara Highfill
• Leandria Lambert
• Alexander LaVan
• Abigail Manion
• Colleen Maynes
• Nikayla Murphy
• Gabriella “Gabby” Peacock
• Allison Ross
• Rachel Rossi
• Lydia “Zhen Zhen” Scheele
• Taylor Shorter-Johnson
• Bevan Sober
• Micah Walker
• Micah Williamson
• Harlie Wolf
• Breana Yarbrough