On September 16, 2025, family, friends, classmates, and faculty gathered to honor and celebrate fifteen students as they officially enter the nursing program. The White Coat Ceremony is a significant event for the Nursing Class of 2027, as they begin their journey into the field.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Ayers, Chair of the Rielin and Salem School of Nursing. The White Coat Ceremony marks a commitment to lifelong learning and patient-centered care as the class seeks to embody professionalism, compassion, and Christlike service. Dr. Ayers was followed by Dr. Rick Austin, Dean of the College of Health and Life Sciences. He addressed the students before him with a charge to depend on each other and meet the needs of those they served, physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“You’re going to have the opportunity to meet people’s needs spiritually and lead them to the Great Physician,” he stated. Dr. Austin welcomed this year’s keynote address speaker, Dr. John Yarbrough, who serves as Acting President of TMU. Dr. Yarbrough urged students to follow their calling into their career and to use their God-given gifts in service to Him and to those around them.
“Don’t be guilty of not telling,” Dr. Yarbrough shared, “Help people live the life God intends for them to live on their way to eternity.”
Students rose to receive their coats, marking the beginning of their journey in the nursing profession. The evening concluded with a recitation of the nurse’s pledge to serve those around them with excellence and integrity as they pursue their calling, as well as a benedictory prayer from Dr. John Yarbrough.
Rielin and Salem School of Nursing Class of 2027:
- Brianna Bassett
- Danielle Bowlin
- Sean Branyon
- Daniela Caner
- Faith Clarkson
- Gianna Claxton
- Hannah Davidson
- Allison Jones
- Lillian Nelson
- Anslee Pittman
- Katlyn Shadburn
- Ashtin Strickland
- Patricia Waymack
- Angel Wright
