UT Health Science Center Celebrates Nearly 150 Newly Minted Graduates This Winter

The 2025 winter commencement honored 70 graduates from the College of Nursing, 27 from the College of Medicine, 24 from the College of Graduate Health Sciences, 15 from the College of Health Professions, and 10 from the College of Dentistry.

"You're not just entering a profession. You're joining a mission to make Tennesseans and beyond, healthier and stronger."

With those words, Executive Dean for the College of Medicine Michael Hocker, MD, captured the essence of what 146 new health care professionals entered into Dec. 8 as the University of Tennessee Health Science Center celebrated winter commencement.

The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis erupted in joy as Chancellor Peter Buckley, MD, began the festivities, encouraging guests not to hold back their celebrations. They didn't. There were loud shouts of glee from the in-person audience, and the livestream chat box also filled with excitement throughout the event, as family and friends from across the globe shared their congratulations and support.

"This is a monumental moment in our colleagues' careers, and we are very privileged to be able to celebrate that with you," Dr. Buckley told the graduates, reminding them they would become ambassadors of UT Health Sciences, carrying forward the institution's reputation for excellence and collaboration.

Melissa Tindell, vice president for communications and marketing for the University of Tennessee System, emphasized what it means to join the network of more than 497,000 UT alumni worldwide. She challenged graduates to understand their degrees represent more than credentials; they embody integrity, trust, and how they treat others.

"Your degree opens doors, but your character, your personal brand keeps them open," Tindell told them, speaking from personal experience as a second-year PhD student herself who understands "the discipline, sacrifice, and grit it takes to reach this moment."

Interim Dean of the College of Graduate Health Sciences and Vice Chancellor for Research Jessica Snowden, MD, underscored the passion and purpose that drove these students through their rigorous programs.

"Today marks the culmination of your belief that you can change the world."

The top-tier research university is the largest producer of health care professionals in the state.

Another highlight came when Executive Dean for the College of Medicine Michael Hocker, MD, presented the 27 physician assistant graduates. His pride was palpable as he described UT Health Science Center's PA program as the top program in the state and nationally recognized. With campuses spanning Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville, its statewide reach extends exceptional care throughout Tennessee communities.

Dr. Hocker shared with PA graduates how their white coat is more than a uniform.

"It's your superhero cape. It's a promise to serve, to heal, and to make an impact."

He encouraged them to keep learning, lead in their communities, work collaboratively with interprofessional teams, and advocate for equitable, accessible care.

The sentiment of concerted, compassionate care echoed throughout the ceremony. Dean of the College of Health Professions Ashley Harkrider, PhD, said only 21% of Americans hold bachelor's degrees and far fewer achieve advanced degrees, placing these students among a select group of highly educated individuals. She urged them to seek work environments where colleagues recognize them as essential members of interprofessional health care teams.

Among the 146 graduates were 70 from the College of Nursing, including Jenifer Prather, PhD, whose groundbreaking research on mindfulness interventions for stroke survivors has already earned recognition at international conferences. Twenty-seven graduated from the College of Medicine, 24 from the College of Graduate Health Sciences, 15 from the College of Health Professions, and 10 from the College of Dentistry.

The Memphis-based health sciences university is Tennessee's statewide public academic health system with more than 3,100 students across four campuses throughout the state. It's the largest contributor of health care practitioners to the state's workforce and holds an R1 Carnegie designation for top-tier research activity.

View the slideshow below for more sights from the commencement ceremony.