FIFTH WINTER
Commencement
Friday, the Twelfth Day of December
Two Thousand Twenty Five Nine O’Clock in the Morning
Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College
Leading the Creation and Advancement of Health Equity to Achieve Health Justice
Prelude
Commencement Program
Friday, December 12, 2025
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO, Morehouse School of Medicine
Presiding
Call to Order
*Processional
Invocation
National Anthem
+Hymn
“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”
Fred Bock
Rita Finley, PhD
Grand Marshal
Associate Dean, Educational Outreach and Health Careers
Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomy
“War March of the Priests”
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Marvin L. Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
Chaplain
Professor of Medicine
Senior Pastor
First Saint Paul African Methodist Church
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
Performed by Shilan Douglas
Words by Francis Scott Key
“Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Performed by Shilan Douglas
Words by James Weldon Johnson
Music by John Rosamond Johnson
The
Occasion
Greetings
Class Remarks
Introduction of the Speaker
Commencement Address
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Morehouse School of Medicine
Camille Davis-Williams, MD, FACOG
Member, Board of Trustees
Morehouse School of Medicine
Krishna Louis
SGA PA President PA Class of 2025
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Debra Houry, MD, MPH
Former Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
* The audience is requested to remain seated at this time. We request that you remain seated during the processional and recessional so we may all see the graduates. The audience is requested not to come forward to take pictures during the Commencement Ceremony. The school’s photographer will take individual photos of the graduates during the awarding of degrees.
+ You may enter the amphitheater at this time.
Conferring of Degrees
Graduate Education in Public Health
Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Master of Public Health
International Declaration of Health Rights
Doctor of Health Administration
Healthcare Administrators Pledge
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Stephanie Miles-Richardson, DVM, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Public Health
Director, Master of Public Health Program
Professor and Chair, Department of Public Health Education
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Alicia A. Chatman, DHA, MBA, MHA
Program Director
Doctor of Health Administration Program
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Physician Assistant Professional Oath
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Pangela H. Dawson, PhD, MSPAS, PA-C
Associate Dean, Department Chair and Founding
Program Director
Associate Professor
Physician Assistant Studies
Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Master of Science in Neuroscience
Doctor of Philosophy
A Scientist’s Pledge
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Science
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Dean’s Last Words
Conferring of Degrees Continued
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean
Charge to the Class
The Morehouse School of Medicine Hymn
Benediction
*Recessional
Postlude
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Morehouse School of Medicine
“SOAR”
Shilan Douglas
Words and Music by Jerry E. Peters
Marvin L. Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
“Pomp and Circumstance, No. 1”
Composed by Sir Edward Elgar
“Jesus Shall Reign”
Words and Music by Keith Gentry
Performed by David E. Oliver, DMA
Marshals
GEPH Faculty Marshals
PA Faculty Marshals
GEBS Faculty Marshals
Dorothy Bouldrick, DHA, MBA
Latonya Hill, Ed.Dc, Ed.S, MS, BSPH, CAMS II
Brenton Powers, EdD, MPH
Sabrina Botts, DMin, MMSc., PA-C
Carletta Demps, MD
Lynwood McAllister, PhD, MPA, MA
Sheila Young-Mercado, MD
Cheryl Cropp, Pharm.D., PhD
Jaleesa Garth, PhD
Ernest Ricks Jr., PhD
Rajesh Singh, PhD
Organist
David E. Oliver, DMA
Morehouse College
Overview
Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1975 as the Medical Education Program at Morehouse College. In 1981, Morehouse School of Medicine became an independently chartered institution. Morehouse School of Medicine is among the nation’s leading educators of primary care physicians and was recently recognized as the top institution among U.S. medical schools for its social mission. Morehouse School of Medicine faculty and alumni are noted in their fields for excellence in teaching, research and public policy. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Council on Education for Public Health, Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mission
We exist to:
• Improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities
• Increase the diversity of the health professional and scientific workforce
• Address primary health care through programs in education, research and service with emphasis on people of color and the underserved urban and rural populations in Georgia, the nation and the world.
Vision
Leading the creation and advancement of health equity to achieve health justice.
Commencement Speaker
Debra Houry, MD, MPH
Former Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Dr. Debra Houry is a nationally recognized physician and public health leader with more than two decades of experience guiding health care and public health strategy across federal government, health systems and academia. A board-certified emergency physician, she brings the perspective of frontline care together with proven experience leading complex organizations, shaping national policy and driving results at scale.
Most recently, Dr. Houry served as Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she oversaw nine national centers and the Office of Science with a combined budget of more than $6 billion. She also served as Acting Principal Deputy Director, the agency’s most senior leader after the CDC Director, where she co-led the Moving Forward initiative—restructuring CDC’s 12,000 staff and $8 billion budget to strengthen preparedness, data and laboratory systems.
Previously, as Director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Dr. Houry guided dramatic growth in resources and impact, advancing national strategies on opioid use, suicide prevention and mental health. Earlier in her career, she was the Vice Chair for Research in Emergency Medicine at Emory University, where she built the department into the top NIH-funded emergency medicine program in the country.
Dr. Houry has served on multiple boards, including as President of both the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research and on the boards of the Emory University Alumni Association, the Georgia State University School of Public Health and FutureVerse.
An elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, Dr. Houry has been recognized with numerous honors including the American Medical Association Award for Outstanding Government Service, Atlanta Business Chronicle Public Healthcare Hero Award, and American Public Health Association Jay Drotman Award.
Class of 2025 Graduate Education in Public Health
Master of Administration in Justice-Involved Care
Gail D. Mumford Judy Thomas
Master of Science in Health Informatics
Mufidah S. Abdulkadir
Alexis Makaylah Brooks
Shakira Demetra Browne
Kwame K. Chery
Master of Public Health
Naaja Davis
Samantha Rae Cunningham
Jasmine Duffin
Rebekah Noelle Gerrick
Amnah Imran
De’Landria Jackson-Thompson
Christopher McCoy
Dedevi-Ndinge Annie Quashie
Samantha M. Simon
Vontarius Howard
Teshawn Jones
Doctor of Health Administration
Abdulaziz Abdullah Abdulaziz Alfozan
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: A Solution for Imaging Challenges at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Kamace Allen
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Empowering Families Through Shared Decision-Making: Advancing Health Equity in Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation
Rhode Barthelemy
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Diversity in Oncology: How the Lack of Representation Affects Clinical Trials
Jaquila Butler
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Culturally Tailored Education Programs: Reducing Medication Misuse Among African American Women with Chronic Health Conditions
Detavious Coleman
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Building Health Equity: An Institutional Framework to Increase Black Representation in the Physician Assistant Profession
Britton Davis
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: White Paper Title: Decoding Medical Jargon: Using AI to Improve Health Literacy
James Echols
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Improving Long-term Care for Seniors: The Impact of Value-based Care Models on Improving Quality and Continuity of Care
Shantelle Scott
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Birthing Justice for Black Mothers: Structural and Community Driven Interventions to Address Maternal Health Inequities
Daquan Smith
Solution-Focused Capstone: White Paper Title: Protecting Privacy in Practice: A Policy Evaluation of Warrant Disclosures for Justice-Involved Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration
Class of 2025 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Brittany Amadi
Capstone Project: Heart of the Matter: Patient-Centered Strategies to Halt Coronary Artery Disease and Obesity in Adults Aged 20-39
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Stephanie Beauvais
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Menstrual Hygiene Practices and the Incidence of Urogenital Infections Among Women: A Review of Literature
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Somer Blake
Capstone Project: Comparing the Impact of Community-Based Nutritional Education vs. Physical Activity Programs on Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Alexis Blount
Capstone Project: The Effect of Physical Activity on Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents in the United States
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Emmanuel Burns
Capstone Project: Understanding the Effects of Housing Instability on Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Jasmin Clark
Capstone Project: Heart of the Matter: Patient-Centered Strategies to Halt Coronary Artery Disease and Obesity in Adults Aged 20-39
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Arnesha Clarke
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Menstrual Hygiene Practices and the Incidence of Urogenital Infections Among Women: A Review of Literature
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Raven Crowder
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Harm Reduction Practices and the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Among Individuals in Rural Communities
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Olufunmilayo Daudu
Capstone Project: Comparing the Impact of Community-Based Nutritional Education vs. Physical Activity Programs on Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Joesph de Give
Capstone Project: The Impact of Vaping Educational Programs on Underage Vaping in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Adia Dobbs
Capstone Project: Bridging the Gap: Understanding Mental Health Challenges and Recidivism Rates in African American Justice-Involved Youth Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Quincy Goodwin
Capstone Project: Understanding the Effects of Housing Instability on Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Hayli Greenen
Capstone Project: Heart of the Matter: Patient-Centered Strategies to Halt Coronary Artery Disease and Obesity in Adults Aged 20-39
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Class of 2025 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Ashley Hagan
Capstone Project: The Effect of Physical Activity on Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents in the United States
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Brittany Hall
Capstone Project: The Effect of Physical Activity on Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents in the United States
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Brandon Harper
Capstone Project: Heart of the Matter: Patient-Centered Strategies to Halt Coronary Artery Disease and Obesity in Adults Aged 20-39
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Devon Herrmann
Capstone Project: Comparing the Impact of Community-Based Nutritional Education vs. Physical Activity Programs on Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Jasmin Jalali-Yazdi
Capstone Project: The Effect of Physical Activity on Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents in the United States
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Lorane Jean-Baptiste
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Menstrual Hygiene Practices and the Incidence of Urogenital Infections Among Women: A Review of Literature
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Dongsin Kang
Capstone Project: The Effect of Physical Activity on Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents in the United States
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Patricia Kirabo
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Menstrual Hygiene Practices and the Incidence of Urogenital Infections Among Women: A Review of Literature
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Lyjiria Lacy
Capstone Project: Exploring the Association Between Hemoglobin A1C Levels and Health Literacy in African Americans Aged 50 and Older in the United States: A Literature Review
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Arleda Lawson
Capstone Project: The Impact of Vaping Educational Programs on Underage Vaping in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Krishna Louis
Capstone Project: The Impact of Vaping Educational Programs on Underage Vaping in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Brianna Nesbeth
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Harm Reduction Practices and the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Among Individuals in Rural Communities
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Kamryn Nicholes
Capstone Project: Comparing the Impact of Community-Based Nutritional Education vs. Physical Activity Programs on Preventing Childhood and Adolescent Obesity
Mentor: Donny Ard, PhD, MHA, PA-C
Class of 2025 Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Kayla Oriyomi
Capstone Project: Understanding the Effects of Housing Instability on Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Marcel Perez
Capstone Project: Exploring the Association Between Hemoglobin A1C Levels and Health Literacy in African Americans Aged 50 and Older in the United States: A Literature Review
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Helena Quist
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Harm Reduction Practices and the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Among Individuals in Rural Communities
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Chadrick Richardson
Capstone Project: Exploring the Relationship Between Harm Reduction Practices and the Prevalence of Hepatitis C Among Individuals in Rural Communities
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Patience Sellers
Capstone Project: Understanding the Effects of Housing Instability on Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Literature Review
Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Kaitlyn Sennott
Capstone Project: The Impact of Vaping Educational Programs on Underage Vaping in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review
Mentor: Christopher Ervin, MD
Helen Shoushtari
Capstone Project: Exploring the Association Between Hemoglobin A1C Levels and Health Literacy in African Americans Aged 50 and Older in the United States: A Literature Review
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Taylor Toney
Capstone Project: Exploring the Association Between Hemoglobin A1C Levels and Health Literacy in African Americans Aged 50 and Older in the United States: A Literature Review
Mentor: Stephanie Y. Banks, MPH
Dale Williams
Capstone Project: Mentor: Sharon Rachel, MA, MPH, MS
Exploring the Relationship Between Menstrual Hygiene Practices and the Incidence of Urogenital Infections Among Women: A Review of Literature
Class of 2025 Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences
Master of Science in Biotechnology
Aniyah Nichole Adams
Amirah Armani Ali
Blaire Faith Anderson
Coralie Lea-Lissa Antoine
Rayonna Seiarra Barton
Kiara Brotherton
Bria Noelle Brumfield
Kentrell L. Burks
Darynaisha Shava Crawford
Carl Clay II
Artesse Isaiah Conley
Ashley Kearra Danielle Dakers (Banks)
Angela Samantha Dawson
Santana Dominguez
Thaddius Maurice Durham
Errenous Savon Evans
Ravyn Willow Everett
Jerrica Austinae Gibson
Kayla Rebecca Elizabeth Gore
Jasmine Hamer
Najar’ye Chydiamond Ivey
Kendallyn Siri Jennings
Stacia Akilah Jones
Thameenaa D. Julkes
Aishat Bukola Lawal
Keyshon Jermane Limbrick
Kaiyah Nevaeh Lindley
Donza M. McGruder
Dashari Miller
Daniel Miranda
Robin DeVora Moss
Taylor Alexis Page
Maya Adrian Randolph
Taryn Monique Reeves
Ashley D. Richardson
Brittany Robinson
Phillip Akeem Robinson
Trinity Anissa Smith
Nina Lashae Spratt
Mary L. Tuck
Ceaira Monét Walker
Janet Louise Watts
Ariana Lenea Williams
Stephanie BreAnne Williams
Fadila Nancap Yumouh
Master of Science in Neuroscience
Tyler Oliver
Thesis Title: Cross-sectional Analysis of DNA Methylation & Stroke Risk in a Cohort of Black Americans Without Known Cardiovascular Diseases
Research Advisor: Robert Meller, D.Phil., Professor, Department of Neurobiology, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Associate Director, Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine
Janae Lavett Trotter
Thesis Title: The Role of Bmal1 in Cellular Metabolism
Research Advisor: Kenkichi Baba, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Doctor of Philosophy
Alexandria Awai
Dissertation Title: Integrative Multi-Omic Investigation of Familial and Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Research Advisor: James Lillard, PhD, MBA, Senior Associate Dean, Research, Innovation and Commercialization, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology
International Declaration of Health Rights
HEALTH REQUIRES PEACEFUL AND EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT AND COLLABORATION OF ALL PEOPLE
The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. It is not a privilege for those with power, money or social standing.
Health is more than the absence of disease, but includes prevention of illness, development of individual potential, a positive sense of physical, mental and social well-being.
Health care should be based on dialogue and collaboration between citizens, professions, communities and policy makers. Health service should be affordable, accessible, effective, efficient and convenient.
Health begins with healthy development of the child and a positive family environment.
Health must be sustained by the active role of men and women in health and development. The role of women and their welfare must be recognized and addressed.
Health care for the elderly should preserve dignity, respect and concern for a sustainable environment with balanced human populations growth and preservation of cultural diversity.
Health depends on availability to people of basic elements: Food, safe water, housing, education, productive employment, protection from pollution and prevention of social alienation.
Health depends on protection from exploitation without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.
OATH: WE as people concerned about health improvement in the world do hereby commit ourselves to advocacy and action to promote the health rights of all human beings.
Healthcare Administrators Pledge
As a Healthcare Administrator, I will serve the greater good by bringing people and healthcare resources together to create value that no single individual can create alone. Therefore, I will seek a course that enhances the value my enterprise can create for society over the long term. I recognize my decisions can have far-reaching consequences that affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my enterprise, today and in the future. As I reconcile the interests of different constituencies, I will face choices that are not easy for me and others.
Therefore, I promise:
I will act with the utmost integrity and pursue my work in an ethical manner.
I will safeguard the interests of my shareholders, co-workers, customers and the society in which we operate.
I will seek to include the voices and needs of the underserved or disenfranchised people of the communities I serve to support the creation and advancement of health equity.
I will manage my enterprise in good faith, guarding against decisions and behavior that advance my own narrow ambitions but harm the enterprise and the societies it serves.
I will understand and uphold, both in letter and in spirit, the laws and contracts governing my own conduct and that of my enterprise.
I will take responsibility for my actions, and I will represent the performance and risks of my enterprise accurately and honestly.
I will develop both myself and other managers under my supervision so that the profession continues to grow and contribute to the well-being of society.
I will strive to create sustainable economic, social and environmental prosperity for the enterprise I lead and the communities I serve.
I will be accountable to my peers, shareholders, co-workers and patients for living by this pledge.
This pledge I make freely, and upon my honor.
Physician Assistant Professional Oath
I PLEDGE TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING DUTIES WITH HONESTY AND DEDICATION:
I will hold as my primary responsibility the health, safety, welfare and dignity of all human beings.
I will uphold the tenets of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence and justice.
I will recognize and promote the value of diversity.
I will treat equally all persons who seek my care.
I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course of practicing medicine.
I will assess my personal capabilities and limitations, striving always to improve my medical practice.
I will actively seek to expand my knowledge and skills, keeping abreast of advances in medicine.
I will work with other members of the health care team to provide compassionate and effective care of patients.
I will use my knowledge and experience to contribute to an improved community.
I will respect my professional relationship with the physician.
I will share and expand knowledge within the profession.
These duties are pledged with sincerity and upon my honor.
A Scientist’s Pledge
I accept this opportunity to follow the difficult and rewarding path of biomedical science and clinical research.
I will endeavor to honor all those who have contributed to this opportunity by always working to the utmost of my abilities and by increasing those abilities when possible.
I will strive to advance fundamental knowledge about all living things.
I pledge to use my energy, intellect and education to enhance the lives of all mankind, understanding that often the greatest strides are made through efforts to assist the dispossessed and underprivileged in our world.
I will carefully consider and remain mindful of the ethical implications of my work.
I will never use my gifts and skills to intentionally harm any individual, or group.
In planning and carrying out my work, I will treat this planet and all its life forms with honor and respect.
I will honor and respect the efforts of my teachers, taking great care always to give credit where credit is due and always humbly understanding that all that I see, I see by standing on the shoulders of the many scientists who have gone before me.
I will also honor and respect my students and all who rely on that which have learned, striving to truthfully and openly disclose all my methods, findings and conclusions.
So long as I adhere to this pledge, may I have continued success in the field of biomedical science and clinical research.
Academic Symbols
The banner and flag show the Morehouse School of Medicine logo. The original logo was designed in 1976 by artists David and Delores Cato of D’Cato of Atlanta, Georgia. The mace is carried by the Mace Bearer in the procession and is the medieval symbol of the office and the authority of the president. The head is made from sterling silver and gold, and the shaft carved from Australian Rosewood. Morehouse School of Medicine’s original logo forms the head. The names of the presidents of the institution will be carved in the silver sleeves of the shaft, depicting the continuity of institutional leadership over the years. The mace was designed and crafted by Mr. Richard Mafong of Georgia State University and presented as a gift to the school by Dr. and Mrs. Theodore P. Ritota of South Orange, New Jersey.
The academic dress worn by those in the procession includes the cap, gown, and hood. The cap, made of black serve or broadcloth, is worn by holders of all degrees, but the cap of the doctor may be of velvet. Gowns are usually black, but the color is determined by the university from which the highest degree was obtained. The doctor’s gown is round, has bell sleeves, and is faced down in front and barred on the sleeves with black velvet. Doctors’ hoods are in the full shape with a rounded base. Their hoods are four-feet long and have a five-inch silk, satin, or velvet border on the outside. The border represents the faculty from which the wearer has received his/her degree. The color of the border representing medicine is green. Throughout the United States, there has not been a change in the standard colors which represent the disciplines. The color facing the hood, whether it is black or colored, indicates the following:
• Kelly Green: Medicine
• Science Gold: Science
• Dark Blue: Philosophy
• Lilac: Dentistry
• Scarlet: Theology
• Purple: Law
• Olive: Pharmacy
• Lemon: Library Science
• Light Blue: Education
• Drab: Business
• Citron: Social Work Public Health
• Salmon Pink: Health
• Sage Green: Physician Assistant
Each hood is lined with silk in colors representative of the institution granting the degree. The colors for Morehouse School of Medicine are blue and ivory.
Arthur R. Collins
Managing Partner, theGroup Chairman of the Board
Susan Grant
Retired, Former Executive Vice President of CNN News Services
Vice Chairman of the Board
Camille Davis-Williams, MD, FACOG
Greater Atlanta Women’s Healthcare
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director, Tishman Speyer
Sandy Gordon
Vice President, Global Operations
Employee Experience & Relations
Amazon
Lawrence V. Jackson
Chairman, SourceMark LLC
Jeromey Beaman
SGA President 2025-2026
Lisa LeCointe-Cephas, Esq.
Chief Compliance officer Johnson & Jonson
Innovation Medicine, LLP
Board of Trustees
Douglas Love, Esq.
President and CEO
Annexon Biosciences
Sylvester McRae, MD, FACOG
Assistant Professor, Director of St. Francis
OBGYN Physician Partners
Woodrow W. McWilliams III, MD
John B. Amos Cancer Center
Radiology and Oncology
Glenn W. Mitchell III
Managing Partner
Atlanta Office – Ernest and Young
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO
Morehouse School of Medicine
Marvin O’Quinn
Retired President/Chief Operations Officer
CommonSpirit Health
Kimberly Paige
Former Executive Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer
BET Networks and Live Events
Claire Pomeroy, MD, MBA
President
Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation
Bonzo Reddick, MD ‘02, MPH, FAAFP
District Health Director for the Coastal Health District
Ex-Officio Trustee representing the Morehouse School of Medicine
Alumni Association
Neeraj Tolmare
Global Chief Information Officer and Corporate Officer, The Coca-Cola Company
John Whyte, MD, MPH
Chief executive Officer and Executive Vice President, American Medical Association
Rita Finley, PhD
Grand Marshal
Associate Dean, Educational Outreach and Health Careers
Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomy
President’s Party
Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, FACOG
President and CEO —Presiding Officer
Morehouse School of Medicine
Joseph A. Tyndall, MD, MPH
Dean and Executive Vice-President for Health Affairs
Morehouse School of Medicine
Debra Houry, MD, MPH
Former Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Director for Program and Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Arthur R. Collins
Managing Partner, theGroup Chairman of the Board
Susan Grant
Retired, Former Executive Vice President of CNN News Services
Vice Chairman of the Board
Marvin Crawford, MD, MDiv, FACP
Professor, Internal Medicine
Senior Pastor, First Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
Camille Davis-Williams, MD, FACOG
Greater Atlanta Women’s Healthcare
Platform Party
Aaron D. Dent
Managing Director, Tishman Speyer
Lisa LeCointe-Cephas, Esq.
Partner, Compliance & Investigations
Global Co-Chair of Life Sciences Sector
DLA Piper LLP
Marvin O’Quinn
Retired President/Chief Operations Officer
CommonSpirit Health
Academic Decanal/ Other Senior Leadership*
Renee McLeod-Sordjan, DNP, PhD, FAAN Dean of Graduate Nursing Education
Ngozi F. Anachebe, PharmD, MD, FACOG Professor
Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology
Inaugural Executive Vice Dean Education & Faculty Affairs
Errol Crook, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs
Chief Medical Officer Morehouse Healthcare
Franklyn Geary, Jr., MD, FACOG
Associate Dean for Admissions
Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kevin S. Smith, MD, FACOG
Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Martha Elks, MD, PhD, FACP, FACE
Senior Associate Dean, Educational Affairs
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education Professor of Medicine
Stephanie Miles-Richardson, DVM, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Public Health
Director, Master of Public Health Program
Professor and Chair, Department of Public Health Education
Rick Kittles, PhD
Senior Vice President for Research Professor of Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Pangela H. Dawson, PhD, MSPAS, PA-C
Associate Dean, Department Chair and Founding Program Director
Associate Professor
Physician Assistant Studies
Cinnamon Bradley, MD, FACP
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Professor of Medicine
Kennie Shepherd, PhD (Mace Bearer)
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Priscilla E. Pemu, MBBS, MSCR, FACP
Associate Dean, Clinical Research Director, Clinical Research Center Medicine
John H. Stewart, IV, MD, MBA, FACS
Professor and Chair of Surgery
Associate Dean, Oncology Programs
Danita Eatman-Daniels, PhD
Associate Dean, Graduate Education in Biomedical Science
Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
Priscilla E. Pemu, MBBS, MSCR, FACP
Associate Dean, Clinical Research
Director, Clinical Research Center Medicine
Gianluca Tosini, PhD
Chief Scientific Research Officer
Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Roland Matthews, MD
Professor and Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Folashade Omole, MD
Professor and Sarah and William Hambrecht Chair, Family Medicine
Sarah Y. Vinson, MD
Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Lynn Gardner, MD, FAAP
Chair and Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Tabia Akintobi, PhD, MPH
Chair and Professor of Community Health and Preventative Medicine
Winston Thompson, PhD
Obstetrics and Gynecology Research, Mentoring Academy
Professor and Chair, Physiology
Janice Herbert-Carter, MD, MGA
Chair and Professor, Department of Anatomy, Pathology & Medical Education
David Hefner, EdD
Vice President, Online and Continuing Global Education
Grand Marshal
Rita Finley, PhD
Associate Dean, Educational Outreach and Health Careers
Director, Master of Science in Medical Sciences Degree
Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Anatomy
Commencement Committee Members
Aliyah Alexander
Ngozi Anachebe
Shante Anderson
Paul Aqui
Elaine Archie-Booker
Mieshia Baker
DeMario Baker
Dean Ballas
Sylvia Bartley
Jeromey Beaman
Dorothy Bouldrick
Jamille Bradfield
Quantez Brooks
LaShunda Campbell
Aise Cannon
Felicia Carson
Joseph Chevalier
Tony Collier
Shondria Covington
Cheryl Cropp
Jarvis Darrisaw
Cinnamon D. Bradley, MD
Associate Dean of Student Affairs
Pangela Dawson
Dayna Edmonds
Martha Elks
Danita Eatman Daniels
Rita Finley
Blair Fortson
Jaleesa Garth
Hanna Ghirmay
Nakisha Hall
Kayla Harris
David Hefner
Brenna Johnson
Regena Johnson
Teiko Johnson
David Jones
Demetrios Lambros
Robert Landers
Krishna Louis
Amanda Magdalenski
Tambria McLaurin
LaShander McQueen
Michael Martin
Stephanie Miles-Richardson
Divad Miles
Bridget Miller
Sylvia Miller
Creshema Murray
Brandon Pledger
Brenton Powers
John Roch
Deforest Robinson
Matthew Rose
Gid Rowell
LaTonya Sallad
Kennie Shepherd
Sabine Simmons
Kahli Smith
Chatise Smith
Joe Swanson
Marla Thompson
Robert Wilson
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY
O say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
‘Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
“Lift Every Voice And Sing”
JAMES WELDON JOHNSON
Lift Every voice and sing
‘Til the earth and Heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of liberty,
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us;
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun
Of our new day begun,
Let us march on ‘til victory is won.
Morehouse School of Medicine made every effort to provide a complete and accurate listing of graduates and academic honors. Please accept our sincere apologies if we have committed an error or omission.
“Soar” (To the Highest Place of Dreams)
