UTHSC College of Medicine Magazine - Summer 2020

Nelson Strother Retires After 35 Years at UTHSC, Scholarship Established in His Name

By Alan Burns Each student who has passed through the UTHSC College of Medicine over the last 35 years has had the experience of interacting with Nelson Strother, assistant dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. Strother, who has been with the college since 1985, is well known for his work with aspiring medical students, the Admissions Committee, student orientation, the annual White Coat Ceremony, Parents Appreciation Day, and more. He retired at the end of June.

Strother, who began working at UTHSC in the College of Medicine under the direction of Dr. Pat Wall, has served in multiple roles at the college including coordinator for Admissions, director of Admissions, and his most-recent role as assistant dean for 27 years. He also served for five years in the Central Admissions Office.

Over his career, Strother has worked with nearly 5,500 medical students in the college and thousands of students seeking admission. “I had the great joy of working with wonderful students throughout the years and helping to create a family atmosphere in our college,” he said. “We had to work hard and be honest with each student to create a real, authentic family in our college and a humane program that fosters great physicians.”

Strother said the White Coat and graduation ceremonies were among his favorite experiences each year.

“I would get to meet these students when they came to interview with us, understand their strengths and opportunities, and then watch them grow as people over the four years and graduate as physicians dedicated to service,” he said. “Each year, the freshmen would show up at the White Coat Ceremony with their parents and I was there to call them to the stage to receive their coat, symbolizing their commitment to the Hippocratic Oath. Then four years later, I would do the same for that graduating class, it was my great privilege and truly amazing to see their progress.”

Even with 2020’s graduation ceremony taking place virtually, Strother had the chance to read each student’s name for the video production of graduation. His career has been full of moments such as these, going the extra mile for the college’s medical students.

“Our ceremonies will not be the same without him,” said Catherine Womack, MD, associate dean for Student Affairs and Admissions.

“College of Medicine students and graduates who have come through this institution for decades have heard their names called at the start and finish of medical school by Nelson Strother.”