Featured | Health Education and Human SciencesFebruary 24, 2025

White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Students

Written By: Rachel Putman

The Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith will hold its White Coat Ceremony on February 26 at 6 p.m. in the Reynolds Room of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, marking a significant milestone for students entering the nursing profession.

The event, part of a nationwide tradition, highlights the importance of compassionate patient care at the beginning of a nurse’s clinical education. During the ceremony, students will receive their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to ethical and professional standards in healthcare. They will also recite the Oath to Compassionate Patient Care, pledging to uphold the values of the nursing profession.

Dr. Paula Julian, associate dean of the College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences and executive director of the School of Nursing, will deliver the welcome address.

“The White Coat Ceremony marks the beginning of a journey where knowledge meets compassion and skill is guided by integrity,” said Julian. “As the nursing students don their white coats, they are not just wearing a symbol of the nursing profession, they are embracing the responsibility to provide care, comfort, and advocacy for those in need.  Let this moment remind us that nursing is not just a career but a calling.”

The ceremony will also feature remarks from Ethan Pearson, a nursing instructor, and Kristin Williams, coordinator of the accelerated track will deliver the address. The UAFS ROTC Color Guard will present the colors, and junior class president Davis Sims will lead students in reciting the oath.

The presentation of white coats will be conducted by Dr. Patti Conard and Mr. Gary Cameron, with name readings by Mrs. Ekaterina Smith. Closing remarks will be given by Dr. Sonia Romero. The Nursing Honor Guard will stand in honor of the occasion.

The White Coat Ceremony is sponsored by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, Baptist Health, and Mercy Hospital. 

Family and friends are encouraged to attend and celebrate this milestone with students. For those who cannot attend, a livestream will be hosted on the UAFS YouTube Channel.  

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Students receiving their White Coats include:

• Ngayo Akoumborn
• Adrian Avila
• Miaca Ana Balgoma
• Sierra Bateman
• Natalie Bates
• Thu Bui
• Bertha Cabrera
• Eli Caldarera
• Dacie Campora
• Danielle Carby
• Isabella Chek
• Mike Creason
• Sydney Culverson
• Kenzie Daniels
• Abena Demetrius
• Erika Figueroa
• Emma Gann
• Ashley Garcia
• Kaitlyn Glasgow
• Darnesha Grays
• Ember Hogan
• Ian Hughes
• Stephany Iturriaga
• Parker Jackson
• Brooklyn Kannady
• AnnaBelle Klein
• Ruby Lane
• Valeria Longoria
• Amanda McMillin
• Tommi Nichols
• Jose Patricio
• Kadence Phelan
• Amanda Ramirez
• Madison Raygoza
• Macy Reed
• Ali Rhodes
• Haley Roark
• Sky Silva
• Davis Sims
• Kennedy Vermilya
• Ella Williams
• Emily Wood
• Brittney Zielinsky-Speers