Largest White Coat Class Recognized in Ceremony

The Central Baptist College Math and Science Department recognized eleven students for their academic excellence by awarding them with white coats in a ceremony on Thursday, November 15, 2018. These students achieved academic excellence in very challenging courses at CBC and were part of the 8^th and largest White Coat Class. In his welcoming remarks, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gary McAllister shared the following, �At most institutions, the white coat ceremony is a rite of passage; it is a way of welcoming new students into the medical profession. At Central Baptist College, the white coat symbolizes the high expectations that science faculty have for their students. This ceremony is intended to impress upon our students the need to excel in their study of science, to love others and show compassion, and to pursue their profession with diligence and integrity.� The ceremony also included an invocation by President Terry Kimbrow; a charge to the honorees by Dr. Joshua Kwekel, Associate Professor of Biochemistry; the presentation of the honorees and their white coats by Dr. Elizabeth Gomez, Natural and Social Sciences Division Chair and Professor of Chemistry, and 2017 White Coat Members; and a benediction by Dr. Mi-Seon Seong, Associate Professor of Biology. The 2018 White Coat Class is listed below with their major: Tyree Avery, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biosciences Kinley Burrows, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Michael Higginbotham, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Kymberlie House, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Kady Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Austin Kocher, Bachelor of Science in Biology Kylee McClendon, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Destinee Marvel, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Averi Ratliff, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Austin Smith, Bachelor of Science in Biology Hannah Tilley, Bachelor of Science in Biology The ceremony was attended by members of the Central Baptist College faculty and staff as well as the friends and family of the honorees. Photo ID: Kinley Burrows, Austin Kocher, Hannah Tilley, Austin Smith, Kady Johnson, Destinee Marvel, Michael Higginbotham, Tyree Avery, Averi Ratliff, Kymberlie House, Kylee McClendon