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The Graduate School held its commencement and reception on May 15 at the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute. Image by Bryan Clifton

Graduate School Celebrates 50 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony

May 27, 2025 | The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Graduate School celebrated its graduates at a commencement and reception May 15.

Faculty, family and friends gathered at the Fred W. Smith Auditorium on the 12th floor of the Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute as 50 students received conferral of doctoral degrees, Master of Science degrees and graduate certificates in various biomedical science disciplines.

“This is the first year each of the college graduations are being held separately. Accordingly, we have tried to make our ceremony more personal,” said Graduate School Dean Sean Taverna, Ph.D. “We are hooding our master’s degree students on stage for the first time. Additionally, the graduating students have nominated one of their own as the student speaker for this ceremony. They have also selected their Graduate School Faculty of the Year.”

He also offered a greeting to the attendees.

“This evening, we celebrate the accomplishments of our class of 2025. Thanks to all who sacrificed and supported our graduates throughout their studies. They have chosen an impactful and meaningful career path,” said Taverna. “To the graduates, I’m very proud of each one of you. The experiences, core values and principles you’ve acquired here will help guide you through any career route you take.”

Taverna introduced UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, who expanded on the new commencement process.

“This allows us to focus more attention on each group of graduates, and we hope in turn makes each ceremony more meaningful,” Patterson said.

He also offered encouraging words for the graduates regarding their role in the future of biomedical science.

“Today is a celebration of achievement, perseverance, and the deep commitment each of tonight’s graduates has made to the advancement of health, science and humanity,” said Patterson. “You will lead clinical practice, shape public health systems, innovate in policy and drive forward the frontiers of discovery in biomedical sciences. You are the minds behind the research that reveals how diseases develop, how therapies can be improved, and how lives can be saved through science.

“This ceremony is not only a recognition of your academic accomplishments but a tribute to your role as future pioneers — scientists, educators, entrepreneurs and thought leaders — who will shape the future of global health through evidence-based innovation. You make us proud, and you give us hope,” he added.

Tremaine Williams, Ed.D., an assistant professor in the College of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics, accepted his award as Graduate School Faculty of the Year.

“A special thanks to Dean Taverna and Dr. Latrina Prince for their leadership in the Graduate School as they’ve helped our students between those two points in time from when we first meet them until they walk across the stage,” Williams said.

“For the graduates, this marks the end of one of the longest and most demanding journeys. It’s the most courageous thing a human being can do — to help and heal another human. Today you’re not just graduates — you’re scientists and researchers,” he continued.

Matthew Thompson, receiving his doctorate in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences, represented the students as the 2025 Graduate School Student Speaker.

“From our time at the UAMS Graduate School, we can all commence this upcoming stage of our lives and careers with a substantially strengthened reservoir of knowledge, hope and perseverance to tackle the big problems around us,” he said. “These accomplishments being recognized not only reflect the tenacity of the students but also are a reflection of the patience, trust and care shown to us by our mentors, co-workers, families, friends and professors.”

Cheryl Lancaster, a program director in the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, was named Graduate School Staff of the Year for her work in the Health Promotion and Prevention Research program.

“I’m grateful to be recognized,” she said during the reception. “I also have to acknowledge my colleagues, because it takes a team. I’m glad to be of service to the students and faculty.”

Patterson and Taverna presided over the conferring of the degrees.

“This is where the magic happens,” said Patterson. “I offer each of you my sincere congratulations.”

Latrina Prince, Ed.D., Graduate School associate dean for academic affairs, announced each student as they proceeded to the stage.

Graduates expressed relief and looked forward to what’s ahead.

“I feel good. It’s been a long process — you go through ups and downs,” said MD Mohsin Ali, who graduated with a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences. “I’m at the top of the mountain now, and I’m enjoying the view.”

“I’m really excited. It’s a step into the future,” said Madeleine Scott, a Ph.D. candidate in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences who is set to defend her dissertation this summer.