View Larger Image
First-year pharmacy student Cameron Bryant dons his white coat. Bryant was one of 95 students who participated in this year's ceremony. Image by Evan Lewis

Pharmacy Journey Begins for Class of 2029 with White Coat Ceremony

Sept. 12, 2025 | Members of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy Class of 2029 received their white coats in a ceremony Sept. 5, symbolizing the beginning of their journey in pharmacy school.

This year the event was held at the Connor Performing Arts Center at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock. Hundreds of family members, friends and well-wishers cheered and applauded each student as they stepped on stage to receive coats embroidered with their names.

“Tonight we mark an important transition, as each of you takes on the responsibilities and the privileges of joining the pharmacy profession, symbolically by donning this white coat,” said College of Pharmacy Dean Cindy Stowe, Pharm.D. “As you put on your coat tonight, remember that this is more than a symbol: it’s a commitment to curiosity, compassion and excellence. Embrace the challenges, and take pride in knowing that you are part of a profession that makes a profound difference in the health and wellness of others.”

Stowe thanked the students’ families for their support, as well as the college’s faculty and staff for their dedication to providing a quality education for every pharmacy student.

The Class of 2029, which arrived on campus in August, is the first group of students to experience the college’s new curriculum, which started this fall. Their didactic, or classroom curriculum, will continue through their third year of pharmacy school, before they begin advanced practice rotations in their fourth and final year.

“This curriculum was built for you,” Stowe said. “It reflects our belief that you learn best not only by listening and studying, but also engaging, applying and creating. We have designed this curriculum to ensure you exceed practice-ready standards, are adaptable and equipped to shape the future of pharmacy.”

Alex Langston, a 2026 Doctor of Pharmacy candidate and president of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists, served as master of ceremonies. She led the students in reciting the pledge of professionalism and called their names as they walked onstage. A total of 95 students received their white coats at this year’s ceremony.

John Vinson, Pharm.D., a College of Pharmacy graduate and CEO and executive vice president of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, spoke about how the idea for a white coat ceremony took shape when he was a student, and said it was important to recognize and celebrate the responsibility that new pharmacy students take to serve their patients.

“You are the medication experts,” Vinson said. “You will have a world-class education and get to know mentors, teachers and preceptors who will invest in you, as you will invest back in them. I believe this is the best state in the United States to practice pharmacy. Arkansas is at the top.”

Brittany Sanders, Pharm.D., owner of The Pharmacy at Wellington in Little Rock and immediate past president of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, delivered the keynote address. Saying that the white coat represents trust, knowledge and unwavering commitment to serve others, she encouraged the students to participate in their education as much as possible.

“As you begin down this path, I urge you to take this as a call to action,” Sanders said. “Show up. Contribute to your career by joining professional organizations. Participate in advocacy campaigns. Volunteer your time and engage in your community. Other states are envious of pharmacy in Arkansas, and it didn’t happen by accident. It happened because people made the choice to show up and speak out.”

Sanders added that each student brings unique strengths, experiences and perspectives and added that they should think hard about what the profession means to them.

“In your family’s eyes, you’re a pharmacist today,” she said. “In your community’s eyes, you’re a reliable gateway to answers to health-related questions. To your peers, you’re a sounding board for ideas for the future of health care. So let me ask you now: what does it mean to you to be a pharmacist? Let that be what compels you to advocate and seek new limits for your profession.”

Student ambassadors from the college assisted with programs, organization and seating, student lineups and coating. This year’s ambassadors were Evelyn McHaney, Alex Langston, Mason Thessing, Connor Gray, Bailey Theriot, Bailey Tagupa, Jordae Hunter, Taylor Hollowell, Lynn Duncan, Jamecia Shorter, Halle Rich, Maraam Zonfuly, Roshan Patel, Kia Bursey-Walker, Shira Hendrix, Kylia Williams, Ireland Davidson, Madeline Davidson, Kory Thongkam, Isaac Scott, Jonah Nester, Jasmin Preston, KiLee Finch and Jasmine Dogra.