UAMS College of Public Health Celebrates Class of 2026
| The smiles and hugs were plenty as the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health recognized its newest graduates during its 2026 commencement at Little Rock’s Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
There were 72 graduates in this year’s class.
Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., UAMS provost and chief strategy officer, commended the graduates for their accomplishment. Gardner also reminded the grads of their pivotal role in improving the lives of entire communities.
“You chose a field that is not focused on prestige or profit, but is focused on people, on communities,” she said. “You’re focused on making sure that no one is invisible. We need public health experts and practitioners in the United States because many of our biggest health challenges aren’t solved in exam rooms, they’re solved in communities.”
Gardner encouraged the graduates to always remain focused on their ultimate task as public health practitioners.
“You’re now part of a profession that meets the world as it is, and works relentlessly toward what it should be,” Gardner said. “As you move forward, remember this — your work may not always make the headlines, but it will always matter.”
College of Public Health Dean Mark Williams, Ph.D., smiled as he stood at the podium to greet the graduates.
Mark Williams, Ph.D., dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, interacts with one of the graduates, and her child, during the commencement reception.
“I want to offer my congratulations to you on completing this part of your education journey,” he said. “The skills you learned during your public health training will serve you well in your careers.”
Williams urged the grads to boldly support the principles and discoveries of public health — especially in a time when science and research are too often marginalized.
“Graduates, as new public health and healthcare administration practitioners and scientists, you’ll be asked to uphold the responsibilities that accompany your experience,” he said. “Part of those responsibilities is dedication to the truth. Your family and communities will look to you for guidance about the best course of action to address the consequences of our modern world.
“We’ve prepared you to understand the science of public health and healthcare administration and how science has arrived at its understandings of fact.”
Williams also presented the family of Suzanne McCarthy, MSN, MPH, with the 2026 Award for Service to Public Health. McCarthy was the College of Public Health’s first student and its first graduate. She died Dec. 1, 2025.
McCarthy was a co-founder of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI), an independent, nonpartisan health policy organization focused on improving the health of all Arkansans. McCarthy served as founding senior associate and director of government relations at ACHI until her retirement in 2019.
“McCarthy had the gift of making anyone feel like he or she was the smartest person in the room,” Williams told the crowd. “She welcomed everyone and looked for ways to be inclusive, facilitating introductions and forming relationships.”
McCarthy’s husband, Richard McCarthy, M.D., and their daughter accepted the award on the family’s behalf. Richard McCarthy provided words of gratitude for the honor, in addition to encouragement for the graduates.
“Suzzanne was a pioneer in the realm of public health, but she was also a woman of strong principles,” he said. “When we moved to Arkansas, she noticed the discrepancy in healthcare, and it made her want to do something.
“My challenge to you, as you begin your career, is to look for the problems but also develop the solutions. You now have the degree. You can create the solutions. My challenge for you is to make a difference in our world.”
Two College of Public Health spring 2026 graduates share a hug during the commencement reception.
Also during the event, the graduates stood to recite the public health oath in unison. Brandon Burdette, Ph.D., a 2026 graduate of the Master of Health Administration program, presented the Call to Gather to his fellow grads.
Before the conclusion of the ceremony, Williams received an ovation as attendees congratulated him on his tenure as dean. Williams previously announced that the 2025-2026 school year is his last as dean of the college.
He encouraged the graduates to remember that public health is at the forefront of saving lives and advancing truth over hearsay.
“If the time comes to defend science, do so with knowledge, integrity, and courage,” he said. “We ask this so the least of us in our society will be able to claim right of health for all.
“In closing, I want congratulate you, our graduates, and your family and friends on achieving this milestone in your health career.”