Sherman, Texas -- Austin College held its second annual white coat ceremony for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program on Friday, May 22 on the Clyde L. Hall Graduation Court.
This ceremony marked the Class of 2027’s transition from pre-clinical studies to supervised clinical practice, and celebrated the program’s Class of 2026 as the inaugural graduates of the PA Program at Austin College.
“Today’s white coat ceremony is a time-honored tradition,” said President Steven P. O’Day. “The white coat signifies trust in your abilities, recognition of your hard work, and our confidence in the future you are helping to shape. It also means that you will carry the identity of Austin College with you wherever you go. We are proud to call you our own. You represent the mission and values of Austin College with clarity and conviction, not just as future health care providers, but as leaders, problem solvers, and professionals in the making.”
The 34 students comprising the program’s second cohort, the Class of 2027, received their short white coats from their Class of 2026 mentors. The second-year students will wear the short coats when representing Austin College in clinical training primarily in Texas, but also in multiple states across the country. They will complete rotations in emergency medicine, pediatric medicine, surgery, behavioral medicine, family medicine, women's health, internal medicine, and elective areas of medicine as well.
“Over the past year, you have completed hundreds of hours of coursework, labs, simulations, exams. You have mastered an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and developed the discipline, resilience, and determination required of future clinicians,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Dr. Beth Gill. “Now you begin the next stage of your journey, learning not only from textbooks and faculty, but also from the patients themselves. You'll experience the very reason that you chose to enter into this profession; namely that medicine is not only about diagnosis, procedures, and treatment plans, it's about the people. It's about listening deeply, recognizing vulnerability, and being fully present in moments that matter the most.”
After the Class of 2027 recited the PA professional oath, Austin College Trustee Dr. Donald M. Gibson ’75 delivered words of wisdom to the graduating Class of 2026. “You will leave today, and you'll go out into the world to begin your careers, and our charge to you is this: go from here, go and be the agents of change, change lives for the better,” said Gibson. “This is not only a gift to society, but it's a true gift to yourself. Your ability to change lives is a gift to you. The greatest thing that one can do for oneself is to build a legacy by leading a life of helping others. Go and give that gift, that life gift, to yourself and to others.”
The Class of 2026 crossed the stage and received their long white coats from program faculty. Various academic awards and awards of excellence were presented to students for their achievements and performance during their two years in the PA Program.
Kathryn Woodruff was presented the Donald M. Gibson, M.D. Award, Ann Kauffman was presented the Excellence in Academics Award, Bianca Montemayor was presented the Excellence in Clinical Application Award, Quinn Helm was presented the Spirit of Introspection Award, and the Spirit of Engagement Award was presented to Sisnios Abebe by Trustee Dr. Jeannine Hatt ’72.
“The Class of 2026 has demonstrated extraordinary commitment; commitment to their education, to one another, to their future patients, and to the PA program in Austin College. This group holds the distinction that no class after them ever will—they were our first,” said Founding Director of the PA Program Dr. Diana Noller. “They walked into this program without the benefit of anyone that came before them. They didn't have a road map, they didn't have any other upperclassmen to lean on, and yet they showed up, they pressed forward, and in doing so laid the foundation upon which this program work will grow for years to come, and that is definitely a foundation of excellence.”
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
