August 2 marked a significant milestone for the Pathologists’ Assistant program at Anderson University as the first graduates of the Master of Medical Science in Pathologists’ Assistant (MMSPA) degree program were recognized.
Faculty, staff and friends of the program gathered in the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center to honor the first graduating class at a dinner hosted by the Anderson University College of Health Professions.
The graduates are Aubrey Chinners, Alexandria Nelson, McKenzie Rice, Elizabeth Velandia and Jennifer Wilson.
Professor Amy Nelson delivered a heartfelt speech to the students in attendance who received a certificate of completion of the Pathologists’ Assistant program: Alexandria Nelson, Elizabeth Velandia and Jennifer Wilson.
Julie Bostick MHS, PA (ASCP), HTL, program director and assistant professor of the Pathologists’ Assistant Program, part of the Anderson University College of Health Professions’ School of Clinical Laboratory Science, expressed her gratitude to faculty, staff and everyone who was instrumental in getting this program off the ground.
Anderson University Provost Dr. Ryan Neal along with College of Health Professions Dean Dr. Donald Peace were among the speakers to thank the students for putting their trust in AU’s commitment to excellence in education and being pioneers of the program.
On August 9, current Pathologists’ Assistant students were recognized in a white coat ceremony, marking their transition from classroom lectures to hands-on clinical rotations—a crucial step in their journey to becoming skilled Pathologists’ Assistants.
Pictured above are those students who were recognized in the ceremony, from left to right—front: Kendra Beechie, Bianca Aguilar, Amy Willems, Tessa Cox; back: Olivia Jans, Madison Guest, Matthew Belk, Daley Gosnell, Bianca Perez-Schwab and Zachary Wagner-Herbert.
Guest speaker Jennifer Wilson, a recent graduate who received her white coat last year, offered words of encouragement and advice as the students began their year of clinical rotations. She reminded them that it wouldn’t be an easy year but to remember they are still students who are there to learn from experienced laboratory professionals and it is absolutely okay not to know everything and to ask questions.
Wilson’s speech to the new recipients served as a powerful reminder of the program’s impact and the bright futures that lie ahead for these students. All five of the students in clinical rotations this year were offered employment by a site where they studied.
Details about the Pathologists’ Assistant program can be found online here.