03 May 2021 Central Baptist College honors nine in white coat ceremony

Conway – The Central Baptist College Math and Science Department recognized nine students for their academic excellence by awarding them with white coats in a private ceremony held last week. This event marked the tenth White Coat Ceremony to be held by the College. Each student achieved academic excellence, completing rigorous academic requirements set forth by Math and Science Department faculty, and were approved as a recipient for her white coat.

“At most institutions, the white coat ceremony is a rite of passage; it is a way of welcoming new students into the medical profession,” said Dr. Gary McAllister, Vice President for Academic Affairs. “At CBC, the white coat symbolizes the high expectations that science faculty have for their students. This ceremony is intended to impress upon our students the need to excel in their study of science, to love others and show compassion, and to pursue their profession with diligence and integrity.”

The 2021 ceremony included a prayer of blessing led by Dr. Joshua Kwekel, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and the presentation of the honorees and their white coats by department faculty and the 2019-2020 white coat members. 

The 2021 White Coat Class is listed below with their major:

Holly Allen, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Anna Crocker, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Macey Decker, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Alyssa Estrada, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Autumn Herring, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Madelyn Jameson, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Tiffany Knowles, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Sara McGee, Bachelor of Science in Biology

Lena Srdanov, Bachelor of Science in Biology

CBC’s Math and Science Department faculty include Judy Gabbard, Math and Science Department Chair and Professor of Science; Dr. Elizabeth Gomez, Natural and Social Sciences Division Chair and Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Joshua Kwekel, Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; and Dr. Mi-Seon Seong, Associate Professor of Biology.From the Math and Science Department, Central Baptist College offers the following bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biosciences. Additionally, minors are offered in Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Science. To learn more about the Math and Science Department at Central Baptist College visit cbc.edu or contact CBC Admissions.