June 13, 2017 | The College of Nursing celebrated its 264 graduates from the class of 2017 on May 19 at its pinning and hooding ceremony at the First Pentecostal Church in North Little Rock.
In front of an audience of family and friends, graduates from the college’s five programs marked the end of their educational requirements and the beginning of their clinical practice.
Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost, addressed the graduates, as well as Patricia Cowan, PhD, RN, dean of the College of Nursing and Donna Middaugh, PhD, RN, associate dean for academic programs.
“This ceremony is a long-standing tradition that holds great meaning for all our graduating students,” said Middaugh. “It’s attended by hundreds of family and friends and gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate in a more intimate environment prior to the UAMS commencement ceremony the following day.”
Cowan led the baccalaureate students in reciting the Nightingale Pledge, which calls on the graduates to be devoted to patients and the community, and promote health and welfare for all.
“We’re excited to watch the impact these graduates will have on countless patients and families in Arkansas through personal, exceptional care,” said Cowan.
The class of 2017 included 108 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, 23 RN to BSN program students, 124 master’s students, nine Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, and six PhD students.