The Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program Class of 2027.

The Presbyterian College Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program welcomes its newest cohort this month at the 2024 White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2027.

Thirty-three new students received their white coats and pins before taking the school’s OTD oath to begin the academic journey towards their professional goals.

In her welcome, PC president Dr. Anita Gustafson told incoming students that the work they are training and studying for is a perfect fit for PC’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.”

“The work that you do will change lives,” she said. “Your service to others will help people become more independent or it will help them to stay independent longer. Your work is a calling. A calling to make a difference. A calling to do good and important work.”

Gustafson said the white coats that students receive marks not only the beginning of their academic coursework but serves as a symbol of professional integrity.

“Remember, as you wear it, you represent Presbyterian College and its reputation for excellence and honor,” Gustafson said. “I know that you will make us proud. We look forward to watching you grow and learn and become professionals who make exceptional impacts on the daily lives of patients you serve.”

Dr. Erin McAdams, PC’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the white coats also symbolize students’ commitment to the values of academic integrity and professionalism.

“As you continue your education and begin to interact with patients, the integrity that you demonstrate will not only shape your personal and professional identity, but also uphold the trust that society places in the healthcare system,” McAdams said. “Upholding ethical standards in your work and studies, of course, is essential, but it will also be the foundation of the reputation that you are going to build as a healthcare provider.”

Program director and associate professor Dr. Moni Keen explained that the coats and professional pins also signify “professional readiness, a commitment to advanced education, and the confidence necessary to embrace and impact the future of occupational therapy.”

Faculty members Dr. Courtney Addison, Dr. Cindy Erb, and Dr. Christine Boone presented the ideals of professionalism the program embraces – integrity, lifelong learning, communication, empathy, and altruism.

The ceremony also included the induction of 14 new members to the Eta Alpha Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon, an honor society for occupational therapy.

The Class of 2027

• Caroline Bedenbaugh
• Jesselyn Bryant
• Anna Chiarelli
• Rosemary Childers
• Abigail Compton
• Julie Covil
• Mackenzie Dansby
• Jessie Daughtry
• Miriam Elizalde
• Gabrielle Fontenot
• Grace Fulmer
• Madeline Gilstrap
• Addison Godwin
• Jane Hamrick
• Brittany Hightower
• Mackenzleigh Hinson
• Ashton Holliday
• Kathleen Iacobelli
• India Jones
• Rylee Kitchens
• Rachel Knox
• Morgan Norris
• Rebecca O’Neal
• Alexis Owens
• Natalie Pack
• Kaylin Pridgen
• Kaylee Rollins
• Grace Ann Simpson
• Elainee Sprinkle
• Taylor Strickland
• Briana Viau
• Camryn Peters
• Sara Watkins

2024 Pi Theta Epsilon Inductees

• Amy Clark
• Sheyla Cortes-Leyva
• Edi Cummings
• Annelise Few-Smith
• Shelbi Frederick
• Cristina Gonzalez
• Imani Hunt
• Zoe Johnson
• Anna Lawton
• Kylie Mangum
• Briana McCalla
• Jada Perry
• Emily Robinson-McCall
• Emma Wiford

The 2024 inductees into the Eta Alpha Chapter of Pi Theta Epsilon honor society for occupational therapy.