By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Mel Low and Miranda Sennett were honored in the University of Montevallo College of Health Professions’ inaugural White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, March 19.

The ceremony comes on the heels of the formation of the College of Health Professions, which was initiated by UM receiving approval from the Alabama Board of Nursing in May 2024. The nursing program within the college was subsequently launched in the fall of 2024.

The event began with a welcome from Dr. Crystal Bennett, the dean of the college of health professions, and John Stewart, the president of UM.

“It is a historic day for us (at UM) to have our first ever white coat ceremony and really kick off the nursing program here,” Stewart said.

Dr. Greg Ryan, chair of the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences at Montevallo, echoed Stewart’s opening statement in his remarks.

“Today we celebrate not only the achievements of our students today, but also the bright future that lies ahead of them,” Ryan said. “The white coat ceremony marks the beginning steps of a remarkable journey in nursing filled with dedication, compassion, collaboration and a commitment to the high standard of patient care.”

Ryan then directly addressed Low and Sennett in his speech.

“Today you don the white coat as a symbol of your pledge to uphold the values of your profession, including integrity, empathy and excellence,” Ryan said. “You are joining a noble profession, one that touches countless lives in profound ways. Be proud of this milestone, embrace this moment and carry its meaning with you throughout your career.”

Bennett returned to the stage to introduce the ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Constance Hendricks. Hendricks was the first African American to complete the PhD nursing program from Boston College in 1992. In 2009, Hendricks was inducted into the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame. Hendricks also served as a consultant on the development of the nursing program at UM.

Hendricks again emphasized the moment in her keynote address.

“You are a part of history,” Hendricks said. “These two young ladies accepted the challenge to make history with the University of Montevallo. And I am so excited to come to say to them that you are becoming the nurse that will make a difference.”

Hendricks said many words of wisdom with Low and Sennett, as well as those who attended. She closed with emphasizing the importance of care in the nursing profession.

“I encourage you as you enter every patient’s room to treat that patient as if they were your family,” Hendricks said. “Do what is best for them.”

Bennett then took the stage to highlight the significance of the White Coat Ceremony. The ceremony is the creation of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, and was established in 1993 at the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons as a way to emphasize humanism in medicine at the very start of training. The ceremony was adapted for nurses in 2014.

Low and Sennett were then presented with their white coats, concluding the ceremony. Bennett gave some closing remarks to Low and Sennett.

“Miranda and Mel, I want you to cherish this moment,” Bennett said. “Reflect on the emotions you are feeling today and always, above everything, remember your why.”

For more information on the University of Montevallo, visit Montevallo.edu.