ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy honors graduates
Forty-six student pharmacists officially became Gatton's 16th graduating class on Friday.
Members of the Class of 2025 at East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy received their doctoral hoods this morning, officially becoming part of the college’s 16th graduating class.
The Hooding and Commencement ceremony was held in the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts, where 46 student pharmacists earned the Doctor of Pharmacy degree as part of ETSU’s commencement weekend.
Dr. Debbie Byrd, dean of ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, thanked the graduating class for the mark they left on the college.
“We are so pleased you chose to go on the journey to become a pharmacist with us,” said Byrd. “You made this college your own, and you’re leaving it a better college of pharmacy than the one you found.”
Byrd also praised their impact on the opioid crisis, as well as their success in research, leadership and student organizations.
Members of the graduating class helped the college’s American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists Operation Substance Use Disorders win top honors for combating prescription drug misuse in 2025. Earlier this year they were named number one in the country, the 12th consecutive year they’ve been recognized nationally or regionally.
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland praised members of the Class of 2025 for their accomplishments.
“I wish you continued success – today and in the years to come,” said Noland. “Now, you join 20 years of distinguished alumni of Gatton College of Pharmacy who strive daily to make a difference in the lives of others through their patient care, research, teaching and service.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduating class, Bailey Boyd paid tribute to classmate Luvango Musungira, who passed away during his first year. In a touching moment, Musungira’s family attended the ceremony and was presented with a shadowbox containing his graduation regalia. To further honor his memory, graduates wore special lapel pins, and an empty chair was placed on stage in his remembrance.
Dr. Mary Jo Collins, president of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA), also spoke during the ceremony, honoring the graduates and telling them about ways the TPA supports them after graduation.
Morgan Teeters, of Athens, Tennessee, was among the members of the ETSU Class of 2025 who were inducted into the 1911 Society. Named in commemoration of the year ETSU was founded, the organization honors the university’s most notable graduates from undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.
In addition to the doctoral hooding, several individual awards were presented to members of the class for significant achievements including seven exceptional graduates, all of whom were honored for earning a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA. Among these students was Brie Levy, who was named the Class Valedictorian.
Levy’s strength goes well beyond the classroom: In addition to breaking numerous world, national and state powerlifting records, she officially became the top female powerlifter of all time in her drug tested weight class in November 2024.
Other honors included the Patient Care Award to Whitney G. Blessing; the Outstanding Service Award to Chaz A. Roach; the Gary Mabrey Community Service Award to Sarah E. Younce; the Guy B. Wilson Jr. Leadership Award to Bailey C. Boyd; the Viatris Institute of Pharmacy Excellence in Pharmacy Award to Jeanna L. Harding; the Wolters Kluwer Health Fact and Comparisons Award for Outstanding Communication Skills to Coleman C. Pitchford; the Merck Award for Scholastic Excellence to Morgan D. Teeters; and the Baeteena M. Black Leadership Award to Reghan J. Simpson.
Food City Pharmacy sponsored the reception.
The ceremony was livestreamed at youtube.com/@etsupharmacy for those unable to attend. Learn more about the college at etsu.edu/pharmacy.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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