T H E
2 9 T H
A N N U A L
BLACK STUDENT
ASSOCIATION
VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY FEBRUARY 26, 2021 Presented by
Table of Contents Black Student Association Executive Board.....................................................2
About the Black Student Association..................................................................2
Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, Dr. Kennard Brown....................3
BSA Awards Program.................................................................................................. 4
BSA Awards Mistress of Ceremonies....................................................................5
BSA Awards Keynote Speaker.................................................................................6
BSA Award Honorees............................................................................................. 7-13
THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Black Student Association Executive Board | 2020 – 2021 Officers President Kristiana Avad, College of Pharmacy
Treasurer Alexandria Dixon, College of Dentistry
Vice President Morgan Wright, College of Pharmacy
Social Chair Allison Nance, College of Health Professions
Secretary and Chaplin Raven Reese, College of Dentistry
College Representatives Dentistry: Sharon Mainya
Medicine: Okeoghene Ogaga
Graduate Health Sciences: Briana Spruill-Harrell
Pharmacy: Delvin Russell
Health Professions: Alesha Quinn
Advisors Dr. Dustin Fulton Assistant Dean, College of Medicine
The Black Student Association (BSA) is an interdisciplinary organization founded in 1992 by African American students at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), and is open to all students regardless of ethnic background, discipline, or other affiliations. The purpose of the organization is to contribute to the success of its members through education, training, and community engagement. The BSA serves as a bridge for all members across all six colleges at UTHSC. 2
Executive Vice Chancellor Dear Friends, Welcome to the 2021 BSA Awards Ceremony! Twenty-nine years later, the Black Student Association at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center continues to recognize the achievements of African American students in the Colleges of Dentistry, Graduate Health Science, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy. The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor salutes this year’s honorees for their many contributions to our University and commitment to the health professions. Our longtime support of this signature event is a source of pride for our institution. The BSA Awards not only highlight the accomplishments of the award recipients but reflects the beliefs and values of this great institution as well. It is in this manner that the inspiring message of these awards connects UTHSC to a commitment of inclusivity and equal opportunity. Joining with fellow University community members and other community supporters, we extend congratulations to all honorees whose tireless dedication to education and service has earned them this recognition. We wish all honorees continued success!
Sincerely,
Kennard Brown, JD, MPA, PhD, FACHE Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operations Officer The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
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THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
BSA VIRTUAL AWARDS PROGRAM Welcome............................................................................................................................................................................................................. Alexandria Dixon College of Dentistry Mistress of Ceremonies........................................................................................................................................................................... Arianna Poindexter Anchor/Reporter, WMC Action News 5 Keynote Address............................................................................................................................................................................................. Dr. Altha Stewart Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement College of Medicine
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS College of Dentistry College of Graduate Health Sciences College of Health Professions College of Medicine College of Nursing College of Pharmacy
Closing Remarks....................................................................................................................................................................................................Kristiana Avad BSA President, College of Pharmacy Dr. Dustin Fulton Assistant Dean, College of Medicine
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MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES Arianna Poindexter WMC Action News 5
Arianna Poindexter is a weekend evening anchor and reporter for WMC Action News 5. Prior to working in the Bluff City, she worked as a reporter and anchor in Savannah, Georgia. As a journalist, Arianna has covered several national stories including the removal of the confederate flag from the South Carolina State House, the historic flooding in Columbia, South Carolina, and she helped lead team coverage when Hurricane Matthew devastated parts of the Southeast United States. Arianna grew up in a military family (Go Navy!) and spent her childhood moving all over the United States, from California to Washington, D.C. – even living outside of the country in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Arianna earned a B.J. in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Missouri Alumni Association. When she’s not reporting, you can find her shopping, binge-watching a good show, and spending time with her husband.
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THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Altha J. Stewart, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement Dr. Altha J. Stewart is Senior Associate Dean for Community Health Engagement and Associate Professor in Psychiatry at University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. She also serves as Chief of Social/ Community Psychiatry and Director, Center for Health in Justice Involved Youth (Center) in the Department of Psychiatry where she manages community-based programs serving children impacted by trauma and mental illness and their families. Prior to joining the UTHSC College of Medicine faculty, she served as Executive Director of Memphis’ federally funded System of Care program for children with serious emotional disorders and their families. Dr. Stewart is the former Executive Director of the Detroit-Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency, one of the largest public mental health systems in the US. She served as Deputy Commissioner and later Interim Commissioner of the former New York City Department of Mental Health, and CEO/Executive Director in other large public health and mental health systems in New York and Pennsylvania, overseeing the management and development of programs for persons with mental illness, substance use disorders, and justice system involvement. Dr. Stewart received her medical degree from Temple University Medical School, completing her psychiatric residency at what is now Drexel University. In 2017, Dr. Stewart was elected the 145th President of the American Psychiatric Association, the first African American ever elected to this position in the 175-year history of the organization. She is also past president of the Black Psychiatrists of America, the Association of Women Psychiatrists and the American Psychiatric Foundation. She has received numerous awards and honors including honorary degrees, visiting professorships and honorary membership in the South African Society of Psychiatrists. 6
Kayla Jones
College of Dentistry A native Memphian, Jones is an alumna of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she was an active varsity tennis player and team captain. During her summers, Jones participated in UTHSC’s Tennessee Institute for Pre-Professionals (TIP) program, which she credits for guiding her toward pursuing a career in dentistry. In May 2016, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a minor in chemistry. After college, Jones gained experience working in the science field for a year before applying to the UTHSC College of Dentistry. During that time, she became involved with the Determined to be a Doctor Someday program, founded by UTHSC College of Dentistry alumna Christina Rosenthal, DDS, MPH. As a volunteer, Jones mentored many pre-dental minority students in the Memphis area. Throughout her time at UTHSC, Jones has demonstrated leadership through her involvement with student organizations and the community. In 2019, she served as the secretary for BSA. She was also the community service chair for the Student National Dental Association, where she led many public service efforts, including health fairs, food drives, and book fairs. In addition, she served as the social media chair for the Student National Dental Association. Upon graduation, Jones plans to be an associate at a dental practice in Memphis, where she can continue to mentor and support students in Memphis, who aspire to be health care professionals.
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THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Noelle Wright
College of Dentistry Noelle Wright is an outgoing, hardworking, motivated dental hygiene student who grew up in Nashville. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Community and Public Health from Middle Tennessee State University. Since beginning her dental hygiene studies at UTHSC, Wright has worked diligently and was awarded a Colgate Hygiene scholarship from the National Dental Hygienists’ Association, of which she is a member. Wright is also the recipient of the Tennessee Diversity Scholarship. Additionally, she mentors and tutors incoming dental hygiene students. Wright has participated in social justice activities on campus, and has volunteered in the preparation of food-relief boxes through the CoD partnership with Christ Missionary Baptist Church and the Mid-South Food Bank. During the pandemic, she has participated in the production of a series of videos designed to support a character-building curriculum for Shelby Country school children learning remotely. She is an active volunteer of Memphis Beat the Odds and has been a volunteer at the American Red Cross since 2012. Once she graduates, Wright plans to move to Dallas to pursue her career and start a non-profit organization for inner-city Black girls centered around building self-esteem, helping with education, and promoting leadership.
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Ryan Blue
College of Graduate Health Sciences Ryan Blue became a registered nurse to gain clinical experience and fulfill her natural passion for helping others. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Arkansas in 2014. After graduation, Blue completed an RN residency program, specializing in critical care nursing. While working at the hospital, Blue’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. While caring for her mother, Blue realized she wanted to do something more. “My mother’s breast cancer care constant involvement also provided me with the patient and caregiver perspective of a woman with breast cancer struggling with depression while taking adjuvant endocrine therapy,” Blue said. “This was when I discovered that treating the disease and providing patient care was not enough for me and that something was missing.” She decided to pursue a PhD in Nursing Science in the College of Graduate Health Sciences. Her research focuses on mental health issues of Black breast cancer survivors in relation to breast cancer treatments and therapies. Long-term, Blue plans to obtain her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in psychology and mental health and work as an independent researcher in an academic institution.
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THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Keiona Blackman
College of Health Professions Keiona Blackman is a second-year student in the MS Clinical Laboratory Science (MSCLS) program. She graduated from Mississippi University for Women in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, and is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Faculty have found Blackman to be an extremely hard-working student, who has sought to excel in the MSCLS program. While enrolled in the MSCLS program at UTHSC, Blackman has held a full-time position as a quality control chemist at PMC Biogenix in Memphis. In addition, she volunteered with First Baptist Broad Church to feed the homeless on numerous occasions. Blackman is also a mentor for Reach Memphis for high school sophomores. The mentors provide students with necessary tools to be able to succeed in college and in life. During the pandemic, she has helped students in Shelby County Schools adapt to the virtual learning process and made herself available to front line workers by providing childcare. Blackman also helps the elderly at her grandmother’s senior living facility.
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Kiyah Anderson College of Medicine
Anderson is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in molecular cell biology. She is the recipient of numerous honors and scholarships, including the Dr. Alvin H. and Alva J. Crawford Medical Scholar Award and the NMA Region III Student Scholarship. Anderson has been honored twice by The Bluff City Medical Society, having been named its Most Outstanding 2nd and 3rd Year Student. In addition, she is the recipient of the Abbas and Lynn Kitabchi Endocrinology Scholar Award for her clinical research in endocrinology. Anderson’s research has been presented both locally and nationally. Committed to serving the community, Anderson is a mentor for local high school and undergraduate students through the Determined to be a Doctor Someday program, founded by UTHSC College of Dentistry alumna Christina Rosenthal, DDS, MPH; and the Student National Medical Association’s Dream BIG conference, a free community outreach held yearly for middle and high school students.
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THE 29TH ANNUAL BLACK STUDENT ASSOCIATION VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
Kristin Fitchpatrick College of Nursing
Kristin Fitchpatric will graduate from the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program in May. Although her DNP program is rigorous and requires most of her time, she has found time and ways to advocate for her community and her profession. In April and May 2020, Fitchpatric volunteered in New York City in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitchpatric not only provided much-needed ICU skills and expertise, but she also noted the inequity of death and severe illness associated with people of color. Upon her return to Memphis, Fitchpatric was a presenter at a community-wide forum sponsored by her college, speaking to more than 250 people about her experience, the racial inequalities she witnessed, and social justice. Fitchpatric has a deep commitment to diversity and seeks opportunities to learn in situations where she knows she will be the minority.
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Darren “DJ” Barrow, Jr. College of Pharmacy
Darren “DJ” Barrow, Jr. is a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy student, who demonstrates academic excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to community service. He will graduate with his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree in May. Barrow earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Rhodes College in Memphis. During his time at UTHSC, Barrow has been an effective leader, serving as the 2020-2021 executive chairman for the College of Pharmacy’s Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), as well as the SNPhA Chapter President (2019-2020). He is also a member of Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma, and the Black Student Association. As president of SNPhA, Barrow led the chapter in winning the Overall Chapter of the Year Award and the Chauncey I. Cooper Excellence Award for the Large Chapter of the Year during the SNPhA virtual national convention in November 2020. In 2019, he was inducted into the IMHOTEP Society for recognition of his various leadership roles in his college and student organizations. Barrow is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Diversity Scholarship and the Tennessean Diversity Scholarships, as well as the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Bobby Thomas Inclusivity Endowment Scholarship. Barrow is dedicated to community service, as evidenced by his participation in various service events throughout the Memphis area, including Mustard Seed Tutoring, flu shot clinics, and providing vital screenings at numerous health. After graduation, he plans to go into practice at Enclara Pharmacia, a hospice pharmacy in Memphis.
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Proud Sponsor of the BSA Awards
uthsc.edu/executive-vice-chancellor
Congratulations to the 2021 BSA Award Honorees
Kayla Jones College of Dentistry
Noelle Wright College of Dentistry
Kiyah Anderson College of Medicine
Ryan Blue College of Graduate Health Sciences
Kristin Fitchpatrick College of Nursing
Keiona Blackman College of Health Professions
Darren “DJ” Barrow, Jr. College of Pharmacy
The 29th Annual Black Student Association Virtual Awards Ceremony February 26, 2021 Presented by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor Special thanks to the following: Dr. Steve Schwab (Chancellor) Dr. Kennard Brown (EVC/COO) College of Dentistry College of Graduate Health Sciences College of Health Professions College of Medicine College of Nursing College of Pharmacy Holiday Flowers & Events Featherstone Projects
The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services.
