THE 33rd ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY
February 21, 2025
Black Student Association Executive Board | 2024 – 2025 Officers
President Justin Biam, College of Dentistry
Vice President
Khadijat Perkins, College of Medicine
Secretary
Morgan Anderson, College of Health Professions
Chaplain
Jonathan James, College of Medicine
College Representatives
Dentistry:
Al Gamble
Graduate Health Sciences:
Kimberly Williams Houston
Health Professions:
Morgan Anderson
Advisor
Treasurer
Amira James, College of Health Professions
Social Chair
Raymond Senu, College of Medicine
Service Chair
Dyrell Lyles, College of Health Professions
Medicine: Raymond Senu
Nursing: Kendree Collier
Pharmacy: Jylexus Burks
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, 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 UT Health Science Center.
BSA AWARDS PROGRAM
Welcome ....................................................................................................................................................................... Khadijat Perkins
BSA Vice President, College of Medicine
Keynote Address ............................................................................................................................................ Orpheus Triplett, DDS
Associate Dean of Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service and Associate Professor, UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
College of Dentistry
College of Graduate Health Sciences
College of Health Professions
College of Medicine
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy
BSA President Remarks
Justin Biam
BSA President, College of Dentistry
Closing ..........................................................................................................................................................................
Dr. Dustin Fulton
BSA Advisor, Assistant Dean, College of Medicine
MISTRESS OF CEREMONIES
Kelli Cook
Kelli Cook is a three-time Emmy-nominated news anchor and reporter at Action News 5. She currently anchors the weekend evening newscasts at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
With a distinguished career spanning Mississippi, Florida, and Tennessee, Kelli has covered some of the most high-profile events in recent history, from the courtroom proceedings of the George Zimmerman trial to the NBA Finals and NASA shuttle launches.
Beyond the newsroom, Kelli is deeply committed to diversity and representation in journalism. She is the President Emeritus of the Memphis Association of Black Journalists and played a pivotal role in establishing her station’s first-ever editorial board, ensuring fair and equitable news coverage. She also holds a workplace certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida.
A proud alumna of Florida A&M University, Kelli earned her degree in Broadcast Journalism. She is also an active member of the Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Orpheus Triplett, DDS
Orpheus Triplett, DDS serves as the Associate Dean for Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service and an Associate Professor in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. In his role, he oversees and supports community engagement activities, fosters the development of new programs, and cultivates partnerships to advance the college’s public service mission.
An accomplished alumnus of Alcorn State University, Dr. Triplett graduated cum laude before earning the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University College of Dentistry. He further honed his clinical expertise by completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.
Dr. Triplett is a distinguished leader and advocate in dentistry, earning numerous honors for his contributions, including the 2022 UT President’s Award as the Optimistic and Visionary Honoree, the 2022 Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Empowerment Award, the College of Dentistry Dean’s Appreciation Award (2017), a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steve Cohen (2018), a City of Memphis Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Community Contributions (2018), and the UT President’s Award Citation of Merit (2019).
In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Dr. Triplett serves on several influential boards and committees, including the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc., Christ Community Health Services, the Academy of Dentistry for People with Disabilities (ADPD), and the Legislative Advisory Committee of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
Through his leadership, Dr. Triplett continues to champion initiatives that align with the institution’s vision - Healthy Tennesseeans. Thriving Communities.
HONOREE
Genie Ochi College of Dentistry
When Genie Ochi entered the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry, she didn’t just join the community—she transformed it. Taking initiative during her first year, Ochi revitalized the previously inactive Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter. Under her visionary leadership, the chapter flourished, generating over $15,000 in revenue to support community service programs. Her dedication led to UT Health Science Center’s SNDA chapter being recognized as one of the top three medium chapters of the year for service and programming excellence at the 52nd National SNDA Conference in Las Vegas—a landmark achievement.
Ochi’s passion for mentorship and outreach extended beyond organizational leadership. She spearheaded Impressions Day, a cornerstone event that welcomed over 80 prospective dental students and inspired future dental professionals. Her collaboration with the Moving Forward Committee advanced outreach and inclusion initiatives in the College of Dentistry. Additionally, she served as a mentor in the Bright Smiles Mentorship Program alongside Felisa Jackson, MA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Periodontology in the College of Dentistry and guided students from elementary to high school in exploring dentistry through the Our Future Is Now initiative with Associate Professor Cassandra Christiansen, RDH, EdD.
Ochi’s fearless advocacy for classmates, mentorship of future dental professionals, and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned the admiration of peers, faculty, and administrators. Her indelible contributions have paved the way for a stronger, more inclusive future at the UT Health Science Center College of Dentistry.
Perri Johnson College of Graduate Health Sciences HONOREE
Perri Johnson Jr., known as “PJ,” entered the joint UT Health Science Center-University of Memphis Biomedical Engineering Program in Fall 2020, bringing with him a strong academic foundation and a passion for innovation. A graduate of both the University of Indianapolis and Purdue University, Johnson earned dual degrees in engineering and mathematics, while excelling academically and competing as a collegiate football player. After his undergraduate studies, Johnson earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a thesis on ankle orthosis and tibial load reduction.
Johnson’s research journey has been marked by intellectual curiosity and a commitment to impactful solutions. His current work focuses on developing assistive devices for the treatment of tibial bone stress injuries (TBSI), with a specific emphasis on comparing the effectiveness of a Dynamic Ankle Orthosis (DAO) to clinical walking boots in promoting bone healing and preventing muscle atrophy. He is also expanding this research to explore applications for military populations. His mentor, Denis DiAngelo, PhD, praised his determination and growth, noting Johnson “continues to impress with his drive to learn and advance as an independent research investigator.”
In 2023, Johnson’s groundbreaking research on the effects of DAOs in reducing tibial compressive forces during treadmill walking was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. He has also received multiple awards, including the prestigious Lee and Jennie Beaumont Scholarship for research in Arthritis and Connective Tissue Diseases. Additionally, he secured funding for a Trainee Project Grant from the UT Health Science Center College of Graduate Health Sciences to investigate predictive measures of ground reaction forces using machine learning and inertial measurement units.
Johnson’s contributions extend beyond research; he has delivered six oral presentations and 10 poster presentations
at national scientific meetings and has lectured on biomedical instrumentation for graduate students. His support and mentorship of fellow students highlight his leadership and collaborative spirit.
His dedication to advancing orthopaedic biomechanics and rehabilitation engineering continues to drive his promising doctoral research, making him an inspiring figure in the biomedical engineering community.
HONOREE
Aliyah Hanks College of Health Professions
Aliyah Hanks exemplifies dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence—qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of the distinguished BSA Award.
Hanks began her health care journey as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and caregiver in Selmer and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In these roles, she provided compassionate care, assisting individuals with daily activities and closely monitoring health changes. Her early experiences demonstrated a profound empathy and dedication to enhancing the well-being of others, values that continue to define her contributions as a student and leader.
Her leadership shines through extensive campus involvement. As a committee member of the UT Health Science Center chapter of the Coalition of Occupational Therapy Advocates for Diversity (COTAD), Hanks worked tirelessly to promote cultural competence and social justice by planning and executing educational workshops and events. As marketing chair for the Rachel Kay Stevens Therapy Center (RKSTC), she not only promoted the clinic but also fostered connections and increased referrals, exemplifying her initiative and dedication.
Hanks’ exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the RISE-CAY Award and the HCOP Ambassador Scholars Award. Her involvement as an HCOP ambassador allowed her to engage in tailored enrichment programs, further expanding her impact within the community. She was also honored with the Low Vision Lions Club Award for her collaborative work with the Hamilton Eye Institute on vision screenings and low-vision services.
Her diverse clinical experiences span pediatric outpatient care, acute care, home health, and inpatient rehabilitation. Hanks’ ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and provide patient-
centered care has been consistently recognized and commended.
Hanks is also deeply committed to advancing her field through professional affiliations. She is an active member of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Tennessee Occupational Therapy Association, and UT Health Science Center Student Occupational Therapy Association, reflecting her dedication to both professional growth and peer support.
Khadijat Perkins College of Medicine HONOREE
Khadijat Perkins stands as an exemplary leader among her class of 174 in the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine. Her dedication to service, advocacy for the underserved, and passion for addressing global health disparities have made her a standout in medical education and community engagement.
From her first year as an M1, Perkins demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and advancing cardiothoracic surgery. Her exceptional achievements include earning prestigious scholarships, such as the American Association of Thoracic Surgery Scholarship, the Society for Thoracic Surgeons Advocacy Conference Scholarship, Bluff City Medical Society Dr. Robert J. Smith Scholarship, and a ResearchAmerica! grant titled “The Irrepressible Student Surgeon.” Through this grant, she led an advocacy symposium to highlight the life-saving impact of cardiothoracic surgery and its importance to health care systems. Perkins’ contributions extend beyond academic excellence. She served as the president and founding member of the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery Student Interest Group and actively participated in the Center for Multicultural and Global Health. As an M2, she volunteered on the organ acquisition team for transplant patients at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and was selected as a Suture Tech at Regional One Health’s Level I trauma center, assisting with laceration repairs and wound care.
Her leadership roles also include serving as the president of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), vice president of Student Affairs for her class, and vice president of the Black Student Association. Perkins’ dedication to student engagement earned her the College of Medicine Student Impact and Advocacy Leadership Awards in 2023. She further contributed as an Admissions Ambassador and currently serves as a student member of the College of Medicine Committee on Admissions.
Beyond her numerous accolades and achievements, Perkins is known for her humility, kindness, and generosity. Her unwavering dedication to advancing health care and her inspiring leadership qualities make her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Black Student Association Award. With her sights set on becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon, Perkins continues to pave the way for excellence and meaningful impact in the field of medicine.
HONOREE
Alexis Macklin College of Nursing
Alexis Macklin has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement as a student in the UT Health Science Center Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Her unwavering commitment to nursing excellence and dedication to service make her a distinguished recipient of the Black Student Association Award.
Alexis has maintained an outstanding academic standing while balancing her responsibilities as a student leader. In 2024, she earned a prestigious medallion in the BSN STEP UP and HELP program, which prepares graduates to advance health equity and improve outcomes for underserved populations. Her participation in this program exemplifies her dedication to nursing education and public health initiatives.
As president of the Black Student Nurses Association (BSNA), Alexis has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s influence. Her efforts in recruiting and orienting new members led to a significant membership increase, fostering a vibrant and engaged community. Under her leadership, BSN student organizations have made a meaningful impact through various community-based learning initiatives.
Alexis coordinated volunteer efforts for Girls on the Run, an evidence-based program that teaches life skills, overseeing first aid services in collaboration with faculty. Her leadership extended to organizing health screenings and education at Kirby Pines Retirement Village, health fairs at the Kingsbury Career and Technology Center, and serving meals for community members at Feast for Friends/Friends for Life. These activities have strengthened ties between the College of Nursing and the broader community, advancing health care outreach and education.
In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Alexis is pursuing her passion for maternal newborn nursing while working at
Regional One Health. Her ability to excel in rigorous academic settings while serving as a compassionate caregiver demonstrates her dedication to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Alexis Macklin embodies the mission and values of the Black Student Association through her leadership, service, and passion for nursing excellence. She continues to inspire her peers and contribute meaningfully to the future of health care.
Anthony Brown College of Pharmacy HONOREE
Anthony Brown is a fourth-year pharmacy student who demonstrates leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to patient care. He will graduate with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May.
Brown completed his pharmacy prerequisites and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He worked at Walgreens Pharmacy before starting pharmacy school, which further solidified his interest in pursuing a degree in pharmacy.
During his time in the College of Pharmacy, Brown has been an effective leader, having served as the college’s Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) president-elect in 2022-2023 and president in 2023-2024. In his leadership roles, Brown has helped many student pharmacists while modeling professionalism. He is also very passionate about serving underserved communities.
During his tenure as a student pharmacist, Brown was awarded the Chancellor Diversity Scholarship and the Deryk Cooper, Jr. Scholarship Endowment. He was also a three-time recipient of the Tennessean Diversity Scholarship.
A fun fact about Anthony is that he was a member of the 2020 Universal Cheerleading Association National Championship Cheerleading squad at UT Knoxville. After graduation, Anthony aspires to pursue a clinical residency in hopes of practicing in the acute care setting or other clinical practice settings.
Congratulations to the
Genie Ochi College of Dentistry
Khadijat Perkins College of Medicine
Perri Johnson College of Graduate Health Sciences
Alexis Macklin College of Nursing
Aliyah Hanks College of Health Professions
Anthony Brown College of Pharmacy
Dear Honorees, Guests, and Members of the Black Student Association,
It is a privilege for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine to share in sponsoring the 2025 Black Student Association Awards Ceremony. This event highlights the outstanding achievements of students who are making meaningful contributions to the health professions and their community.
The College of Medicine is committed to expanding access to medical education and ensuring that all aspiring physicians have the opportunity to pursue their passion for healthcare. Through mentorship, scholarship support, and pathway programs, we strive to remove barriers and open doors for future medical professionals who will go on to serve communities across Tennessee and beyond.
To the award recipients—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your hard work, passion, and contributions reflect the highest ideals of our institution. May this honor encourage you to continue striving for excellence in all that you do.
We are proud to support the Black Student Association and to celebrate the remarkable individuals who contribute to the strength and success of our community.
G. Nicholas Verne, MD
Interim Executive Dean and Vice Chancellor for Clinal Affairs
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Peter and Leonie Buckley
The 33rd Annual Black Student Association Awards Ceremony
presented by the UT Health Science Center College of Medicine
February 21, 2025
Special thanks to the following:
College of Dentistry
College of Graduate Health Sciences
College of Health Professions
College of Medicine
College of Nursing
College of Pharmacy
Peter and Leonie Buckley
UT Health Science Center Office of Communications and Marketing