Southern Miss Holds White Coat Ceremony for Doctor of Audiology Students
Mon, 05/19/2025 - 09:33am | By: Jennifer Rigney
The University of Southern Mississippi recently hosted its annual White Coat Ceremony to honor third-year students in the Doctor of Audiology program, recognizing the successful completion of their academic coursework and their entry into a yearlong clinical externship.
Southern Miss is home to Mississippi’s only American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certified Doctor of Audiology program, making this achievement especially meaningful for both the students and the state’s healthcare landscape.
The white coats, symbolizing a commitment to clinical excellence and compassionate care, were formally presented by program faculty and Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
Dr. Kimberly Ward, associate professor of audiology, reflected on the significance of the moment:
“This ceremony marks not only a rite of passage, but a powerful promise to listen deeply, serve with compassion, and uphold the highest standards of care as audiologists. As faculty, we are incredibly proud of these students and the dedication, resilience, and excellence they bring into our profession. Watching them take this step reaffirms our confidence in the future of audiology.”
This year’s honored students included:
- Katie Rose McRaney, Star, Miss.
- Kate McNeese, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Jennifer Chapman, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
- Catherine Burns, Gulfport, Miss.
- Jami Leanne McLemore, Lena, Miss.
For more information about the Doctor of Audiology program at Southern Miss, visit Audiology - Doctorate | Graduate Programs | The University of Southern Mississippi.