Montevallo Nursing Program Hosts First White Coat Ceremony and Open House

April 3, 2025

March was an exciting month for the University of Montevallo’s nursing program as it held its first White Coat Ceremony to honor UM’s first cohort of nursing students and hosted an open house to showcase the renovated facilities in Myrick Hall.

Leaders from the campus community and local healthcare industry gathered  on March 17 for an open house event in Myrick Hall, home to the College of Health Professions. Attendees explored the renovated lab spaces, including the Simulation and Skills Lab, two patient simulation rooms, two observation rooms, two classrooms and a nurses’ station. Guests also had the opportunity to interact with the hands-on equipment used by students, such as high- and low-fidelity mannequins and a vein finder device.

“Nursing is rooted in liberal arts, and we truly mean that,” said Dr. Crystal Bennett, dean of the College of Health Professions. “Our curriculum is laying that solid foundation, and we know that our students are going to be positioned well when they leave us.”

The nursing program reached a new milestone on March 19 with its first White Coat Ceremony in the Discover Shelby Theatre at the Alan and Lindsey Song Center for the Arts. Established by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, this ritual presents nursing students with a white lab coat, recognizing their entry into clinical practice and symbolizing their commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and compassionate care.

“You are joining a noble profession — one that touches countless lives in profound ways,” said Dr. Greg Ryan, chair of the Department of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Be proud of this milestone, embrace this moment and carry its meaning with you throughout your career.”

Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks, known internationally as an exemplary nurse, scholar and leader, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony. The Selma native has been a nurse educator at several nationally recognized programs over the past 50 years and served as a consultant for the development of UM’s nursing program.

“I encourage you, as you enter every patient’s room to treat that patient as if they were your family,” Hendricks told the honorees. “Do what is best for them even though they may not be cognitively aware of what is best. You are educated to know what is best for them.”

Students Mel Low and Miranda Sennett, members of the nursing program’s inaugural BSN cohort, received their white coats and “Keeping Healthcare Human” lapel pins. They each shared what the white coat meant to them and recited a special nursing oath.

“I want you to cherish this moment,” Bennett said to the honorees. “Reflect on the emotions you’re feeling today and always, above everything, remember your ‘why.’ Why did you choose nursing? Your faculty are very proud of you, and they will be here for you throughout the rest of the journey.”

To learn more about nursing at Montevallo, visit montevallo.edu/nursing.