PACO 2026 Graduates Recognized for Academic Excellence, Clinical Achievement, and Compassionate Care
by Bethel University
McKenzie, Tennessee. — Bethel University’s Physician Assistant Program (BUPAP) honored the graduating Class of 2026 at its annual PACO Awards Ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of students who have completed 27 months of rigorous didactic and clinical training in pursuit of excellence in the physician assistant profession.
The ceremony, held at 2:00 p.m. on the Bethel University Paris campus, brought together students, faculty, family, friends, and university leadership to honor the Class of 2026 before their upcoming Commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Crisp Arena. The event was also streamed live on Facebook for family and friends unable to attend in person.
Bethel University President Dr. Perry Moulds, Interim Provost Dr. Joseph Hames, Interim College of Health Sciences Dean Dr. Delecia Parker, and Chaplains Dr. Anne Hames and Garrett Burns were among the university leadership present to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.
Specialty Certificates of Emphasis
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Specialty Certificates of Emphasis to students who completed over 450 clinical hours within a focused area of medicine or surgery. Certificates were awarded across nine specialties, including Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Surgery, Women’s Health, and Dermatology & Aesthetics. Twenty-two students earned the Family Medicine certificate, while seven students earned recognition in Emergency Medicine.
Individual Program Awards
The program presented several prestigious individual honors:
Elise Rose Kelly Endowment Scholarship: Mr. Kylan Carter
The Elise Rose Kelley Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of a beloved daughter who passed away on May 6, 2016, just 18 hours after birth, due to medical negligence. Awarded to Physician Assistant students at Bethel University in Paris, TN, recipients are selected based on an essay addressing the critical importance of medical competency and the consequences of negligence in patient care.
Recipient announced at ceremony. Presented by Mrs. Janet Peeler
Recognition in Caring and Compassion: Fiona Muir and Kaitlyn Schultz
Presented by Mrs. Hannah Hutson, awarded to students who consistently demonstrated exceptional caring and compassion in clinical environments and the community.
Recognition of Growth and Development: Jeremy Lamonte
Presented by Mr. Patrick Brown, honoring the student who demonstrated the most significant personal and professional growth over 27 months.
Excellence in Academic Achievement: Anna Carroll
Presented by Mrs. Kerri Smith, recognizing outstanding course performance and clinical skills during the didactic phase.
Excellence in Clinical Achievement: Emily Cates
Presented by Dr. Leanna Brown, recognizing excellence during clinical rotations and outstanding evaluations from clinical preceptors.
The Doctor Joseph R. Hames Award: Sarah Leyerle
Presented by Dr. Joseph R. Hames, the program’s highest individual honor, given to the student who best exemplifies commitment to the PA profession, professionalism, servant leadership, and compassionate care. The recipient’s name will be added to a permanent plaque outside the Eugene Platt Classroom.
Pi Alpha National Honor Society Inductions
Eight members of the Class of 2026 were inducted into the Pi Alpha National Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in academic and clinical training, community and professional service, and leadership in the PA profession. New inductees include Grace Balsam, Anna Carroll, Emily Cates, Marina Gayed, JoAnne Grimes, Sarah Leyerle, Izzabella Pogreba, and Sarah Wiser. Each inductee received a certificate of induction, a Pi Alpha pin for their white coat, and a cord to be worn at graduation.
Looking Ahead
Following the awards, the Class of 2026 was encouraged to continue their studies in preparation for the End of Curriculum Exam and the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). The PA program expressed full confidence in the graduates’ readiness to enter the profession as skilled and compassionate healthcare providers.
Each graduate also received a Bethel PA Program lapel pin featuring a caduceus and an amethyst crystal, the program’s signature color, as a lasting symbol of their time at Bethel University Physician's Assistant Program.
The PACO 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST in the Crisp Arena on the Bethel University campus in McKenzie, Tennessee.
About Bethel University PA Program
The Bethel University Physician Assistant Program (BUPAP) is located in McKenzie, Tennessee. The program is dedicated to training highly competent, compassionate, and professional physician assistants committed to serving their communities. BUPAP is a member of the Pi Alpha National Honor Society and prepares graduates to excel on the PANCE and in clinical practice.