Graduation Bliss

More than 500 degrees conferred at Commencement

In his last presiding role at UMMC Commencement, University of Mississippi Chancellor Robert Khayat, who is retiring next month, told graduates of the health sciences campus, “most of what is said here today will be forgotten, but you must record in your memory your place in this happy event.”

So with speech-making at a minimum, 515 students received degrees at the Mississippi Coliseum in less than two hours.

“My memory of this Commencement will always be tinged with a degree of sadness because it marks the final ceremony in which our dear friend (Khayat) will confer degrees to our graduates,” said UMMC vice chancellor Dr. Dan Jones.

“His leadership has been transformational, and he has inspired every member of the university family—not just to move our university forward, but also our state. Working with him has been a rare privilege.”

While lining up for the Commencement processional, both faculty and students expressed opinions about Khayat’s leadership.

Jeff Aycock of Madison, who received the D.M.D. in Friday’s ceremony, said Khayat “led by example. He respected and was respected by everyone.” Aycock was an undergrad at Ole Miss as was his classmate Jason Brown of Jackson, who said progress under Khayat’s leadership has been “quite remarkable.”

Jeanette Adair, senior associate dean in the School of Health Related Professions, said Khayat is “a visionary leader who never forgot UMMC is part of his family.”

“I hate to see him go, but wish him well,” said Dr. Jerry Farley, interim chair of pharmacology and toxicology. “He’s been very supportive.”

Dr. Susan Warren, associate professor of anatomy, said Khayat has improved the “image of the university and the state.”

“I think getting the presidential debates here was quite a feather in his cap,” said associate professor of anatomy Dr. Ranjan Batra.

Stewart Boyd, who received the M.D. Friday and was vice president of his class, said Khayat, “leaves big shoes to fill. He’s going to be greatly missed.”

Dr. Gary Reeves, associate dental school dean for clinical affairs, said Khayat had been a “blessing” and added that “many things are different for the better, both here and (at) the other campuses.”

Khayat, in commencement regalia waiting to join the platform party, took a minute to assess his past 14 years as chancellor. “Many of the challenges we faced are universal. They’re not unique to the University of Mississippi. Others were. But the biggest challenge is getting people excited about being a part of the University. I think I learned how to do that.”

Five students (all women) received top honors. Kathryn Luise Bock Brown of Brandon received the Waller S. Leathers Award as the medical student with the highest academic average for four years. Her father, Dr. Georg O. Bock, professor of pediatrics, hooded her.

Randi Blair Cline of Brandon received the Wallace V. Mann Award for the dental student with the highest academic average for four years.

Katese Lashun Black of Ripley received the Christine L. Oglevee Memorial Award as the outstanding baccalaureate graduate in the School of Nursing.

Emily Miller Halford of Clinton received the Richard N. Graves Award for the registered nurse deemed most outstanding by the faculty.

Kelly Brianna McDonald of Hattiesburg received the Dr. Virginia Stansel Tolbert Award for the highest academic average in the School of Health Related Professions.

-Janis Quinn

2009-05-26 00:00:00 3527