College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences confers 206 degrees

The Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its Spring Commencement ceremony held May 8 at the John W. Pope Jr. Convocation Center. Family members, friends, faculty and staff gathered to honor graduates as they crossed the stage and officially entered the next chapter of their professional journeys.

During the ceremony, University President William M. Downs conferred 206 degrees across undergraduate, graduate and professional programs within the College. Graduates represented programs in pharmacy, nursing, physician assistant practice, public health, clinical research, pharmaceutical sciences, and general science completing rigorous academic and clinical training in preparation for careers dedicated to improving the lives of others.

The ceremony featured a commencement address from Leanne Kennedy, a CPHS alumna and respected healthcare leader whose remarks encouraged graduates to lead with compassion, purpose and resilience as they begin their professional careers. Alumna Dr. Heather Massengill, member of the Campbell University Board of Trustees, also offered greetings and congratulations to graduates and their families.

Candidates for graduation were presented by Dr. Michael L. Adams, provost of Campbell University, pharmacy graduate and immediate past dean of CPHS. Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the resilience, compassion and perseverance demonstrated by the Class of 2026 and encouraged graduates to lead lives rooted in service, integrity and purpose.

"This day represents far more than earning a degree," said Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, as he addressed the graduates. "Each of you has answered a calling to serve others. The knowledge and skills gained at Campbell will open doors, but it is your compassion, character and commitment to patients and communities that will truly define your impact. We are proud to welcome you into the CPHS alumni family and excited to see the difference you will make in the world."

During the ceremony, the College also recognized Rear Admiral Brandon L. Taylor as the recipient of the 2026 CPHS Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor presented by the CPHS Alumni Association. The award was presented by Eliana Wood ('15 PharmD/MSCR), president of the CPHS Alumni Board.

A 1998 Doctor of Pharmacy graduate, Rear Admiral Brandon L. Taylor most recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of the Office of Disease Prevention & Health Promotion for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he led national public health initiatives including Healthy People 2030. Following a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades of federal service, Dr. Taylor recently retired after holding numerous leadership roles focused on improving health outcomes, supporting underserved populations and strengthening public health systems.

"Dr. Taylor's career is a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose and serve others," said Wood. "His impact on public health and his continued commitment to improving lives reflect the very best of the Campbell tradition, and we are incredibly proud to recognize him with this honor."

An enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation and the Seneca Cayuga Nation, Dr. Taylor has also served in leadership roles within the Indian Health Service and the Department of Defense, where he helped lead the transformation of military public health operations. His career has included deployments supporting public health initiatives in Afghanistan and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

The commencement ceremony celebrated not only academic achievement, but also the relationships and experiences that shaped students throughout their time at Campbell. Faculty members applauded graduates for their dedication to learning, clinical excellence and patient centered care, while loved ones filled the arena in celebration of years of hard work and sacrifice.

As graduates turned their tassels and prepared to begin careers across the country, College leaders reminded them that the Campbell mission of faith, learning and service will continue to guide them throughout their professional lives.

The Spring Commencement ceremony marked both an ending and a beginning for the Class of 2026 as graduates joined a growing network of CPHS alumni serving patients and communities around the world.