Published on May 4, 2025 at 1 p.m. by Alison Ingle and Megan WInkler  
commencement samford

Samford University's College of Health Sciences held its spring pinning, hooding and commencement ceremonies May 1-3. The college’s four schools — McWhorter School of Pharmacy, School of Health Professions, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing and School of Public Health — awarded 251 bachelor's degrees and 276 master’s or doctoral degrees.

At the undergraduate ceremony, Megan Mileski ’98, PhD, associate professor in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing, reminded the Class of 2025 that their chosen fields are more than careers — they are callings rooted in compassion and service. Reflecting on her journey from Samford nursing graduate to faculty member and mother of current and future Samford students, Mileski spoke about the quiet power of showing up for others.

“It’s not about being perfect,” she said. “It’s about being present.”

She encouraged students to let their faith, emotions and experiences shape the way they care for others. “Let your presence reflect His peace,” she said. “Let your excellence reflect His character.”

Mileski again had the honor of addressing the Class of 2025 at the graduate ceremony after the original speaker was unable to attend. She spoke to the students’ dedication not only to their studies but also to their faith and calling.

“You’ve studied, practiced, served and sacrificed, and through it all, you’ve remained faithful to the calling that God placed on your life,” she said.

Mileski closed by encouraging graduates to embody Christ’s love through humility, compassion and courage — reminding them they were made “for such a time as this.”

The ceremonies also celebrated outstanding student achievements.

Jon Coley, a second-year pharmacy student, received the Pittman Spirit Award, which honors academic excellence, personal well-being, Christian character and student involvement.

Bailey Baxter, a communication sciences and disorders major, received the President’s Cup Award for earning the highest GPA across all programs in the college.

Together, the ceremonies honored both accomplishments and calling. Faculty, families and friends gathered to celebrate not just what students have done but who they have become.

As these graduates begin their careers, they do so grounded in knowledge and strengthened by faith. With hearts set on service and hands ready to heal, they are prepared to carry out Samford University’s mission through compassion, purpose and excellence.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.