The new students sat quietly and listened as speakers welcomed them to Campbell University’s School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, talking about the challenges that lay ahead and the sacrifices they would make.
the success they will achieve.
But what caught everyone’s attention were the short white coats that the students held in their laps, symbols of professionalism and consideration. They will wear them when they leave the ceremony and throughout their time at Campbell University. At graduation, they will trade in their short white coats for longer ones.
“This ceremony marks the symbolic beginning of your professional education journey as you come together to celebrate the beginning of your transformation into professional students and ultimately health care professionals,” said Dr. Jeff Mercer, dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
The rite of passage, held Aug. 16 at Gore Arena at the Pope Convention Center, included 55 students entering the Master of Physician Assistant Practice program in 2026, 59 students entering the Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2028 and 48 students entering the Doctor of Physical Therapy program in 2026.
“As you will learn over time, there is no specific act or single event that marks the beginning or end of professional growth. Rather, it is the constant pursuit of excellence, integrity, respect, compassion and continuous improvement that ultimately makes you a professional,” Mercer said.
Keynote speaker Dr. Ashley Muth said the short white coat was more than just clothing.
“This work makes physicians leaders in their fields and advocates for patients’ rights,” she said.
Moose earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Campbell University in 2008. She is the pharmacy manager and co-owner of Moose Pharmacy in Monroe and co-owner of Moose Pharmacy in Mount Holly. Moose also serves as the director of network development for Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Networks USA, the nation’s first clinically integrated pharmacy provider network, according to her bio.
Muth told the students they will be in roles that allow them to make a difference in patients’ lives.
“The Campbell emblem on your coat shows you are a conscientious health care provider who adheres to a strict code of ethics and is trained to help patients reach quality outcomes. You have already passed the biggest test,” she said.
“You chose and accepted the invitation to come to Buies Creek, and I can stand before you with confidence and say you have made one of the best decisions of your life.”
Moose told me about a simple handwritten note that her mother-in-law keeps on her refrigerator. It’s so subtle, Moose says, it could be mistaken for a shopping list. But it’s an important message, a reminder to start each new day. It reads: “Dear God, I ask you to bring before me someone I can help today.”
“Every day you wake up and step onto the floor, be excited about the great purpose you are being called to fulfill. Remember and embrace this time in your life – it’s an opportunity to learn from industry experts, practice your skill set and define the mission of how you will treat individuals who show up at your practice,” Muth said.
“Focus your mind and remember the time you are about to spend, the time you will sacrifice, study, learn, hone your political and professional skills — all for a greater purpose.”
Muth has received numerous honors, including being named Community Pharmacist of the Year by the North Carolina Pharmacists Association and Outstanding Medication Adherence Educator by the National Association of Community Pharmacists.
An avid runner, Moose has completed several marathons and spoke about her own running experiences while encouraging the freshman class.
“I’ve learned a lot from running, how to prepare for different situations, the situations that make you want to quit and the perfect situations that make you want to keep running,” she said.
“In these long distance races it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the distance remaining. I don’t think about how far I’ve already gone, I just focus on completing the distance I have left.”
Keep trying. Keep moving forward.
“The character, integrity and mental toughness you bring here today are exactly what you need to succeed. So take a deep breath and let your teachers take care of the rest. They will teach you the essential skills to be top performers in your profession.”
Towards the end of the ceremony, the students, with the help of faculty and mentors from the College of Health Sciences, donned their short white coats.
These students include Samari Liggins of Charlotte, who will be entering a physical therapy program, and Maria Locklear of Laurinburg, who will be studying pharmacy.
“When I looked at other schools of pharmacy in North Carolina, Campbell stood out not only because of their high graduation and (pharmacy exam) pass rates, but also because their class sizes are smaller and you feel more included,” Locklear said.
“When it comes to physical therapy, I liked how hands-on they were and how it gave me the opportunity to work with patients. That was a big factor in me choosing Campbell,” Riggins said.