Dr. Juliette Stoute-White, chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology,
(left) and Dr. Lakeisa Tucker, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies,
(right) present Kamryn Parker with her white coat and hood.Department celebrates clinical excellence, scholarship and professional achievements
of 21 students in white coat, hooding ceremony
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Graduate students in South Carolina State University’s Department of Speech Pathology
and Audiology gathered May 7 in the Engineering Auditorium for a white coat and hooding
ceremony recognizing the completion of their academic and clinical training.
Faculty, clinical educators, alumni, families and community supporters joined the
department in honoring the Graduate Class of 2026 and the successful completion of
a rigorous program of study and clinical externships leading to the Master of Arts
degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Dr. Juilette Stoute-White presents Harmonee Ronshae Stample with the Graduate Clinical
Excellence Award.
Through years of academic preparation, evidence-based clinical training, research
and supervised patient care experiences, the graduate students completed the program
prepared to serve individuals with communication and swallowing disorders across the
lifespan.
The ceremony symbolized the transition from graduate student to emerging health care
professional. Graduates were recognized as clinicians prepared to provide compassionate,
ethical, culturally responsive and evidence-based care in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, private practices and community settings throughout South Carolina and beyond.
The program included remarks and presentations from departmental faculty, staff and
student leaders.
Participants included Kamryn Parker, invocation; Lyracis Johnson, welcome and recognition
of guests; Dr. Jacqueline Jones-Brown, introduction of faculty and staff; Shirlain
J. Darby, purpose of the occasion; Morgan Rector, White Coat Ceremony history; Dr.
Porsche’ B. Battle, oath of professionalism; and Dr. Juliet Stoute-White, chair of
the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, who provided closing remarks and
presentations throughout the ceremony.
Dr. Lakeisa Tucker, dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, joined
Stoute-White in the hooding of candidates.
Dr. Juilette Stoute-White presents Claire Alana Tonkin Huskey-Fox with the Graduate
Student of the Year Award,Special recognition and awards
During the ceremony, Stoute-White presented Dr. Hiram McDade with the Harold Powell
Award in recognition of his longstanding dedication and support to the Department
of Speech Pathology and Audiology.
McDade assisted with special projects and research initiatives alongside the late
Dr. Harold Powell and previously served as an adjunct professor in the department,
teaching Speech and Hearing Science and Child Language Development.
The department also recognized two graduate students for academic and clinical excellence.
Claire Alana Tonkin Huskey-Fox received the Graduate Student of the Year Award, and
Harmonee Ronshae Stample received the Graduate Clinical Excellence Award.
The department additionally recognized community partners Will Deny and Stan McElveen
of Elevation Healthcare for their continued support of the program and its students.
Graduate candidates recognized
Graduate students recognized during the ceremony included:
Rayven Brown, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Jordan Simone Butler, Freeport, New York.
Payton Newman Cooper, Columbia, South Carolina.
Shelby Letrease Daniels, Smoaks, South Carolina.
A’Nya Davis, Columbia, South Carolina.
Arnia Andia Franklin, Georgetown, South Carolina.
Vivica Glover, Orangeburg, South Carolina.
David Givens, Green Pond, South Carolina.
Leslie Hagood, Blackville, South Carolina.
Asia Haskins, Lexington, South Carolina.
Claire Alana Tonkin Huskey-Fox, Auburn, California.
Enonne Heyward, Atlanta, Georgia.
Chandler Pollard, Lexington, South Carolina.
Lyracis Johnson, McCormick, South Carolina.
Karrington A. McClurkin, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Grace Marie Michel, Charleston, South Carolina.
Kamryn Parker, Waynesboro, Georgia.
Brianna Shavae Samuels, Nesmith, South Carolina.
Harmonee Ronshae Stample, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Tayler J. Tyson, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Tiffany Makeia White, Ridgeville, South Carolina.
The 2026 Graduate White Coat and Hooding Ceremony celebrated scholarship, service,
clinical excellence and professional preparation as graduates prepared to enter the
next phase of their careers in speech pathology and audiology.
