2025 Winners
Celebrating young alumni who exemplify leadership, service, and innovation in their respective fields.
Meet our 2025 Recipients
John Mark Burney, D.D.S. ’15
John Mark Burney, D.D.S. ’15, a distinguished graduate of Morehouse College and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, pursued advanced training through a General Practice Residency at the University of Nebraska, which ignited his passion for lifelong learning. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and co-founder of SMILE SNOB, LLC in New Orleans, he is dedicated to transforming lives through advanced dental procedures while inspiring others to use their gifts to make a lasting impact.
Jason A. Deakings, Ph.D., MSPH ’18
Jason A. Deakings, Ph.D., MSPH ’18, is an Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences and the Director of the Health Equity Certification program at the University of Pittsburgh, with over 15 years of experience addressing community capacity, social mobility, and support services. His research, focusing on health equity, Black women’s health outcomes, and non-traditional healing methods, has been instrumental in shaping NIH-funded studies and action plans aimed at improving healthcare access and reducing stigma in marginalized communities.
Khiara Drew-Gilmore, D.D.S. ’16
Khiara Drew-Gilmore, D.D.S. ’16 , is passionate about elevating her patients’ health and self-esteem, providing gentle, compassionate, and professional care. A Kansas City native, she pursued her education at Clark Atlanta University and Meharry Medical College before completing a General Practice Residency in New York and later returning home to serve her community through leadership and mentorship in dentistry.
Aubrey J. Grant, M.D. ’16, F.A.C.C.
Aubrey J. Grant, M.D. ’16, FACC, is a leading sports cardiologist and healthcare equity advocate, currently serving as Director of Cardiology, Sport & Performance at MedStar Health and a cardiology consultant for the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals, and Baltimore Orioles. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Equity Commons, he leverages virtual reality training to address implicit bias in healthcare, advancing equitable patient care and medical education.
Eddie Hackler III, M.D. ’16
Eddie Hackler III, M.D. ’16, a board-certified cardiologist practicing in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the few Black cardiologists in the United States, representing excellence within the 3% of Black cardiologists in the field. With a robust background from Meharry Medical College, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Texas Southwestern, Dr. Hackler is a passionate advocate for addressing health disparities and promoting cardiovascular education through his social media platform and public engagements.
Dontal Johnson, M.D.
TEST EXCERPT Dontal Johnson, M.D. ’14, a dedicated pediatrician and Major in the Tennessee Army National Guard, serves as a faculty member at Meharry Medical College and practices at Nashville General Hospital’s Newborn Nursery and Level 2 NICU. As an educator and mentor, he leads innovative programs to support underrepresented medical students, combining military discipline with compassionate care to inspire the next generation of physicians.
Jerrell Jones, DDS
TEST EXCERPT Dr. Jerrell Jones, D.D.S. ’22, MHS ’18, a proud Memphis native, earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Tennessee State University before obtaining his Doctorate of Dentistry from Meharry Medical College in 2022. Currently advancing his training in Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, he is dedicated to integrating digital dentistry into patient care and mentoring the next generation of dental professionals while striving to improve oral health in underserved communities.
Kelvin L. Pollard, II, M.D. ’19, MHS ’15
Dr. Kelvin L. Pollard, II, M.D. ’19, MHS ’15, is a distinguished physician, educator, and leader who combines clinical excellence with a deep commitment to mentorship and healthcare equity. As an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Program Director at Saint Louis University, he brings his expertise as a Board-certified Internal Medicine physician to both patient care and medical education, while also championing diversity and inclusion in the field.
Sheream J. Reed, D.D.S. ’24, MHS. ’20, MBS
Sheream J. Reed, D.D.S. ’24, MHS ’20, MBS, is a dedicated dental professional and U.S. Army Captain at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, currently completing advanced training in general dentistry and oral surgery. A first-generation college graduate, he is committed to service, leadership, and empowering underserved communities through healthcare and mentorship.
