The White Coat Day Ceremonies on Friday August 15, 2025 at Meharry Medical College were filled with excitement, encouragement and a promise of support for more than 200 new students entering the schools of graduate studies, medicine and dentistry.
Meharry President James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D., welcomed thestudents, saying their new white coat is a symbol of faith and confidence in them from the entire Meharry family—it symbolizes their journey toward becoming the nation’s best medical professionals.
This year the School of Medicine welcomed 115 exceptional students to the Class of 2029—selected from a pool of nearly 8,000 applicants. Dean Sonya Harris-Haywood, M.D., opened the School of Medicine ceremony with encouragement followed by Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Admissions Theodora Phea Pinnock, M.D., who told the students, “When it gets tough, when you feel imposter syndrome, remember you are the 1.44 percent we chose. We are invested in you—and we will prepare you for graduation.”
The School of Dentistry’s new students were reminded by their leader, Dean Cherae Farmer, D.D.S., that of African American practicing dentists in the U.S., 27 percent are Meharry alumni. Dr. Farmer also described the incoming Class of 2029 as “the chosen few,” filling 75 dental student slots and 10 international dental student slots out of thousands of applicants, saying these students will embark on the path to becoming the future of oral health care.
The School of Graduate Studies welcomed 13 incoming Ph.D. students who also received their white coats.
At Meharry, the doning of white coats has become a symbolic step demonstrating commitment of compassion and service to others.
Find snapshots from each ceremony at the links below.
School of Graduate Studies: Download Photos
School of Medicine: Download Photos
School of Dentistry: Download Photos
