UHSA
Undergraduate Health Sciences Academy
Graduation Celebration Dinner
A Decade of Purpose: A Lifetime of Impact on Medicine, Research and Community Engagement
Wednesday May 13, 2026 4 p.m.
Calvin Smyre Lobby
Agenda
Enjoy Grazing Station
UHSA Partners, Students, Faculty, Staff and Families
Welcome Address & Introduction of Dr. Kevin Smith
Rahmelle Thompson, DVM
Assistant Dean of Pipeline Initiatives & UHSA Executive Director
Introduction of Dr. Sandra Harris-Hooker
Dr. Kevin Smith
Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Affiliations
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Introduction of Keynote Speaker
Dr. Sandra Harris-Hooker , PHD
Interim Dean and Senior Vice President for External Affairs and Innovation
Dr. George T. French, Jr. President, Clark Atlanta University
Brian Baker, CAU 2020, MSM MD Student
Keynote Speaker Invocation Dinner
Graduation Ceremony
Closing Remarks
Rahmelle Thompson, DVM
Assistant Dean of Pipeline Initiatives & UHSA Executive Director
UHSA Pictures
Keynote Speaker
Dr. George T. French, Jr.
Fifth President, Clark Atlanta University
Dr. George T. French, Jr. leads Clark Atlanta University as its fifth president of the largest UNCF member institution. As the longestserving sitting HBCU president, he has driven transformative advancements in education, including securing gifts from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation ($16.5 million) and MacKenzie Scott ($53 million). His leadership has fostered partnerships with corporations such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, enhancing educational opportunities and technological integration.
Under his leadership, Clark Atlanta has expanded access to higher education, strengthened research capabilities, and increased student success. His work continues to elevate the institution’s reputation in innovation and social impact.
Dr. French is recognized among Georgia’s most influential leaders and remains actively engaged in organizations that advance education and community impact. He previously served as President of Miles College for 13 years.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Louisville, a Juris Doctor from Miles Law School, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Jackson State University.
Graduating Seniors
Clark Atlanta University
Keala Johnson
Nia Martin
Sierra DeWalt
Morgan Simon
Rya Nuckles
Morehouse College
Unimashi Akande
Mahamad Drammeh
Jayson Faulkner
Tajeh Harris
Nigel Newell
Anthony Nicholson Jr.
Jacob Robertson
Spelman College
Kailen Bain
Chelsea Benton
Kaylin Clay
Grier Francis
Michelle Franks
Saige Goodman
Taylor Harris
Raven Herring
Karrington Johnson
MaKayla Moore
Bella Morris
Jaidyn Sawyer