Austin College PA Program Holds Inaugural White Coat Ceremony

SHERMAN, TEXAS – Austin College held its first annual white coat ceremony for the Physician Assistant (PA) Program on Friday, May 16 in the Ida Green Communications Center, Sally and Jim Nation Theatre.

This ceremony marked the transition of students from pre-clinical studies to supervised clinical practice, and celebrated the Class of 2026 completing their first year of the inaugural PA Program at Austin College.

A total of 33 students participated in the ceremony and received their white coats. They will be representing Austin College as they participate in clinical training primarily in Texas, but also in multiple states across the country. They will complete rotations in emergency medicine, pediatric medicine, surgery, behavioral medicine, family medicine, women's health, internal medicine and elective areas of medicine, as well.

“I am so excited for you as you enter into this next chapter of your career as a PA. You will have such opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Tricia Guerra, former Texas Academy of Physician Assistant’s (TAPA) President.  “You are all going to be excellent PAs because you have the right training under your belt. Go conquer the world.”

“As you wear your white coat, do so with pride, but also with reverence,” said Founding Director of the PA Program, Dr. Diana T. Noller, in her closing remarks. “You are entering a sacred space, the space between patient and provider. Protect it well, grow into it, and never stop learning.”

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.