North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) celebrated the newest members of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program during the university’s White Coat Ceremony on August 20th.
The ceremony formally welcomed 29 students to the Fall 2026 BSN cohort and recognized their commitment to pursuing a career in nursing. The special evening brought together students, faculty, university leadership, family members and friends to mark this important milestone in their nursing education.
The Ceremony
The ceremony began with a welcome from Dr. Crystal Ostheim, Director of Nursing Programs and BSN Program Director, and Dr. Monica Massey, BSN Program Coordinator. This was followed with an invocation by Reverend Dr. Robert Simpson, NC Wesleyan University Chaplain, and Dr. Evan D. Duff, NC Wesleyan President, provided opening remarks.
The evening also featured the introduction of the university’s nursing faculty and a welcome statement from Dr. Meir Magal, Chair of the School of Health Sciences. Students then received their white coats, symbolizing their entry into the nursing profession and their commitment to the values and responsibilities of patient care.
A highlight of the ceremony was the White Coat Ceremony Oath, led by Dr. Massey and Dr. Brittany Bass, followed by an Academic Integrity Oath led by Drs. Christa Jones-Hooker and Consuela Blaizes.
The ceremony featured guest speaker Dr. Brittany Bass, Adjunct Nursing Faculty, who addressed the incoming students as they began this next chapter of their academic and professional journeys.
The evening concluded with remarks from Dr. Ostheim and a Blessing of the Hands led by Reverend Dr. Simpson, which offered a meaningful reflection on the role nursing students will soon play in caring for others.
The Future of the Program
“White Coat Ceremony is an important milestone for our students as they begin their journey into the nursing profession,” said Dr. Ostheim. “We are proud to welcome this exceptional group of students to our BSN program and look forward to supporting them as they develop the knowledge, skills and compassion needed to become outstanding nurses.”
The Fall 2026 BSN cohort includes students from a variety of backgrounds who are beginning their nursing education at NC Wesleyan. The university’s BSN program is designed to prepare students for professional nursing practice through rigorous academic coursework, hands-on learning and clinical experiences.
The White Coat Ceremony is a milestone not only for the students but also for their families, faculty and the NC Wesleyan community as the university celebrates the next generation of nursing professionals.
