Cabarrus College Celebrates Historic Commencement for More Than 200 Graduates
Ceremony honored inaugural graduating cohorts in multiple programs, including respiratory therapy, early college and traditional BSN students
This story was adapted from a news release provided by Advocate Health.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences celebrated more than 200 graduates during its historic Spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, marking a milestone year that included the first graduating classes from several programs.
The ceremony also marked a new chapter for the college, as recently appointed president Dr. Diane M. Uzarski addressed graduates and their families for the first time as the institution’s fourth president.
“Today represents the culmination of hard work, determination and a shared commitment to caring for others,” Dr. Uzarski said. “I wish our graduates success and joy as they enter or advance in their healthcare careers, bringing their talents, compassion and passion to their patients and communities they will serve.”
Keynote speaker Roy Hawkins Jr., senior vice president and president of Advocate Health Charlotte Area, emphasized the graduates’ role in the future of healthcare.
“You are not just entering the workforce — you are shaping the future of care. You are the momentum,” Hawkins said.
Among the milestones celebrated was the first graduating class of the Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute, Cabarrus College’s early college high school program established in 2022 to expand educational and career opportunities for first-generation and diverse students.
Of the program’s 45 inaugural students, 18 will remain enrolled for up to two additional years to complete their degrees. The remaining 27 students graduated with a high school diploma along with either an associate degree, college credits or a medical assistant diploma.
Alisha Samuels, a member of the inaugural cohort and a Leadership and Management minor within the biomedical sciences program, exemplified student leadership during her time at Cabarrus College. Samuels founded the Future Biomedical Innovators Club and also served as a student ambassador, peer tutor and member of the Social Media Club.
“Cabarrus College has given me more than academics. It’s provided a sense of belonging,” said Samuels. “The mentorship, opportunities and friendships have shaped my journey, and I will always cherish the culture and community here.”
Samuels plans to continue working as an EMT with Cabarrus County EMS while preparing for the MCAT and pursuing her goal of attending medical school in 2028.
The college also celebrated the first graduating cohort of its Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Therapy program, which launched in 2023 and is North Carolina’s only hospital-based respiratory therapy program.
“Throughout my time in the program, I’ve developed a strong passion for pediatric and critical care, with a particular interest in working in the PICU and participating in patient transport,” said respiratory therapy graduate Mylia Belton, who will work as a respiratory care assistant at Levine Children’s Hospital while completing her remaining program requirements this summer before transitioning into a registered respiratory therapist role.
Following commencement, the Louise Harkey School of Nursing hosted its pinning ceremony for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree students, including the inaugural traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort.
During the ceremony, graduates received nursing pins symbolizing their commitment to compassionate care and professional excellence.
Traditional BSN graduate Lauren Harrison will begin her nursing career in the emergency department at Atrium Health University City in Charlotte.
“My ultimate goal is to become a sexual assault nurse examiner or forensic nurse, so I can provide specialized care and advocacy for patients affected by violence or trauma,” Harrison said.
The celebration concluded with a separate pinning ceremony honoring 30 graduates from the Master of Occupational Therapy program as they transitioned into professional practice. Family members, faculty and friends gathered to recognize the graduates’ accomplishments and readiness to make an impact in the field.
Collectively, the graduating class contributed more than 7,000 volunteer hours during their time at Cabarrus College, reflecting the institution’s emphasis on service, compassion and community impact as graduates prepare for the next stage of their careers.
Cabarrus College of Health Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution dedicated to educating and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals through student-centered, career-focused programs.
The college is an academic partner of Atrium Health, part of Advocate Health, providing students with strong clinical integration, real-world learning opportunities and direct pathways into the healthcare workforce.