SC State speech pathology and audiology undergraduates achieve 100% licensure eligibility

White coat ceremony honors academic achievement, clinical preparation and future healthcare professionals 

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University’s Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology recently honored its undergraduate students during the department’s White Coat Ceremony, celebrating their academic achievement, clinical preparation and commitment to serving future patients and communities. 

The ceremony featured remarks and presentations from faculty, staff and student leaders, including welcome remarks from Mykia Leake, president of the National Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and special remarks from Dr. Juliet Stoute-White, chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. Faculty and staff also recognized students through awards, presentations and the symbolic White Coat Ceremony. 

Felicia Lawrence, undergraduate academic coordinator, announced that the May 2026 graduating undergraduate class achieved a major milestone, with 100% of graduates completing the required 100 direct clinical hours needed to become eligible for Speech-Language Pathology Assistant licensure through the South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation Board. The remaining two undergraduate students scheduled to graduate in December are also completing their clinical requirements and remain on track to earn their hours. 

Lawrence said students earned direct therapy and observation hours through partnerships with OCAB Head Start, the Council on Aging, Morphology Labs and the department’s Harold Powell Speech and Language Clinic. She said students demonstrated professionalism and commitment by taking advantage of every clinical and community opportunity available throughout the program. 

The graduating class also maintained a collective 3.5 GPA. Faculty selected Leake as the 2026 Student of the Year, while Yesenia Benjamin received the Student Clinical Award for excellence in clinical performance and service. More than half of the graduating class has already secured employment opportunities or acceptance into graduate programs, including SC State, the University of Houston, Francis Marion University. 

Lawrence also noted the diversity represented within the graduating class, with students coming from Nigeria, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina and communities across South Carolina. 

Demetrius Chatman received the Friend of the Department Award for his support, advocacy and contributions to the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology. His efforts through Title III initiatives helped secure resources and opportunities that supported student learning and clinical preparation. 

The program concluded with Stoute-White's remarks, as she congratulated the Class of 2026 on its accomplishments, perseverance and dedication throughout the program and encouraged graduates to continue pursuing excellence in graduate school, professional practice and leadership roles within the profession.  

May 2026 graduates 

• Yesenia A. Benjamin — Miami, Florida.  
• Amani DeBerry — Fayetteville, North Carolina.  
• Ambria Rhiannon Edmond — Chicago, Illinois.  
• Eunice Chioma Eleke — Nigeria.  
• Anareyah Tranae Ganzy — Columbia, South Carolina.  
• Brooke M. Gloster — Locust Grove, Georgia.  
• Mykia I. Leake — Laurens, South Carolina.  
• Phyllese Loney — Sumter, South Carolina.  
• Raynah A. Lykes — Columbia, South Carolina.  
• Bryce Ahmik McIntosh — Lake City, South Carolina.  
• Kennidy Mariah Peterson — Columbia, South Carolina.  
• Brianna Elease Pressley — Beech Island, South Carolina.  
• Imani Joi Richardson — Charleston, South Carolina.  
• Mekayla Tolar — Denver, Colorado.  
• Nyanza Terriale Cecial Waiters — Lamar, South Carolina.  
• Olivia Williams — San Diego, California.  
• Cherise D. Wilson — Hopkins, South Carolina.  

December 2026 graduates 

• Andia Gantt — Orangeburg, South Carolina.  
• Laleah Lee — Georgetown, South Carolina.