Franklin College’s Master of Science Students Receive White Coats

Franklin College’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) program recognized the 2027 cohort during the annual White Coat Ceremony held in December. This rite of passage marks the midpoint of the 25-month program. The ceremony was held inside the Clarence E. and Inez R. Custer Theatre in Old Main on the Franklin College campus. The MSPAS program aims to train a new, dedicated generation of medical professionals who will provide safe, patient-centered care. The class of 2027 was comprised of 23 students who were welcomed into the health care field.

Brittany LaBonte, MSPAS, PA-C, interim program director and associate professor of physician assistant studies, welcomed students, family and friends to the event.

Next, Kristin Flora, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, spoke of the significance of the occasion. She also recognized three exceptional students selected for the Indiana Area Health Education Center Scholars Program, part of an initiative to prepare tomorrow’s health professionals to lead in rural and underserved communities throughout Indiana. The three students – Sheilleda Joseph, Morgan Nelson and Mary Kate Wheatley – will each receive a stipend for travel and related expenses while participating in online and community-based learning experiences.

Flora also had the honor of recognizing five students selected for the Metropolitan Indianapolis Central Indiana Area Health Education Center Mentorship Program, which aims to empower diverse students to pursue and succeed in health care careers. Those students included Abigail Badtke, Lily Claymon, Sheilleda Joseph, Amanda Lindeman and Sydney Stine.

Jennifer Simmons, MSPAS, PA-C, director of clinical education and assistant professor of physician assistant studies, presented the Preceptor of the Year Award. This award recognizes a selfless individual who serves as a role model, mentor and teacher to PA students on clinical rotations. She stressed how they are “an essential part of PA education, providing guidance and teaching, leading students through hands-on experiences, all while still providing services to their patients.” This year, the program chose two emergency medicine preceptors who have shown passion for PA education. The Preceptors of the Year awards were presented to Dr. Nicholas Sansone and to PA Lisa Repko.

The Symbolism of the White Coat was presented by Christopher Zietlow, M.D., program medical director and adjunct professor of physician assistant studies. While institutions differ, at Franklin College the presentation of the white coat marks the transition from the didactic year to the clinical year and the beginning of clinical rotations.

Next, Morgan Nelson, PA-S, and Class of 2027 President, addressed her classmates. She spoke of the hard work, the endless studying and the countless exams the cohort endured. “Along the way I learned so much from my classmates – things that won’t show up on an exam. I learned the importance of showing up for one another, of asking for help without shame, and of offering support even when we’re all exhausted. I learned what true support looks like, and how compassion for each other translates into compassion for our patients.”

Nelson gave special recognition to classmate Ben Marten, who “has helped just about everyone in our class move furniture or with some car issue.” Marten, a non-traditional student with children close to the same age as many of his classmates, naturally fell into a fatherly role with his cohort. Nelson also singled out classmate Sydney Stine, who baked every class member their favorite dessert on their birthday. “I can’t speak for everyone, but I know these gestures meant a lot to me,” said Nelson.

The class’s vice president, Abigail Badtke, PA-S, gave an eye-opening synopsis of the class’s first year together, titled “Didactic Wrapped 2025: A Year in Review.” In her summary she shared the number of written exams taken – 85, the number of hours spent at the Graduate Health Science Center – 1,380 and the number of energy drinks and coffees consumed – 2,450. She also noted the impact the Poverty Simulation had on her and her classmates, changing the way they think about access to healthcare and the true meaning of providing patient-centered care.

Following student remarks, the class participated in the cloaking ceremony, led by members of the physician assistant faculty, and then recited the PA Professional Oath, promising to perform their duties with honesty and dedication.

This was the seventh ceremony for Franklin College’s program. The college’s eighth cohort of PA students began their course studies earlier this month.

Students receiving their white coats include:

Abigail Badtke is a former resident of Green Lake, Wis. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Alexa Barton is from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She received her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University.

Evan Baurle is a resident of Carmel. His hometown is Seymour. Baurle received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis (now IU Indianapolis).

Lily Claymon is a resident of Carmel. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University.

Abigail Cleverly is a former resident of Noblesville, and current resident of Lapel. She received her undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University.

John Hasquin III is a resident of Greenwood. He received his undergraduate degree from Franklin College.

Sheilleda Joseph is a resident of Brownsburg. She received her undergraduate degree from Marian University.

Leyna Krikorian is a resident of Fishers. She received her undergraduate degree from Lipscomb University.

Sydney Lehman, a former Plainfield resident, is a current resident of Fishers. She received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University.

Amanda Lindeman, a former resident of Crown Point, is a current resident of Valparaiso. She received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University.

Matteo Marchio is a resident of St. Paul, Minn. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas.

Benjamin Marten is a resident of Franklin. He received his undergraduate degree from Franklin College.

Morgan Nelson is a resident of Marion. She received her undergraduate degree from Franklin College.

Naomi Nilson is a resident of Providence, Utah. She received her undergraduate degree from Utah State University.

Nicole Pawlicke is a resident of South Bend. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University.

Riley Petro is a resident of Edwardsport. She received her undergraduate degree from Franklin College.

Emma Ramp, a former resident of Seymour, is a current resident in Indianapolis (46202). She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University.

Sydney Stine is a former resident of Martinsville. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University.

Maysoon Tirhi is a resident of Seattle, Wash. She received her undergraduate degree from Trinity University.

Molly Trenkamp is from Greensburg. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University Purdue University of Columbus (now IU Columbus).

Vanessa Villalobos, a former resident of Chicago, Ill., now lives in Columbus. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University Purdue University of Columbus (now IU Columbus).

Mary Kate Wheatley, a resident of Elizabethtown, Ky., received her undergraduate degree from Marian University.

Ashlyn Wischmeyer is a resident of Edinburgh. She received her undergraduate degree from Xavier University.

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