2026 JSSOM PAS Commencement

Ceremony

JSSOM PAS Class of 2026 posing in front of the Ashbel Smith 'Old Red' building

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston John Sealy School of Medicine Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Commencement Ceremony will be help at William C. Levin Hall.

 

Saturday, August 15th, 2026
10:00AM – 12:00PM
William C. Levin Hall

2026 JSSOM PAS Commencement Agenda
Date Time Event Location
Friday, August 14th, 2026 10:30AM Student Rehearsal
(required if participating in Saturday ceremony)		 Levin Hall Auditorium
12:00PM Commencement Awards Luncheon
(PAS 2026 Graduates and PAS Faculty)		 Levin Hall Dining Room
Saturday, August 15th, 2026 9:15AM Arrive for Commencement Levin Hall Dining Area
10:00AM Commencement Ceremony begins. Levin Hall Auditorium

2026 JSSOM PAS Commencement Speaker

Dawn Morton-Rias, Ed. D, PA-C, ICE-CCP, FACHEDr. Dawn Morton-Rias, President & CEO of the NCCPA

Dr. Dawn Morton-Rias is the President & CEO of the NCCPA, the certifying organization for the more than 200,000 Board Certified PAs in the U.S. She is a Board Certified PA and has practiced in family medicine, addiction medicine, gynecology, and care for the homeless. She has served in many national leadership roles and is recognized for her leadership in certification, organizational leadership, DEI initiatives, curricula innovation, and expansion of educational access. Under her leadership, NCCPA has enhanced its certification programs, expanded research initiatives, and increased promotional and DEI efforts for the PA profession.

Before joining NCCPA, she served as a Professor and Dean at the State University of NY and is a Past President of PAEA. Dr. Morton-Rias holds a BA from Stony Brook University, a BS and PA Certificate from Howard University, and a Doctorate in Education from St. John's University. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and an Institute of Credentialing Excellence, (ICE) Certified Credentialing Professional (CCP).

Location and Event Day Parking

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston John Sealy School of Medicine Physician Assistant Studies (PAS) Commencement Ceremony will be help at William C. Levin Hall: 1006 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550

Parking is available in Garage 3: 409 9th St, Galveston, TX 77550

Arrival and Seating

Each graduate may invite up to 10 guests. Seating is first come, first served, and doors will open at 9:00 a.m.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, please do not bring items such as coat hangers, water bottes, horms, nose makers, silliy string, or confetti.

UTMB is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all graduates and guests. Individuals who require ADA accommodations are encouraged to make arrangements in advance to ensure appropriate seating. One accompanying guest may sit with the individual requiring accomodation in a designated seating area; all other guests will be seated in the general assembly.

To request accommodations, please email Courtney Zapata at cnzapata@utmb.edu no later thanMonday, August 10th, 2026. Be sure to include thename of the guest requiring accommodations and the name of their accompanying guest.

Other Important Information

Regalia Distribution

Stay tuned for more information.

Commencement Photography

Stay tuned for more information.

Gifts and Merchandise

The UTMB Campus Bookstore will have an open booth at the commencement ceremony. Additionally, you can visit the UTMB Campus Online Store to view the webstore catalog.

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