Spring 2025 Covey College of Allied Health Professions Honors Ceremony
Posted on March 19, 2025 by CAHP
On March 11, the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions recognized students, alumni, faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication to allied health professions at the college’s annual honors ceremony.
The awards presented include the Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame alumni award, the Excellence in Teaching faculty award, the Excellence in Scholarship faculty award, the Excellence in Service faculty award and the Excellence in Administrative Support staff award. Current students and faculty were also inducted into the Alpha Eta Society, a national allied health honor society.
Kenneth Harold Breal
Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame
Dr. Susan Gordon-Hickey, dean of the Covey College of Allied Health Professions, and Catherine Cooper, chair of the Department of Radiologic Sciences, presented this year’s Covey College of Allied Health Professions Hall of Fame Award to Kenneth Breal ‘88. Individuals are nominated for this honor in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their field. Breal earned a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences at the University of South Alabama.
Breal currently serves as the President of North Baldwin Infirmary, a role he has held since 2021. Under his leadership, the hospital’s annual revenue has nearly doubled in just two years. Prior to stepping into hospital administration, Breal established a career in medical sales and healthcare leadership, working in executive roles at major companies including General Electric Healthcare, Philips Healthcare and Toshiba America Medical Systems.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Breal has remained close to the Department
of Radiologic Sciences and the Covey College of Allied Health Professions by serving
on the college’s external advisory board and supporting student scholarships.
During his acceptance speech, Breal encouraged students to remember the significance of communication, confidence, culture and most importantly, compassion.
“This is my why and my charge to you. You are moving forward to take great care of patients, and not only that, you are to leave an indelible mark on them so that they never forget you,” Breal said.
Dr. Preston Warren
Excellence in Teaching
The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to a faculty member who ensures that students receive an excellent foundation in science and practice of their profession. The 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award recipient is Dr. Preston Warren, assistant professor of physical therapy. Warren is described by his students as enthusiastic and incredible at explaining topics in an organized and straightforward manner.
He uses simulation laboratory exercises and case-based Diagnosis Challenges to keep students engaged. During Diagnosis Challenges, Warren provides case details to students, and they work to determine the appropriate diagnosis. He accepts the challenge when students present him with case details.
He is known to apply his medical background into the program’s coursework, increasing the relevance and hands-on nature of his courses.
Dr. Catherine Brock
Excellence in Research
The Excellence in Research Award is presented to a faculty member who is a leader in informing evidence-based research and clinical practice. The 2025 Excellence in Research Award recipient is Dr. Catherine Brock, assistant professor of occupational therapy.
Brock has earned three publications for her research work this academic year and has one additional publication under review. She has conducted multiple presentations of her work to her peers at local, state and national levels.
She is known for research incorporating interprofessional collaboration and has collaborated with professionals working in infectious disease, biology, biomedical sciences, math and statistics, and occupational therapy.
Dr. Victoria Henbest
Excellence in Service
The Excellence in Service Award is centered around a faculty member’s commitment to the institution, community and to allied health professions. The 2025 Excellence in Service Award recipient is Dr. Victoria Henbest, assistant professor of speech-language pathology. Henbest is described by her colleagues as someone who has an unwavering dedication to service.
Henbest has served on nine departmental and college committees. She has served as chair of the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology’s Recruitment and Open House Committee. Her commitment to student recruitment has significantly contributed to the recruitment efforts of the department’s graduate programs. She also serves on the Departmental Admissions Committee spending countless hours evaluating applications and scheduling interviews for candidates.
While serving on the College Undergraduate and Graduate Curriculum Committees, Henbest ensures the continued excellence of academic programming within the college. She has also contributed peer-reviewed work for prestigious journals including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, and Communication Disorders Quarterly.
Jennifer Patterson
Excellence in Administrative Support
The Excellence in Administrative Support Award is presented each year to an outstanding member of the college’s administrative staff. The 2025 Excellence in Administrative Support Award recipient is Jennifer Patterson, coordinator of physical therapy admissions and clinical education. Patterson is described by her colleagues as someone who is dedicated, professional and committed to student success and has significantly enhanced the department’s outreach and engagement.
She has volunteered for numerous student-centered initiatives including Homeless Connect, the Poverty Simulation and creating 3D models for lab demonstrations. The time she dedicates to these initiatives exemplifies her passion for service and education.
Additionally, Patterson supports the physical therapy faculty clinic as the point of contact for patient registration and scheduling, insurance communications and the collection of copays.
Whether streamlining admissions processes, enhancing recruitment strategies or supporting faculty and students, Patterson consistently brings innovation and efficiency to her work while maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor.
Alpha Eta Society
This year, 63 students from the Covey College of Allied Health Professions were inducted into the Alpha Sigma Delta chapter of the Alpha Eta Society, a national allied health honor society, along with five faculty members.
Biomedical Sciences
Darien Coleman
Makala Cox
Izi Foster
Reid Grojean
Jeremy Herren
Connor Holm
Nasra Jallad
Connor Lewis
Tia Lofton
Grace McDavid
Katelyn Newkirk
Anita Nguyen
Aaryan Piracha
Meredith Shaddix
Emergency Medical Services
Joslyn Ainsley
Madison Edgar
Zachary Jordan
Emma Langham
Alisha Peek
Maggie Robertson
Anisa Saleh
Angela Shannon
Emma Williams
Physical Therapy
Griffin Dumont
Rose Fitzhugh
Taylor Gardner
Randall Hildestad
Heather Cook Rice
Chloe Robinson
Louise Stewart
Claire Willingham
Physician Assistant Studies
Ellie Anderson
Alissa Brown
Haylea Corley
Sarah Whelden Hall
Kenneth Ladner
Alayna Maslinski
Landon Powell
Isabella Rector
Morgan Roberts
Shanna Sclater
Jalyn Taylor
Radiologic Sciences
Jaycee-Jayne Caldwell
Melissa Carroll
Olivia Coleman
Alexandria Cupp
Caroline Kelly
Alexis Rodriguez
Alexis Wade
Lexi Wallace
A’Miya Ware
Speech Pathology and Audiology
Kenleigh Benoit
Peyton Brown
Erin Buckley
Cathryn Campbell
Bayleigh Gilreath
Alexandria Greene
Lauryn Gunn
Ashlyn Kilgore
Carson Kuhr
Georgia Mock
Addison Rhodes
Morgan Wofford
Faculty
Dr. Catherine Brock (OT)
Ms. Amanda Clifford (EMS)
Mr. Joshua Coaker (EMS)
Mr. Joel Ellzie (EMS)
Ms. Kayla Neely (RAD)