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Alumni News

6/9/21

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Jordan Paul

Jordan Paul, OD '14


Where do you currently live?

Pensacola, FL


What is your greatest professional accomplishment or patient care success story?

Beginning training as a Navy Aerospace Optometrist


Why did you choose Southern College of Optometry to pursue your optometric education?

Best record of Boards pass rates, welcoming staff, and great patient population.
 

Share your best memory from your time at Southern College of Optometry:

The birth of my oldest twin daughters. I called in early in the morning to let the staff know I would not be coming. After a hectic weekend in the hospital with newborns, I had lots of staff and classmates congratulate us and wish us well. 

Also, the time I found a worm in a patient’s cornea during 4th year clinical straining while at SCO.

at 6/9/21

5/18/21

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Steve Edwards

Steve Edwards, OD '87


Where do you currently live?

Water Valley, MS


What is your greatest professional accomplishment or patient care success story?

Serving as President of the Mississippi State Board of Optometry


Why did you choose Southern College of Optometry to pursue your optometric education?

Dedication of every single employee to student success.
 

Share your best memory from your time at Southern College of Optometry:

Intramural Sports

at 5/18/21
alumni spotlight

4/20/21

The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence Announces Award Recipients

The Hayes Center for Practice Excellence is pleased to announce three outstanding alumni who have been named recipients of the HCPE Practice of Excellence Award. The Award is designed to identify and reward successful practices, recognize the achievements made by SCO graduates, and help foster joint relationships that benefit these alumni and current optometry students.

  • The New Practice Award went to Kristin Reed, OD '13, who owns ModernEyes Eyecare & Eyewear in Omaha, Nebraska. 

    Award Ceremony on Zoom

  • The Partnership Award went to Jon Reid, OD '12, of Advanced EyeCare in Carlinville, Illinois.

    Award Ceremony on Zoom

  • The Practice Acquisition Award went to Barrett Brown, OD '13, of SEARK Eyecare in Monticello, Arkansas.

    Award Ceremony on Zoom

This year's recipients spoke virtually to students during an online event where they were joined by Nathan Hayes, son of Jerry Hayes, OD '73, and other guests. Last year's awards were postponed right as the pandemic unfolded. This year's ceremony was hosted by Hayes Center Director Lisa Wade, OD '84, during SCO's Annual Bon VoyEyes Program sponsored by CooperVision and Allergan.

People on a Zoom Meeting

at 4/20/21

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Janna Smith

Janna Smith, OD '00


Where do you currently live?

Dickson, TN


What is your greatest professional accomplishment or patient care success story?

During my 20+ years after graduating, I have worked in various practice settings. I spent 10 years on faculty at SCO, worked with an ophthalmology practice for 3 years, and also did some part-time fill-in work in a commercial setting. My greatest professional accomplishment is becoming co-owner of a private practice in my hometown. I had my first eye exam here in 1982, worked as an employee during my summers off, came back as a doctor, and am now an owner. I truly feel that I have come full circle with my optometric career.


Why did you choose Southern College of Optometry to pursue your optometric education?

SCO goes above and beyond to make prospective students feel welcome. This was evident from the moment I walked in the door. The didactic and clinical curriculums, as well as SCO’s high passage rate on the national boards were big factors in my decision to attend.

Share your best memory from your time at Southern College of Optometry:

Without a doubt, my greatest memories are of the time spent with my classmates in and out of the classroom. I started my first year not knowing a single person in my class. Four years later, I had made some of the best friends I’ve ever had.

alumni spotlight

2/26/21

SCO Observes Black History Month

In observance of Black History Month, it’s a great time to remember pioneers who left their mark on SCO’s history:

Some SCO firsts:

  • SCO's first African-American graduate was Algenon Dandy, OD '75.

  • SCO's first female African-American graduate was Adedayo Olympio, OD '83.

  • Dr. Harlington Hanna became SCO's first African-American instructor when he joined the faculty in 1977. He was also SCO's first Chief of Services for Peds and VT.

  • Dr. Betty Harville became SCO's first female African-American instructor in 1984. In 2001, Dr. Harville became the first female faculty member to achieve the full rank of professor at SCO, and at the same time, she became the first African-American female professor at any of the nation's optometry colleges.

  • Jarrett Johnson, OD '90, was the first African-American SGA president at SCO. She now serves on SCO's Board of Trustees.

  • Stacie Travis, OD '00, was the first African-American class president to deliver a commencement address.

  • Linda Jackson, OD '90, was SCO's first African-American valedictorian.

  • Dr. Linda Johnson, AOA's OD of the Year in 2008, was SCO's first African-American Board of Trustees member.

SCO salutes all of these individuals for their contributions to the college’s history and the profession of optometry.

at 2/26/21
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