From a student’s very first day of class to their commencement, faculty at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy walk alongside our PharmDawgs—encouraging them, challenging them, and celebrating their transformation into professionals. One of the most meaningful traditions during the Doctor of Pharmacy Commencement is the hooding ceremony, in which a faculty member places the academic hood on a graduate, signifying the student’s passage from learner to professional.
Each year, the PharmD graduating class selects four faculty members who have left a lasting impact on their academic journey to serve as Hooders at Commencement. More than a ceremonial gesture, the hooding tradition represents respect, gratitude, and the strong bonds formed between students and mentors throughout the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
For Drs. Joshua Caballero, Jordan Khail, Devin Lavender, and Brian Seagraves, being chosen as a Class of 2025 Hooder was not only an honor—it was deeply personal.
Dr. Joshua Caballero, PharmD, BCPP, FCCP
Associate Professor
“It’s been a privilege; however, this class will always hold a special place for me. It was the very first one I taught on my first day at UGA, and that makes it unforgettable,” Dr. Caballero shared. “Thank you for letting me be a part of one of your proudest professional milestones.”
Advice to the Class of 2025:
“Take care of yourself and the ones you love. Your final assignment: read The Laughing Heart, a poem by Charles Bukowski. No need for You To Make Questions—just take it in.”
Dr. Jordan Khail, PharmD
Lecturer
“I’m incredibly touched to have been chosen for this honor,” Dr. Khail said. “For me, being selected by my students to hood them at graduation is confirmation of my primary goal: building their confidence and providing support for all the things required for their success.”
Advice to the Class of 2025:
“My best advice for a great career is to stay out of your comfort zone. This leads to opportunities and success beyond what you might imagine you’re capable of.”
Dr. Devin Lavender, PharmD ’17, BCPS, BCACP
Clinical Assistant Professor
“Being selected as a Hooder for commencement is an incredible honor—especially because it’s a recognition voted on solely by the students,” Dr. Lavender said. “When I returned to UGA as a faculty member, I made it my mission to show students that I genuinely care about them and their success. This recognition reassures me that I’m on the right path, and it motivates me to keep showing up every day to support and uplift our students.”
Advice to the Class of 2025:
“As you step into the next chapter of your career, remember this: your knowledge is powerful, but your empathy is what will truly set you apart. Never lose sight of the fact that behind every prescription is a person—someone relying on your expertise, your attention to detail, and most importantly, your compassion. Stay curious, stay humble, and always keep learning—not just about medicine, but about people.”
Dr. Brian Seagraves, PharmD ‘04
Academic Professional
“During my career, I have been fortunate to receive many accolades. However, being selected by the graduating PharmD class as a Hooder far outweighs and is more prestigious than all those other awards,” Dr. Seagraves said. “Students graduating with a PharmD is a culmination of all their hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. Being a faculty member who places the hood upon them and calls them ‘doctor’ is a humbling and bittersweet moment. It is a way of passing on the torch for the profession. I consider myself lucky.”
Advice to the Class of 2025:
“Pharmacy is such an incredible career, and I just know you’re going to make the absolute most of it! Of course, not every day will be sunshine and rainbows—there will be some bumps along the way. But don’t worry—those moments will pass as long as you keep giving it your best. Stay positive, push through, and always finish strong! Whatever you do, pour your heart into it. Be passionate and dedicated, and always, always put your patients first.
“You’ve earned your place. You’re no longer a student, but my colleague now! (Or, if you prefer, you’ve officially gone from Padawan to Jedi Knight!) And honestly, I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to walk this path with. You’re truly amazing. I just wish you could see yourself the way I see you.”
As these four faculty members prepare to join the Class of 2025 on stage, their reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds formed at the UGA College of Pharmacy—and of the bright future that lies ahead for each graduate.
