L to R: Embre Martin, Kailey Pritchett, Tamia Tezeno, and Alyssa Studvent

All four graduates in Xavier University of Louisiana’s second Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) cohort secured employment before crossing the stage at the University’s 99th Commencement ceremony — a milestone achievement that comes as Xavier’s MLS program officially earns accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

The accreditation makes Xavier the only HBCU in Louisiana with an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program, further strengthening the University’s nationally recognized healthcare and STEM offerings.

“My cohort and I are the second group to graduate with a degree in Medical Laboratory Science, and all four of us have had jobs secured before we crossed the stage,” said graduating senior Tamia Tezeno. “We are hoping that this will allow more people to learn about our program so it can grow.”

Medical laboratory scientists play a critical role in healthcare systems, conducting laboratory testing that helps physicians diagnose, monitor, and treat disease. Xavier’s program prepares students for immediate employment while also building strong foundations for advanced study in medicine, research, and healthcare leadership.

The graduating seniors and their career placements include:

    · Embre Martin, who will join Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center in the Microbiology Department

    · Kailey Pritchett, who will work at Ochsner Health in the Immunology and Flow Cytometry Laboratory

    · Tamia Tezeno, who will also join Ochsner Health in the Microbiology Department

    · Alyssa Studvent, who will work at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies in Hematology and Chemistry

"This is exactly what a Xavier education is designed to do – prepare students who are not only technically excellent, but ready on day one to take their place in the workforce and serve their communities,” said Anderson Sunda-Meya, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “To see all four graduates of our second MLS cohort employed before commencement, and to earn NAACLS accreditation in the same season, affirms that we are building a program of real consequence. As the only HBCU in Louisiana with an accredited Medical Laboratory Science program, we are widening the pipeline of Black scientists into the clinical laboratory workforce, a part of healthcare where representation has lagged for far too long."

The graduates said the program’s close-knit cohort structure, rigorous academic preparation, and mentorship helped position them for success.

“The program’s cohort system and the outstanding mentorship from our program director have equipped me with the essential skills to fulfill the vital role that the clinical laboratory plays in healthcare,” Kailey Pritchett said. “A Xavier education empowers us to create a more just and humane society by challenging us to think critically through a liberal arts perspective and consider our impact across a wide range of fields.”

Alyssa Studvent said the program strengthened her long-term goals in medicine and research.

“The Medical Laboratory Science program has strengthened my commitment to pursuing an MD/PhD by deepening my understanding of laboratory medicine while also fueling my passion for research, health equity, and improving healthcare communication between providers and patients,” Studvent said. “It has given me both the scientific foundation and the personal confidence to envision myself as a physician-scientist who bridges gaps in care and advocates for underserved communities.”

For Embre Martin, the experience was both academically and personally affirming.

“Ultimately, I aspire to become a pathologist, and the program has supported my journey by expanding my knowledge of laboratory medicine and giving me the experience and foundation to grow as a healthcare professional,” Martin said. “Being mentored by a Black female professor alongside a cohort of strong Black women made the experience especially empowering.”

Tezeno said Xavier’s mission-centered environment helped shape her confidence and resilience.

“The Medical Laboratory Science program has allowed me to discover a field in medicine that allows me to feel confident and comfortable in my personality,” Tezeno said. “Xavier University has taught me to press forward no matter how hard things get because I will persevere no matter the circumstances.”

Felicia M. Tardy, Ph.D., MLS, Program Director, Medical Laboratory Science, said that most medical laboratory scientists work behind the scenes and have limited patient contact, but an MLS degree can create career opportunities that many did not know existed.

“After working in the profession for 29 years, I have seen former students become laboratory administrators, clinical researchers, technical specialists, physicians, public health professionals, and obtain graduate degrees,” Tardy said. “Being a part of the program’s rebirth at Xavier, sharing my knowledge and experience with these young women and men, and seeing them all thrive has been my honor. Attaining national accreditation is a huge step for our program. We are grateful to university administrators for providing the resources and support needed to build a strong foundation.”