LSU HEALTH SHREVEPORT COMMENCEMENT

Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Commencement is a day of celebration for our students, their families and all those at LSU Health Shreveport who have contributed to reaching today’s milestone,” said Lester Johnson, MD, LSU Health Shreveport Senior Vice Chancellor. “We salute these graduates who have worked so hard to make their professional goals a reality. Their contributions will continue the proud legacy of our institution in improving the quality of life for those they serve and in creating the treatments and cures of the future.”

DEGREES EARNED

• Doctor of Medicine: 147
• Doctor of Philosophy in Basic Science: 9
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy: 20
• Doctor of Physical Therapy: 36
• PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences: 1
• Master of Medical Science: 9
• Master of Biomedical Science: 5
• Master of Communication Disorders: 4
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science: 3
• Bachelor of Cardiopulmonary Science: 5
• Bachelor of Cardiovascular Technology: 1

LSU Chancellor and Executive Vice President Jim Dalton, PhD, served as commencement 
speaker for both ceremonies, addressing graduates and their families. Dr. Dalton provides 
leadership for LSU’s academic and research enterprise with a focus on student success, retention 
and academic excellence.

A nationally recognized scholar and accomplished researcher, Dr. Dalton earned his Bachelor of 
Science in Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati and completed his PhD and postdoctoral 
fellowship at Ohio State University. Over his career, he has held senior leadership positions at 
the University of Tennessee, Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and most recently 
as Executive Vice President and Provost at the University of Alabama. He holds more than 100 
U.S. patents and over 500 international patents and was elected to the National Academy of 
Medicine in 2019.

During his remarks, Dr. Dalton highlighted LSU Health Shreveport’s mission to serve the state’s 
most pressing health needs, noting that the institution “exists, in part, because those challenges 
demand an answer. You are that answer,” encouraging graduates to carry that responsibility 
into the communities they will serve