McCoy College of Science, Mathematics & Engineering

Tarik Phillip, from the island of Saint Kitts, fulfilled his dream of earning a medical degree. He graduated from MSU Texas with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry in 2003 and was accepted to Howard University of Medicine. In his senior year of medical school, he trained with physicians at Johns Hopkins University.

He was awarded Resident of the Year at the Oakwood Internal Medicine Residency Program. He joined Bon Secours Health System in Virginia Beach where he earned praise as a physician who empowered patients to take care of their health. Now an internal medicine specialist, he works for Carolinas Healthcare System.

Tarik was one of the managing medical directors of the rapid response team for the New York City COVID mass vaccination initiative at the Javits Center in 2021. 

Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts

Pamela Morgan Davis is Director of Academic Outreach & Distance Education at MSU Texas.

Pam graduated from MSU with a bachelor’s in mass communications in 1986. She earned her master’s and Ph.D. from the University of North Texas.

Pam has great memories of being a first-generation college graduate. Seeing her daughter, Rachel Morgan, graduate from MSU Texas with honors was even more satisfying to Pam.

She places former mass communication professor Carla Bennett Bolin at the top of her list of mentors, along with former MSU Texas professors Dencil Taylor, Don Henschel, Roy Allen, and June Kable.

Pam is involved in community activities and is a member of many historical preservation groups. Her desire to learn only grew after walking the stage at MSU Texas, and she’s dedicated to helping others follow that path. 

Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences & Human Services

Patrick Gaither has 20 years of experience in respiratory care practice, including critical care, program leadership, and business development.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in respiratory care at MSU Texas in 2001, making the President’s List for academic achievement.

With a focus on the neonatal and pediatric populations, Patrick flew with a helicopter and fixed wing aircraft team, Teddy Bear Air, from 2003-2006. He went on to manage a respiratory care department of more than 60 professionals at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.

Patrick has entered the medical device industry with a focus on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and novel device business development. He earned the Inspiration Award two consecutive years as a strategic customer consultant for Vyaire Medical in Chicago.