Centenary alumna to give Research Conference keynote speech
Centenary alumna Dr. Jessica Coker (’08) will be keynote speaker for the college’s annual Research Conference on Thursday, April 15, 2025. Her keynote address is entitled “A Research Mindset: Curiosity and Connection,” and it will be in the Whited room from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Dr. Coker’s expertise is in psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is the medical director of the psychiatry inpatient units, co-director of the Women’s Mental Health Program, and was recently voted as Chief-of-Staff Elect for UAMS Health. As an associate professor at the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences (UAMS) serving both the departments of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynecology, she serves as an important advocate for increased access to treatment and removing barriers for pregnant and postpartum women.
“Centenary College of Louisiana is proud to welcome back Dr. Jessica Coker, a distinguished alumna, as the keynote speaker for this year's research conference,” said Dr. Scott Chirhart, dean of the School of Health Sciences and chair of the Kinesiology Department. “Dr. Coker's contributions to the field of psychiatry and women’s health embody the spirit of innovation and inquiry nurtured within our academic community. Her remarkable journey from student to esteemed leader serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of education and the lasting impact of Centenary College of Louisiana.”
All Centenary classes will be suspended on April 15 so the entire campus community can participate in the research conference either as presenters or audience members. The program begins at 8:00 a.m., and the schedule runs throughout the day. The 2025 conference traditionally features oral presentations and poster sessions in humanities, social sciences, music and art. The schedule will be posted on the Research Conference page of Centenary College website.
“The Centenary College Annual Research Conference is a long-standing tradition that supports and promotes the college’s unique and deep commitment to undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative production and performance,” said Dr. Karen Soul, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Many of the presentations that we are able to attend at this community event go on to be included in national conferences or published in journals. Centenary is proud of the expert faculty who guide and mentor these activities and of our students who perform at extraordinary levels.”
The 2025 Research Conference is made possible with the support of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, the Student Government Association, and the Campus Activities Board. The conference was organized by Dr. Jessica Alexander, Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Provost; Dr. Scott Chirhart, Dean of the School of Health Sciences; Dr. Amanda Donahoe, Associate Professor of Political Science; and Dr. Chrissy Martin, Assistant Professor of English; and Dr. Kyra Rietveld, Assistant Professor of Art.