2025 BSA Awards Ceremony and Presentation
The 2025 Black Student Association annual Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, February 21, on the UT Health Science Center campus in the Student-Alumni Center auditorium.
Since 1992, the Black Student Association (BSA) Awards Ceremony has been an important tradition for UTHSC as it presents an opportunity for the campus to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduating students, as well as provide the diverse University community an opportunity to forge stronger ties of friendship and mutual support.
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2025 Keynote Speaker
Orpheus Triplett, DDS serves as the Associate Dean for Extramural Clinical Education and Community Service and an Associate Professor in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry. In his role, he oversees and supports community engagement activities, fosters the development of new programs, and cultivates partnerships to advance the college's public service mission.
An accomplished alumnus of Alcorn State University, Dr. Triplett graduated cum laude before earning the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Howard University College of Dentistry. He further honed his clinical expertise by completing a General Practice Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.
Dr. Triplett is a distinguished leader and advocate in dentistry, earning numerous honors for his contributions, including the 2022 UT President’s Award as the Optimistic and Visionary Honoree, the 2022 Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Empowerment Award, the College of Dentistry Dean’s Appreciation Award (2017), a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steve Cohen (2018), a City of Memphis Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Community Contributions (2018), and the UT President’s Award Citation of Merit (2019).
In addition to his academic and administrative roles, Dr. Triplett serves on several influential boards and committees, including the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc., Christ Community Health Services, the Academy of Dentistry for People with Disabilities (ADPD), and the Legislative Advisory Committee of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
Through his leadership, Dr. Triplett continues to champion initiatives that align with the institution’s vision - Healthy Tennesseeans. Thriving Communities.