Commencement Spotlight: Yazmine Latimore

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Military Leadership

Graduate Student, Physician Assistant Studies Program, Medical University of South Carolina

Second Lieutenant, Chemical Officer, Georgia Army National Guard

 

Yazmine Latimore, a 22-year-old native of Columbia, South Carolina, will graduate on May 10 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Military Leadership from the Albany State University College of Arts and Sciences. She also earned an Associate of Science in Forensic Science in Spring 2024. 

A dynamic scholar-athlete, leader, and public servant, Latimore has made a remarkable impact on and off campus. She served as Vice President of both the Epsilon Omicron Chapter of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., and the Student Athletic Advisory Council, while also excelling as a member of the Albany State Women’s Soccer Team and Chi Alpha Sigma National Collegiate Honor Society. She held leadership roles in ROTC  for the Wildcat Battalion and was crowned Miss Old Gold and Black for the Delta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Latimore's academic and civic engagement includes internships with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Science Foundation, where she served as an undergraduate research assistant studying the interruptions faced by Black women in STEM. She volunteered extensively with organizations such as the SOWEGA-AHEC Emory Farmworker Project and Helping Mamas, while also serving in the Georgia Army National Guard.

Her distinguished accolades include being a National Merit, and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar. She also earned scholarships from the Army, ASU National Alumni Association, JP Morgan Chase, and other organizations. She was also inducted into the C.W. Grant Legacy Leadership Hall of Fame.

After graduation, Latimore will begin the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at the Medical University of South Carolina. She will also commission as a Second Lieutenant (2LT) in the Georgia Army National Guard, serving as a Chemical Officer (74A). With a passion for addressing healthcare inequities, she plans to serve both civilian and military communities by providing compassionate, patient-centered care—particularly in underserved areas.

Latimore exemplifies the excellence, leadership, and service that define Albany State University graduates.

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
I always knew I was made for medicine, yet it wasn’t until I witnessed the disparities among different cultural communities that made we delve deeper into what my role in medicine looked like. I wanted to be someone who could give the right answers, as well as be patient-oriented. Being a PA fits that role. Joining the 3.6% of Black Physician Assistants will allow me to be the woman, I, as a little girl wished to see in a white coat at the clinic.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
It was the “Best of Both Worlds” as an old Disney Star would sing. Albany State was one of the only schools that allowed me to go to an HBCU, to play Division 2 Women’s Soccer, join the ROTC program under my scholarship, and allow me to double major. It was a place where no one would tell you no and discourage you from doing what you wanted. ASU lets you rise above the limits instead of setting them for you.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
The lateral mobility of a Physician Assistant, which allows me to practice in different specialties and gain a broad perspective on patient care. This flexibility helps to better serve diverse communities.

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
The biggest impact I had came from my brother, Devante. He was someone who always pushed me to have that “hustler” mentality. He is someone I call all the time whenever I have something going on. My brother was the original hustler, after my mother, of course. He never let anything knock him down and it was something I always aspired to be like. At Albany State, my role models would have to be CPT Carrion-Morales, Dr. Lyons, Dr. Burgess, and Dr. John Williams. I name these four, because they have each been a pivotal mentor in my journey of overall becoming the leader I am today. CPT Carrion was the one who taught me how to present myself in certain situations. She recognized me when others didn’t. Dr. Lyons was someone who always pushed me towards new opportunities, never letting me doubt myself. Dr. Burgess was someone who supported my beliefs, who encouraged me to speak up. Lastly, Dr. John Williams is someone who helped me figure out my footing. He was someone who cared about my future. Each of these four leaders has continued to guide me on my journey to be the best “RAM” I can be.

What is your favorite memory from your time at ASU?
My Junior Year, the SGA Event “Midnight Snack Event”. Being with my friends, trying to study for finals, one of the last steps before we move on to our final year. Late night at the food trucks just having a blast eating breakfast foods, and sandwiches in the middle of the night with my friends. The only thing I could think about was “Thank you ASU for my community, and overall, for my people.”

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
You miss 99% of the shots you never take. You have to jump at the opportunities that are given to you. Get plugged in, take advantage, join that organization, network with that Professor.  Figure out the Hustle and become the Hustler.

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
ASU has a rich history of people overcoming their challenges for the better. The school itself has been able to withstand its own trials. It is truly unsinkable, and every student here is as well. “A Past to Cherish and a Future to Fulfill”. ASU is the place where you will rise above your past and fill your own future whichever way you see fit.