SWU celebrates more than 300 graduates
Students receive applause from Southern Wesleyan University faculty members during their processional, marking the start of graduation exercises Dec. 14 on the campus in Central. SWU also celebrated its adult evening graduates in two ceremonies Dec. 15.
Less than an hour before receiving their degrees, students from Southern Wesleyan’s adult evening program share a moment of prayer for the families of victims in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. The Central, Greenville, Greenwood and Spartanburg students received degrees on the morning of Dec. 15 at the university’s campus in Central.
Mahaliah Campbell, right, gives a congratulatory hug to Marlene Woods of Goose Creek during graduation exercises Dec. 15 at Southern Wesleyan University in Central. Woods graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Human Services. Campbell is a human services faculty member at Southern Wesleyan’s Charleston Education Center.
Family members and friends joined Southern Wesleyan University faculty and staff in celebrating the achievement of winter graduates Dec. 14 and 15 at Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the campus in Central.
Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in the ceremony Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. There were two separate graduation ceremonies Dec. 15 for students in the adult evening program who earned associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees – a 10 a.m. ceremony for students from the Central, Greenville, Greenwood and Spartanburg locations; and a 3 p.m. ceremony for students from the Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta locations.
The Friday ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Mary Faith Jennings, who passed away earlier that week. She was the widow of long-time Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Lowell Jennings.
“Mrs. Jennings was a faithful supporter of Southern Wesleyan University and her family has a rich heritage with the history of this institution,” said Southern Wesleyan University President Todd Voss. “Their ministry together has affected thousands of lives globally and in the state of South Carolina through Southern Wesleyan University and The Wesleyan Church.”
Voss also called for a moment of silence to pray for families of victims killed in the tragic shootings that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut this past Friday morning.
During the Saturday morning ceremony, Rebecca L. Davis from Greenwood received her Master of Education in Classroom Leadership degree posthumously. Her husband, George Davis, accepted the degree on her behalf. She passed away Sept. 9 after completing her program.
The speaker for the Dec. 14 and 15 graduation ceremonies was Shirley Duncan, director of church relations at Hephzibah Ministries, Macon, Ga. Duncan was once a child at Hephzibah Children’s Home. Today, she travels across the United States and Canada speaking with church congregations and members of The Wesleyan Church about what God continues to do on behalf of children there. Duncan is a 1978 religion graduate of Southern Wesleyan University. Her husband, David, a 1979 religion graduate, serves as chaplain at Hephzibah.
Duncan spoke about her life journey, telling of how she was physically and emotionally abused by her alcoholic stepfather. She also spoke about her living at Hephzibah, as well as life after college and her marriage to David, whom she met at Southern Wesleyan. She shared a testimony of how God sent people to reach out to her, and also how God worked through David’s health challenges, which included a kidney and pancreas transplant.
“I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t have so many people reaching out and helping me. That’s why I’m here today. Some of you may be surprised why you’re sitting here today. You never dreamed this day would come,” Duncan said. “I pray that the Holy Spirit will empower you with boldness as you step into an exciting new future.” In congratulating the graduates, Duncan urged them to take time to invest in another life.
“You represent a new generation of leaders who will inherit the challenges of a rapidly changing and often troubled world – a world that needs faithful leaders with vision, leaders with integrity,” Voss said. “The world around you needs faithful leaders with vision. You have the opportunity to be change agents in this world, and we challenge you to begin that journey today.”
The university conferred 323 degrees, according to Registrar Rock McCaskill.
Southern Wesleyan University prepares students for leadership and graduate study in such fields as religion, education, music, business, medicine, law and a variety of civic and social service professions. Southern Wesleyan offers degree programs in the areas of business, education and ministry. The university’s main campus is in Central and there are Education Centers across South Carolina, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Classes are also offered in Spartanburg and Greenwood, and soon online.
Graduates included:
In South Carolina
Abbeville
Darius Brown, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Aiken
Ronneca Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Shana Golar, Bachelor of Science in Management; Yvonne Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Adrian O'Bannon, Bachelor of Science in Management; Angela Roberts, Bachelor of Science in Management; Kevin Woodward, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Andrew Zamiela, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Anderson
Justin Abercrombie, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kyle Brown, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Lindsay Drosieko, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Rebecca Gainey, Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Technology; Catherine Hurray, Master of Education; TuWanda Oglesby, Master of Business Administration; Jeremy Palomo, Master of Business Administration; Celisa Patterson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Mike Scheeper, Master of Science in Management; Anna Snider, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Brandon Vaughn, Master of Business Administration.
Barnwell
Doris Evans, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Belton
Kay Drake, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Blythewood
Lee Moody, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robbie Schuldes, Master of Business Administration.
Boiling Springs
Ginny Flaherty, Master of Education; Caitlin Hice, Master of Education; Johnny Rhode, Master of Education; Tennille Seay, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Camden
Matthew Boyce, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Meg Donaldson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mildred Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Cayce
Verna York, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Central
Mary Beth Bagley, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kae Bridges, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Julia Drennen, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science; Sharon Durham, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Rai Herring, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Mark Mealy, Master of Business Administration; Melissa Moore, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Daniel Pena Capote, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amber Pickel, Bachelor of Science Business Administration; Kayla Propes, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major: Exercise Science; Kaitlin Sexton, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Charleston
Lia Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Scott Lucas, Master of Business Administration; Jeff Parks, Master of Business Administration; Michael Seabolt, Master of Business Administration; Katie Talbert, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Shawntey Wallace, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Chesnee
Cristy Lawter, Master of Science in Management.
Clearwater
Valarie Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Clemson
Ashley Morgan, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Abby Witten, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Columbia
Dawn Bradley, Master of Education; Lucretia Buchanan, Associate of Science in Business; Benjamin Burnside, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melody Butler, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Adele Byrd, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Robert Cale, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Gwendolyn Carter, Master of Business Administration; Karen Clinton, Master of Business Administration; Robert Coffey, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Becky Crutchfield, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brantley Davidson, Master of Education; Sandra Gadson, Master of Business Administration; James Haigler, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Teresa Hardrick, Bachelor of Science Business Administration; Arcola Jones, Master of Business Administration; Demetria Jones, Master of Education; Sonji Lacy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; William McCall, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Thomas Paige, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robin Young, Master of Business Administration.
Cross Hill
Daniel Calwise, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Daniel Island
Erica Young, Master of Business Administration.
Duncan
Michelle Call, Master of Education; Michelle McWhorter, Master of Education; Toccara Thompson, Master of Education.
Easley
Melissa Albertson, Master of Education; Stacy Baker, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Marcella Belcher, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Ray Bridgeman, Master of Business Administration; Debbie Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Kaurie Burkhardt, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Natalie Carey, Master of Science in Management; Heather Collins, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Timothy Cummings, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; AJ Danelz, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Johanna Ferguson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Eric Jenkins, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Hannah Jones, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Charissa Kelly, Master of Education; Paul Langston, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major; Connie Miller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jonathan Richards, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Hunter Segers ,Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies; Sammy Stewart, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tammie Sullivan, Associate of Science in Business; Karen Talley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Matt Turner, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kimberly Wallis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Elgin
Grace Ugro, Master of Education.
Fountain Inn
Charles Jeffery, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Cyndi Trotter, Associate of Science in Business; Pam Young, Master of Science in Management.
Gaffney
Meri Anna Bates, Master of Education; Deana Blanton, Master of Education; Kathy Harvey, Master of Education.
Gaston
Anita Hartwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Goose Creek
Carol Allen, Bachelor of Science in Management; Marlene Woods, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Gray Court
Jeff Carroll, Master of Science in Management; Suzanne Vallar, Associate of Science in Business.
Greenville
Christopher Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; John Faubert, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Jim Faulkenberry, Master of Science in Management; Danielle Fitzmorris, Master of Science in Management; Angela Freeman, Associate of Science in Business; Allie Johns, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Misty Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jorge Lopez, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Brian Manning, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Kendel Maxwell, Master of Education; Tinsley McCrary, Master of Education; Betty McGowan, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Rod Nicholson, Master of Business Administration; Kelley Rohrer, Master of Education; Stephen Rumsey, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Donald Simmons, Master of Business Administration; Shannon Villanueva, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Barbara Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Greenwood
Brad Brackfield, Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies; Shannon Cullens, Master of Education; Pamela Martin, Master of Education; Aimee Sanders, Master of Education; Audrey Thompson, Master of Education, Jeneen Webb, Master of Education; Jocelyn Wilson, Master of Business Administration.
Greer
Sharon Bolden, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Kareem Bookert, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Kingi Calvin, Associate of Science in Business; Hope Chapman, Master of Education; Jonathan Corley, Bachelor of Science Business Administration; Randi Corley, Master of Education; James Dowell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Aimee Eccles, Master of Science in Management; Shane Graham, Associate of Science in Business; Christine Korol, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Angela Rutland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lisa Williams, Master of Science in Management; Katherine Young, Master of Education.
Hanahan
Michael Milligan, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Hollywood
Iris Gethers, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Inman
Staci Dodgens, Master of Education; Natalie Key, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Nicole Wyatt, Master of Education.
Iva
Brian Chambers, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Jake Pierce, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Stephanie Ware, Master of Education.
Johns Island
Amy Bonnett, Master of Education; Sanicqua Robinson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Lexington
Beth Brooks, Master of Education; Felicia Harper, Associate of Arts in General Studies; David Pelley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; John Roberts, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Ralph Rocanella, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tammy Ulmer, Master of Business Administration; Mary Lynn Williams, Master of Education; Jered Wooten, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Liberty
Mildred Brewer, Master of Business Administration; Beth Dalke, Master of Business Administration; Brandy Hanson, Bachelor of Arts English Education; Toby Kay, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Dana Lester, Associate of Science in Business; Anita Merck, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rene Osborne, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Heather Reeves, Master of Education; Carey Rowland, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Anna Starnes, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Lugoff
Elizabeth Quick, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Lyman
Christine Fuller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mauldin
Natalie Barrineau, Master of Education; Angela Brown, Master of Education; Ozzy Custodio, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stefanie Hampton-Hoffman, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science.
Megett
Meggan Corbin, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Moncks Corner
Stephanie Wright, Associate of Science in Business.
Moore
Kennya Sibert, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Mount Pleasant
Donna Newton, Bachelor of Science in Management; Lauren Sigler, Master of Business Administration.
Mountain Rest
Jane Roach, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Norris
Elizabeth Stephens, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
North Augusta
DJ Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Camilla Chaplin-Smart, Associate of Science in Business; Barbara Hightower, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Elaine Key, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Trinika Mason, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Josephine Merriweather, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Staci Pontoon, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Randy Stover, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tonyese Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
North Charleston
Tawanna Denmark, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Tonya Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Ann Mitchell, Associate of Science in Business; Alicia Steed, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Orangeburg
Sharice Walker, Master of Education.
Pendleton
Jessica Braswell, Master of Education; Jon David Musick, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Gena Reddy, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Angela Williams, Associate of Science in Business; Greg Young, Master of Science in Management.
Pickens
Brian Bartlett, Master of Business Administration; Amy Brissey, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Daniel Furr, Master of Education; Kayla Galloway, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice; Courtney Hayes, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Amy Lark, Master of Business Administration.
Piedmont
Jasmine Adams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tonyor Brooks, Associate of Science in Business; Kortney Davidson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Glenn Kelly, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Michael Kitchens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brenda Pickens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jessica Pinyan, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Emily Shanks, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wes Shelton, Master of Business Administration.
Rock Hill
Shandrice Erby, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Salem
Chad Smith, Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies.
Seneca
Lindsay Cottingham, Master of Science in Management; Laura Crenshaw, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; David Fields, Master of Business Administration; Wendy Groomes, Master of Education; Gale Hunter, Master of Business Administration; Heather Lamneck, Master of Education; Nathanael Massey, Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies; Calrinda Mayes, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Cortney Moore, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Lenora O'Dell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Danielle Stephens-Piker, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Natalie Stover, Master of Education; Lisa Williams, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Simpsonville
Tasha Allgood, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Christopher Cash, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Erin Gambrell, Master of Education; Stephanie Harrison, Master of Education; Renae Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amanda Lilienthal, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mary Owens, Master of Science in Management; Raffi Rosati, Master of Business Administration; Ann Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Kelly Tetzlaff, Master of Education; Tiffany Thomas, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Ronald Tweedy, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Chris Wells, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Spartanburg
Ann Belk, Master of Science in Management; John Prochak, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Summerville
Ashley Allen, Master of Business Administration; Tiffany Baines, Master of Business Administration; Sheila Cole, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Leda Feaster Associate of Science in Business; Darin Kingery, Master of Business Administration; Alan Lockcuff ,Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Leon Murray, Master of Business Administration; Debra Stullenbarger, Master of Business Administration.
Swansea
Emma Nelson, Associate of Science in Business.
Taylors
Donna Bosley, Master of Business Administration; Amy Lahl, Master of Education; Heath Pittman, Master of Business Administration.
Townville
Deann Parker, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
Travelers Rest
Rushton Demars, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Charlie Mills, Master of Business Administration.
Trenton
Penny Fell, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Union
Michael Lowe, Master of Business Administration.
Walhalla
Amanda Bramlett, Master of Business Administration.
Walterboro
Cassandra Grant, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Ward
Courtney Porter, Master of Education.
West Columbia
Paul O'Dell, Master of Business Administration; Josh Rabon, Master of Business Administration; Lacey Rabon, Master of Education; Julie Sturkie, Master of Education; Samantha Wallace, Master of Education.
West Union
Earl Beasley, Master of Business Administration; Cheryl Childress, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kayla Hamilton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Georgia McCreary, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Lauren Spearman, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Westminster
Lesa Wike, Master of Education; Tracey Arthur, Master of Education; Andy Dyar, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science; Melissa Rogers, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kristen Smith, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Williamston
George Clackum, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Jeff LaRue, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; Jessica Levi, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Woodruff
Ramon Martinez, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
In North Carolina
Charlotte
Meghan Bullock, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Kara Homrich, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Denton
Katie Portis, Bachelor of Arts in History.
Midland
Bradley Love, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
In Georgia
Atlanta
Devin James, Master of Education.
Augusta
Sandra Brown, Bachelor of Science in Management; Patricia Clark, Bachelor of Science in Management; Karen Frady, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Johnnetta Godbee, Bachelor of Science in Management; Larry Lee, Master of Education; Nicholas Skrine, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Theron Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Ellenwood
Debra Lord, Master of Education.
Evans
Lori Grinnell, Bachelor of Science in Management; Gordon Spencer, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Grovetown
Dana Prickett, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Hephzibah
Jessie Coley, Bachelor of Science in Management; Barbara Dawson, Associate of Science in Business; Jason Dunbar, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Louisville
Valencia Lofton, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Martinez
Debra Allsup, Master of Education; Victoria Daniels, Bachelor of Science in Management.
In Illinois
Toledo
Billy Jeffries, Master of Science in Management.
In Nevada
Las Vegas
Danielle York, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
In Pennsylvania
Milton
Matt Seibert, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
In Tennessee
Elizabethton
Ginny Andes, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Virginia
Arlington
Lindsey Couvillion, Master of Education.
Vinton
Logan Patriquin, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
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