Southern Wesleyan University Announces Spring 2025 Commencement Speaker
Apr 29, 2025 | Graduation
CENTRAL, S.C. — Southern Wesleyan University announced Rev. Dr. Todd Wilson, Special Advisor to the President, as the spring 2025 commencement speaker. Rev. Dr. Wilson serves Dr. Bill Barker, University President, and the Advancement Department as a visionary leader and strategist. His speech, titled “Soli Deo Gloria: A Vision for Vocation,” will encourage students to see how their vocational path and career choice can serve to glorify God.
The commencement ceremony will take place at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025, in the Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center. Graduates will be awarded bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
“I am honored to address the hard-working and dedicated Southern Wesleyan University Class of 2025,” Rev. Dr. Todd Wilson said. “These students are preparing to serve in the ministry, in the marketplace, and in their communities, and I’m excited to encourage them as they start the next chapter in their lives. My prayer is that they will leave this campus with thankful hearts and ambitious spirits as they pursue God’s calling.”
Wilson is a pastor, nonprofit entrepreneur, small business owner, leadership consultant, scholar, and author. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Wheaton College, a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a doctorate from Cambridge University. He is the author or editor of over 15 books and several academic articles.
Wilson has over 15 years of pastoral ministry experience, most recently as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois, where he served for a decade. He is the co-founder and former president of the Center for Pastor Theologians, a thriving nonprofit that equips pastors nationwide to be thought leaders for their congregations. Todd also founded and runs Integrated Leaders, a leadership coaching and consulting practice focused on helping high-capacity leaders find sustainable personal and professional success.
Wilson is married to Katie, a licensed therapist, and they live in Chicago with their seven children.
About Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to www.swu.edu.
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