Southern Wesleyan University graduates ‘class of 2016’
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and founder/CEO of World Hope International, addressed Southern Wesleyan University graduates during two ceremonies May 6 in Central.
Southern Wesleyan University held two commencement ceremonies Friday on its campus in Central – a 10 a.m. ceremony for graduates of its traditional program and a 3 p.m. ceremony for graduates of its adult evening and online programs.
The commencement speaker was Dr. Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of The Wesleyan Church and founder/CEO of World Hope International.
“What a great day, not only finishing a degree at Southern Wesleyan University, but also a degree that integrates faith and learning. You are the people God is going to be using in these next few years at a critical time in our history,” Lyon said, adding that God is calling people of faith to combat injustices which include racism and human trafficking.
Lyon outlined four ways God wants graduates to help fulfill His mission – being self-aware, assessing their beliefs, thoughts and personal drive. Outlining “peacemaking” as the second way, Lyon spoke of how non-religious people are often called upon to deal with world conflict based on religious differences – suggesting that God is calling graduates as members of the faith community to “sit at the table” with secular leaders. She also urged graduates to “Empower Others” by encouraging them to catch the vision they are casting, and to be risk-takers and to not fear failure.
“This is a journey done in relationship with other people and not self absorption and isolation,” Lyon said. To the adult evening and online program graduates during the afternoon ceremony, Lyon said, “Many of you are in the professional world; you see and you’re experiencing many things that are there that God has selected you to lead in this time.”
Highlights of the ceremony included University President Todd Voss presenting Lyon with a presidential citation honoring her years of leadership and service. Also, the university posthumously awarded a degree to Pamala D. Nesbitt, who passed away Dec. 24. Accepting the degree were her sons, Jayvaughn and Jarvis. Prior to each ceremony, the university recognized its veteran and military graduates. Traditional graduates recognized were Jeanette Domingo, Samuel “Rhett” Keaton, Cynthia Rumsey and Barry Vaughn. Adult and online graduates recognized were Joseph Blackstone, Curtis Brewer, Rhonda Gibbs, James Hutchins, Janene Jackson, Nathan Moore, Richard Murray, Clinzy Oliver, Timothy Prendergast, Stanley Stroman, Daniel Thome, Hope Williams and Trakus Yarborough.
On Thursday, the university held its Baccalaureate service, featuring a “ceremony of the servants” in which graduates of the traditional programs received towels – a symbol of Christian service – embroidered with the Southern Wesleyan University seal. Rev. Charlie Collins, lead pastor of Denton Wesleyan Church, Denton, N.C., gave the Baccalaureate sermon.
The spring 2016 graduates included:
In South Carolina
Aiken
Sonya Bennington Associate of Arts in General Studies; Stephanie Chandler, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tonia Freeman, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Miranda Fulmer, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Yvonne Johnson, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Christina Reed, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Chris Tubbs, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Allendale
Lucius Williams, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Anderson
Amber Byrd, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Haley Collins, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Jonathan Evans, Master of Business Administration; Laura Sazo, Master of Business Administration; Lisa Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Daniel Thome, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Batesburg
Cheyle Morris, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Belton
Joey Capone, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Nikki Ashley, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Dianna Robinson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Blythewood
Larissa Branham, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Boiling Springs
Erin Bolt, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Antrina Miller, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Camden
Bobby Few, Bachelor of Arts in English.
Central
Jalen Allen, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Michael Bate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wayne Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Bryn Chuba, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Rhett Keaton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Susan and Jason Moore, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ryan Mosley, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Levi Roach, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Ruben Rodriguez Rodriguez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;Beth Shealy, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Barry Vaughn, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Courtney Williams Associate of Arts General Studies.
Chapin
Labon Hardy, Master of Science in Management.
Charleston
Michele Curry, Master of Business Administration; Felicia Hallums, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Nate Pearson, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Lakeris Wine, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Chesnee
Tiana Robbins Bachelor of Science Special Education SC
Chester
Chris Williams, Master of Science in Management.
Clarks Hill
Justin Taylor, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Clemson
Robert Collins, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Rachel Gregory, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Wendy Hawkins, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Columbia
Tamala Ashford, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Lisa Blackwell, Master of Science in Management; Evette Bradley, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Elaine Brown, Master of Science in Management; Zachary Casto Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jerry Cue, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Leslie Daniels, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Karen Edgers, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Rodney Foster, Master of Business Administration; Rhonda Gibbs, Master of Science in Management; Terri Hooper, Master of Science in Management; Makini Jackson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Jasmin Miller, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Clinzy Oliver, Bachelor of Science Human Services; Stacey Ray, Master of Science in Management; Samuel Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Melissa Riley, Master of Science in Management; Tzarina Salomon, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Sheila Smoot, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Sandra Vann, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tara Williams, in Management.
Duncan
Austin Bowers, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Keith Vaughn, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Easley
Kate Anderson, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Sarah Bork, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tasha Braswell, Master of Business Administration; Kayla Britton, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; MaryGrace Carter, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Jason Evans, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Michael Fisher, Master of Science in Management; Kerry Flynn, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Lisa Freeman, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Megan Groves, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Christy Hall, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Shannon Lane, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Brittany Mann, Master of Business Administration; Amanda Nickell, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tonya Riggins, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Matthew Scott, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Carley Teat, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Mike VanDorn, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Will Vess, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Nick Starling, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Russell Wood, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Eastover
Crystal Freie, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Elgin
Stan Stroman, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Tray Yarborough, Master of Science in Management.
Eutawville
Alicia Laidlaw, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Fair Play
Conikim Nguyen, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Fairfax
Ahmad Mikell, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Fort Mill
Macee Riley, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Sport Management.
Gaston
Bev Robinson, Master of Science in Management.
Goose Creek
Malissa Hawkins, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; April Rollins, Master of Science in Management; JaeColby Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Gray Court
Tabitha Curenton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Cindy Rumsey, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Greenville
Juan Agudelo Cano, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ryan Blackstone, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Briana Cook, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Jeanette Domingo, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Janene Jackson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Keri McGrath, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ikeisha Roberts Associate of Arts in General Studies; Lovetta Walton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Greenwood
Karla Gray, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Adrienna Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Greer
Allison Anders, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Brian Huff, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Rosemarie Martin Sleiman Sleiman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tiffani Whitmire, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Hanahan
Shauntai Goggins, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Honea Path
Elizabeth Keown, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Hopkins
Libby Jennings, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Irmo
Mike Litton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Islandton
Jessica Polk, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Johns Island
Alicia Cohen, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Shannon Joyner, Master of Science in Management.
Kingstree
Kelsey Wheatle, Bachelor of Arts in English.
Ladson
Arthuree Clark, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Landrum
Kaycee Blackwell, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Laurens
Dillon Groves, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Lexington
Crystal Gurtisen, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Sylvia Maxon, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Anna Moore, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science; Elisa Roberts-Oglesby, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Megan Widener, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Alicia Williams, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Liberty
Josh Bishop, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Elizabeth Durham, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Melissa Henderson, Master of Business Administration; Sarah Hughey, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Amber King, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Addi Menchyk, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Erica Stephens, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Lugoff
Liz Ranges, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.
Lyman
Elizabeth Edge, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major; Stefanie Hyder, Master of Science in Management; Drew Sloan, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Mauldin
Kalyn Anders, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Antoinette Holsey, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Moncks Corner
Frank Kelly, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Trena Nelson, Master of Science in Management.
Mount Pleasant
Debra Grant, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Cyrus King, Master of Science in Management.
Mountville
Jamie Hutchins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Myrtle Beach
EJ Lopez-House, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
New Ellenton
Tysheka Wright, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Ninety Six
Gena Turner, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
North Augusta
Derek Boyd, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Linda Ransom, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Hollie Roberts, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Cody Stephens, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Donna Stevens, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Orangeburg
Jamaral Kearse, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Pelion
Charlie Baco, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Pelzer
Erin Winters, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Pendleton
Curtis Brewer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Callie Brothers, Bachelor of Arts in English; Ashley Guffee, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Neva Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sydney Wigington, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Angela Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Pickens
Lisa Corbin, Master of Business Administration; Laura Yates, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kiley Waldrop, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Piedmont
Lee Montgomery, Master of Ministry; Tammy Sanderford, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Pineville
Robert Luhrs, Master of Science in Management.
Rock Hill
Lavette Walden, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
St. Matthews
Torrie Arant, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
St. Stephen
Alicia Banks, Master of Science in Management.
Salem
Carsen Long, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Seneca
Kevin Christenbury, Master of Science in Management; Matthew Dickerson, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Danielle Gaines, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Trina Gambrell, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Danielle Harbin, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Emily Harper, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Sissy Roberts, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Michelle Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Simpsonville
Gwen Buto, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Cali Callahan, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ed Chappell, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kristen Crawford, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; John Cusati, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Josh Dial, Master of Science in Management; Herb Duncan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anthony Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Jackie Hunter, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Nate Moore, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; John Naylor, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;
Matt Naylor, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stephanie Snyder, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Rebekah Thomason, Bachelor of Science in Business Management;
Six Mile
Joey Herring, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Josh Tolan, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Spartanburg
Thomas Newman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Leron Rahynes, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Johnny Rhode, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Summerville
Tony Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tiffany Johnson-Elliott, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Hope Williams, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Swansea
Holly Lancaster, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Taylors
Jaden Aho, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Courtnei Brissie, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Allison Keck, Master of Science in Management.
Travelers Rest
Cameron Tarrant, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Walhalla
Michelle Cater, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tommy Cater, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kevin Robinson, Master of Business Administration.
Walterboro
Joseph Heyward, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Warrenville
Anne Fulcher, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; John Gammon, Master of Business Administration; Jessica McCain, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
West Columbia
Kristi Duckett, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Mandy Shirey, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
West Union
Daniel Cochran, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Melissa Tribble, Master of Business Administration; Dori Young, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Westminster
Korinne Johnson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Bryan Morehead, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Doug Stephens, Master of Business Administration; Keith White, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Williamston
Sarah McDonald, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Jill Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Williston
Ashley Jackson, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
In North Carolina
Dallas
Alex Oakley, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Denton
Bethany Collins, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Goldsboro
Miranda Hill, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Casey Shearin, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Kernersville
Ryan Hendricks, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Ryan Kivett, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
Landis
Zach Ford, Bachelor of Arts in History.
Willow Springs
Dee Miller-Nicol, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
In Georgia
Augusta
Lucille Bussey, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Jamellah Cook, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Angela Myers, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Centerville
Chelsie Waters, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Conyers
Kenny Holmes, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Dacula
Paige Bethune Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Ruva Chimedza, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Evans
Sean Glover, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
Grovetown
Jarrod Lucas, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Hephzibah
Dana Seeley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Martinez
Richard Murray, Master of Science in Management and Leadership; Tim Prendergast, Master of Science in Management and Leadership.
McDonough
Maggie McMenimen, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Thomson
Tim Long, Master of Science in Management.
Toccoa
Sheldon Juncker, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
Woodstock
Andrew Howard, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Courtney O'Brien, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
In Delaware
Millsboro
Sarah Bryan, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.
In Florida
Jacksonville
Samantha Powell, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
In Illinois
Chicago
Kristi Boggs, Associate of Arts in General Studies
In Indiana
Knox
Shelby Gilbert, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Marion
Kira Emmett, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
In Kansas
Lawrence
Kylie Rovenstine, Bachelor of Arts in Religion .
In Michigan
Sheridan
Ethan Austin, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
In New Jersey
Williamstown
Paul Collier, Master of Business Administration.
In Tennessee
Maryville
Allison Barbee, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services
In Texas
Bridge City
Ashleigh Wilbur, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Odessa
Jeff Schultz, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Washington
Vancouver
Jorden Washburn, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
China
In Anhui province
Charlie Zhou, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.
Grand Cayman
West Bay
Bri Hydes, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
With regional education centers conveniently located across South Carolina, as well as fully online programs for select degrees, Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For more information, go to www.swu.edu