Class of 2014 embarks on ‘a new journey’
SWU faculty applauds the 2014 graduates as they move in a processional up Wesleyan Drive towards Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center.
SWU awards degrees during spring graduation
VIDEO
Ken Dill, Southern Wesleyan University chaplain, takes a selfie with the class of 2014 prior to their processional across the Central campus during commencement ceremonies May 9 for traditional graduates.
Caroline Martin of Clemson gives the invocation during commencement ceremonies for traditional graduates May 9. Martin received her elementary education degree.
Eric A. Jackson (third from left) and Pamela Reid Perrineau, his mother-in-law (second from right), continued a family tradition of earning degrees from Southern Wesleyan University’s Charleston learning center. Eric received his associate’s degree and Pamela received a MSM. They are pictured with family members (from left) Robert Perrineau Jr. (Pamela’s son, M.Ed. alumnus); Kimberly Jackson (Eric’s wife, MSM alumna); Eric; Florence Reid Jones (Pamela’s sister, a MBA alumna); Eric J. Jackson (Eric and Kimberly’s son); Mary Williams, (Pamela and Forence’s aunt); Pamela and her husband Robert L. Perrineau Sr. (MSM alumnus). Standing in front of them are Robert L. Perrineau III (Robert Perrineau Jr.’s son) and Zihari Jackson (Eric and Kimberly’s son). One more received her MBA (not pictured) Kayce Jones, Florence’s daughter.
Southern Wesleyan University awarded 278 graduates with degrees during two commencement ceremonies on its campus in Central.
“This commencement marks the beginning of a new journey; you’re stepping out into a different world. You sit here transformed from the person you were at the start of your studies. You have a future as critical thinkers, pastors, missionaries, entrepreneurs, lifelong learners and contributing members of a local and global society,” said, Beverly S. Patnaik, a 1968 Southern Wesleyan alumna who is academic director of the School of TransformAging at Lipscomb University.
Patnaik urged graduates to think of three people who helped make it possible for them to earn their degree and to write them a note telling about a specific thing they did to “make this day possible.” She then asked them to think of three additional people who helped them to get to where they are, and to email and call them.
“They probably don’t know the impact they’ve had on your life,” Patnaik said. “Who is your role model? What about them do you want to emulate?”
"Our goal at Southern Wesleyan is to select one of a myriad of successful alumni as our commencement speaker who can serve as a role model and example for our new graduates walking across the stage,” said University President Todd Voss. “This year's speaker satisfies those expectations with ease. With a lifetime of innovation and research serving our aging population, Beverly Patnaik is a prime example of how our SWU alumni are making a significant difference in the world."
During the ceremony, Voss presented Patnaik with the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.
Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in a ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, May 9. Students graduating from the university’s adult evening programs from all locations traveled to Central for a Saturday afternoon ceremony May 10. Both graduation ceremonies were held in Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central.
The spring 2014 graduates included:
In South Carolina
Aiken
Elizabeth Abbott, Master of Business Administration; Denise Barnhart, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Beth Bartlett, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Stephanie Chandler, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Frances Crowder, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Julianne Dove, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Jackie Paige, Master of Business Administration; Sidney Rhoades, Master of Business Administration; Leroy Walker, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Tiffany Walker, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Anderson
Kim Bannister, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Savannah Carpenter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dani Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tyler Lollis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mekia Patterson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Karen Penley, Master of Business Administration; Tammy Wicker, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Maggie Young, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Batesburg-Leesville
Juwhana Holloway, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Beech Island
Paul Yates, Master of Business Administration.
Belton
Tessa McGaha, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Blythewood
Gege Harris, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Brandon Mosley, Associate of Science in Business.
Boiling Springs
Andrew Ormand, Bachelor of Science in Business Management .
Cayce
Faith Jamison, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Bryan Vaughan, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Central
Raul Canelos, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Janice Chuba, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science; Jackie Guiry, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Laura Nash, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Claudio Sanches, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Morgan Smith, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Brooke Sorgenfrei, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Aubree St. James, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Curtis Todd, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Jordan Trotter, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies; Melisa Tucker, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Charleston
Joe Boudolf, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services; Ashley Brandner, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Melissa Chiplis, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Eric Jackson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Lia Johnson, Master of Science in Management; Marcus Lusk, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Pam Perrineau, Master of Science in Management; Jae Spigner, Master of Business Administration; Allison Vanderhorst, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Clearwater
Quinton McClary, Master of Education Administration and Supervision.
Clemson
Mary Cate Garrett, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Hayley Hoover, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Caroline Martin, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Rebecca Nightingale, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Columbia
Mary Adams, Master of Science in Management; Nicki Brumfield, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kyle Caldwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Maiysha Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Alexis Dekine, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Michael Dobreski, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Walt Field, Master of Science in Management; Rena' Geiger, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Keith Hinton, Master of Science in Management; Joyce Johnson, Master of Business Administration; Manisha Johnson-Arceneaux, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Crystal Jones, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Aretha Langston, Master of Science in Management; Camilla Mack, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Sheila McNeal, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Warren Parker, Master of Business Administration; Trish Pressley, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Marisa Richardson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Gerri Williams, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Evelyn Wilson, Bachelor of Science Business in Administration.
Conway
Becky Brigman, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Duncan
Brooke Fernanders, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Easley
Tammie Alexander, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Ken Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Troy Baughey, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Daniel Chappell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dana Cooper, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Timothy Hayduk, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Connie Jones, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Leigh Kennemore, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Katie Lawton, Master of Education; Jacob Leslie, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Keonna Palmer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Heather Roper, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Kelsey Scranton, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Scott Wood, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Edgefield
James Fleming, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Elgin
Montell Backmon, Associate of Science in Business; Chantrese Goodwine, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Fountain Inn
April Clayton, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Suzanne Fay, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Amber Garrett, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Justin Knox, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Elizabeth Koontz, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Gaston
Deborah Fail, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Georgetown
Rome Prince, Master of Business Administration.
Goose Creek
Linda Collins, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Brendan Glaze, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Julie Hudson, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Sha’shawna Seabrook, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Sherise Simmons-Glover, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Shawntey Wallace, Master of Science in Management.
Graniteville
Vonda Butler, Master of Science in Management; Nikki Foreman, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Austin Lorenger, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tamala Mims-Herrera, Master of Science in Management; John Ross, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Chester Dicks, Master of Business Administration.
Greenville
Pamela Bagwell, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Marty Brown, Master of Education; Nigda Coello, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Cyndie Ford, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Courtney Glenn, Bachelor of Arts in History; Brittany Green, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Katie Hansel, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Janet Irby, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Denise Jones, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Tyesha Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Josh Mahon, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Kathy Reeder, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Lakeisha Wright, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Greer
Susan Craine, Associate of Arts in General Studies; David LeVeille, Bachelor of Science in Social Science; Erin McCauley, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Leroy Nelson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Rhonda Parker, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tyson Wright, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Hanahan
Blaine Ballard, Bachelor of Arts in History; Fred Paden, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Honea Path
Chad Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Lauren VanGieson, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Hopkins
Tara Brown, Master of Business Administration.
Inman
Noemi Guerrero Pulido, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Jessica McConnaughey, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Irmo
Tracee Crocker, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Robin Tomlinson, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Jackson
Caroline Carter-Johnson, Master of Business Administration; Tiea Thomas, Master of Science in Management.
Johns Island
Tia Brown, Master of Science in Management.
Ladson
Cheryl Alston, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Shajuan Braxton, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Priscillia Magwood, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Beotta Murray, Master of Science in Management.
Laurens
Laura Chumley, Master of Education.
Leesville
Francine Tolen, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Lexington
Kristin Baker, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Sheila Blandon, Master of Science in Management; Renee Dooley, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Curtis Henderson, Master of Science Master in Management; Daniel Strickland, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Mary Watson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Liberty
Rachel Edens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jen Trammell, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Lyman
Brooke Confer, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Shelly Eubanks, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Moncks Corner
Megan Martino, Master of Science Master in Management.
Moore
Justin Adams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mount Pleasant
Annie Benduhn, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
New Ellenton
Rasheka Gaines, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tysheka Wright, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Cheryl Young, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
North Augusta
Logan Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Derrick Caldwell, Master of Business Administration; Camilla Chaplin-Smart, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Clarence Gaylor, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Stephanie Heyman, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Kim Jones, Master of Science in Management; Nicholas Kaune, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Joey Kenley, Master of Business Administration; Stacy Morris; Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Trey Nuckols, Master of Business Administration; Linda Ransom, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Dede Scott, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Regina Thurmond, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
North Charleston
Nadine Carmon, Master of Science in Management; RaShawn Gambrell, Associate of Science in Business; Kanta' Haynes-Lawrence, Master of Science in Management; Tammy Jarman, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Dewitt Lamar, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Cynthia Scroggins, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Elizabeth Steele, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Pauline
Arelis Vera, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Pickens
Brandon Bryant, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kathy Mansell, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Joshua Thatcher, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Drew Welch, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stephen Wyatt, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Piedmont
Mark Mefferd, Master of Business Administration.
Ravenel
Stephanie Grant-Gladden, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Ridge Spring
Cayce Spire, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
St. Matthews
Monique Sims, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Salem
Jackie Cantrell, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Seneca
Preston Carwile, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Kaci Fricks, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kira Grimes, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Michelle Hales, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Amanda Harris, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Danielle Leeper, Master of Business Administration; Taylor McElreath, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Lynn Owens, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Lisa Rochester, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; Katie Simpson, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Kayla Williams, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Simpsonville
Robert Baker, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Mike Evans, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Amy Morrison, Master of Business Administration; Caso Suarez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Six Mile
Pam Abercrombie, Master of Business Administration.
Spartanburg
John Walko, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Summerville
Kye Baisden, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Vincent Joy, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Matt Miller, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Tasha Reid, Master of Business Administration; Janai Trammell, Master of Science in Management; Justin Yonce, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Sumter
Anthony Jones, Master of Science in Management.
Sunset
Heather Crisp, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Tamassee
Shannon Cox, Bachelor of Arts in Music; David Poulson, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Taylors
Jaleesa Cox, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Michelle McCoy, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision; Massiel Pineda, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Tega Cay
Abbie McDonald, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major: Exercise Science.
Travelers Rest
Travis Arms, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Walhalla
Kandy Carver, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Parker Thompson, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Walterboro
Tammy Davender, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Ward
Jenny Edwards, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
Warrenville
Laquosha Hamlett, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Alecia Lynn, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
Wellford
Aquandra Few, Master of Education in Administration and Supervision.
West Columbia
Kelsey Kaminer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Jacqui McLeish, Master of Science in Management; Tamika Pringle, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
West Union
Elliott Tribble, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Westminster
Melissa Rogers, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Keith White, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jennifer Martin, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Yemassee
Cynthia Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
York
Jesse Grigg, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
In North Carolina
Asheboro
Kimberly Spainhour, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Brevard
Megan Pressley, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Gastonia
Jonathan Williams, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Kernersville
Christian Flinchum, Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems; Brooks Record, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Randleman
Nick Picard, Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Trinity
Cody Lakin, Bachelor of Science in Intercultural Studies.
In Georgia
Augusta
Anita Blackmon, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership; Martha Inglett, Master of Business Administration; Kim Jones, Master of Science in Management; Gilda Moore, Master of Business Administration.
Covington
Laurie Ryder, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Dacula
Terrance Hutchins, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Dallas
Grace Eckert, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Duluth
Alex Percival, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Evans
Paula Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Sean Glover, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Harlem
Della Hardin, Master of Science in Management; Saprina Minyard, Bachelor of Science in Business Management.
Hephzibah
Terry Butler, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Tequilla Parks, Master of Science in Management.
Martinez
Sheila Barton, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; April Guzman, Master of Education in Classroom Leadership.
In Alabama
Spanish Fort
Stephanie Bourlet, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
In Florida
Eustis
David Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Kissimmee
Sylvain Brevil, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Lithia
Jenna Doud, Bachelor of Arts in English.
In Michigan
Pinckney
Tim O'Callaghan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Rockford
Nick Shear, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Temperance
Becca Cromer, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
In Texas
El Paso
Dominique Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
In Virginia
Chesapeake
Lauren Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Staunton
Gordon Overholtzer, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Williamsburg
Trevor Pilley, Bachelor of Science Human Services.
Brazil
Sao Paulo
Doug De Andrade, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Canada
In New Brunswick
Norton
Amanda Cooney, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Serbia
Krusevac
Nemanja Lakicevic, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major: Exercise Science.
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.