More than 300 graduate at Southern Wesleyan University
Southern Wesleyan University President David Spittal, foreground, looks on as seniors process toward their graduation ceremony on May 5. At left is Provost Keith Iddings.
About 300 Southern Wesleyan University graduates, their families and friends gathered at the university’s campus in Central on May 5 and 7 to mark a milestone moment.
The speaker for the graduation ceremonies was Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University. He has served as president of Southern Wesleyan University since 1994 and upon retirement in June, will complete 17 years of service. During his tenure, the university has experienced significant growth and development.
Dr. Spittal urged the May 5 graduates to celebrate and mark God’s faithfulness at key moments in their lives.
“Over the years, God has met me in unexpected places,” he said. “Today, we gather to celebrate another milestone moment in your lives.”
Dr. Spittal has been an educator throughout his career, with 24 years of service to Wesleyan higher education and 12 years as superintendent of schools in Indiana.
He is a graduate of Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. He began his career by teaching secondary music and fine arts, then launched his administrative career in 1975.
At the May 7 ceremonies, Dr. Spittal asked the students, “What’s got you hooked? We all have something that hooks us … Your direction will be determined by what you’re hooked to.”
He told the graduates not to be tethered to the past or to the present accomplishments, but to look ahead to God’s plans for their lives.
“I would encourage you to get hooked on the future,” he said. “When you hook yourself to the future, you’re connected to God’s possibilities. He will take you places that you never thought you’d go.
“Get hooked on God’s possibilities for your life.”
After his retirement, Dr. Spittal and his wife, Donna, look forward to living closer to their children and grandchildren in Illinois. They plan to travel and spend time with family and friends.
The university is in the process of a nationwide search for a new university president.
The May 2011 Graduation Exercises of Southern Wesleyan University were held in Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central, S.C.
Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in the ceremony on Thursday, May 5, at 3 p.m.
There were two separate graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 7, for students graduating from the university’s Adult and Graduate Studies programs. The 10 a.m. ceremony on May 7 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Central, Greenville, Greenwood and Spartanburg locations. The 3 p.m. ceremony on May 7 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta locations.
The university conferred approximately 300 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 42 degree programs in the areas of business, education and ministry. The university’s main campus is in Central and there are regional learning centers across South Carolina, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Classes are also offered in Spartanburg and Greenwood. For details, go to www.swu.edu.
The following students earned degrees from Southern Wesleyan University:
In South Carolina
Aiken
Jasper Brown, Master of Science in Management; Harold Coleman, Bachelor of Science in Management; Castealia Cook, Master of Science in Management; Katherine Crisp, Associate of Science in Business; Yvonne Johnson, Associate of Science in Business; Brian Kirkpatrick, Bachelor of Science in Management; Mildred Mayes, Master of Science in Management; Latessa Moland, Bachelor of Science in Management; Gregory Pope, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Anderson
Euphemia Binda, Bachelor of Arts in Biology; Lisa Crowe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chris Furtick, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Carol Gurley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Teandre Hood, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Antwyon Jones, Master of Education; Kelli Lowe, Master of Education; Angela McGowan, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kovette Scott, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ashinique Williams, Master of Education.
Barnwell
Rodney Walker, Associate of Science.
Beech Island
Deborah Holley, Associate of Science Business; Wanda Walker, Bachelor of Science in Management; Angela Washington, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Belton
Blake Couch, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Belvedere
Crevest Emory, Master of Science in Management.
Blythewood
Ronald Friday, Master of Business Administration; Jacqueline Leath, Master of Science in Management.
Central
Matthew Barkley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Scott Barnes, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kae Bridges, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kevin Brooks, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Brancy Cummins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anna Fellers, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Nick Lamos, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Thomas Parham, Associate of Science in Business; Teann Pilgrim, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Julia Powers, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Zach Roach, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Julie Sorrells, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melanie Stancil, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jessie Stewart, Bachelor of Arts in English; Monica Stirewalt, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Travis Tegen, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Holly Williams, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major.
Charleston
Joshua Burdette, Bachelor of Science in Management; John Croucher, Bachelor of Science in Management; Angela Myers, Bachelor of Science in Management; Chiquetta Simmons, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Clemson
Collins Atkinson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Caitlin Blake, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Carmen Purkerson, Master of Education.
Columbia
Biddieya Baldwin, Master of Business Administration; Bridget Burton, Master of Business Administration; Roberta Davis, Master of Science in Management; Melinda Fair, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rahymon Fenton, Master of Business Administration; Sherry Halter, Associate of Science in Business; Tearesa Hudson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Faith Jamison, Associate of Science in Business; Tanya King, Master of Science in Management; David Landry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Vinzanna Leysath, Master of Science in Management; Selena Mack, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Carissa McNab, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; LaTonya Reddick, Associate of Science in Business; Virginia Sims, Master of Science in Management; Lea Smith, Master of Business Administration; Peter Stevens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; LaTrell Sutton, Associate of Science in Business; Kellie Weaver, Master of Business Administration; Vonda Wright, Master of Business Administration.
Cross
Kenneth Wicker, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Easley
Zackary Adams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joelie Bynum, Master of Education; Brenda Dotson, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jamey Hill, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brooke Icenhour, Master of Education; Latonya Little, Master of Education; Heather Mullinax, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Brandi Plumley, Master of Education; Carrie Raines, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kim Scranton, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; LaCheryl Smith, Master of Education; Amber Swanger, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Deanese Woods, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Elgin
Moriah Sears, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Enoree
Tony Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Florence
Jermaine Brown, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Fountain Inn
Jimmy Lawter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Gaston
Jason Dull, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Mary Miller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Goose Creek
Shawna Fritz, Bachelor of Science in Management; Veronica Velez, Associate of Science in Business.
Greenville
Quinton Ballenger, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Mike Coe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Cassy Floyd, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Merle Glick, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; Loren Graves, Master of Education; Elicia Gray, Master of Education; Jacob Kuder, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Suzanne Massey, Master of Education; Emily Munroe, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Natalie Phillips, Master of Education; Jennifer Rose, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; April Roundtree, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melissa Ryals, Master of Education; Ruben Sazo, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Jennifer Sibley, Master of Education; Richard Simms, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Pam Smith, Associate of Science in Business.
Greenwood
Shannon Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Vivian Covington, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Holly Skipper, Master of Education.
Greer
Jeremy Chassereau, Master of Education; Meg Plexico, Master of Education; Misty Sammons, Master of Education.
Hollywood
Myrna Murrell, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Hopkins
Merdell Davis, Master of Science in Management; Wanda Robinson, Master of Science in Management.
Inman
Rhianon Pittman, Master of Education.
Irmo
Valeria Curry, Master of Science in Management; Brett Gardner, Master of Business Administration; Steven Ginn, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kelly Grahovac, Master of Business Administration; Chad Shivar, Master of Business Administration; Stacey Walker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Iva
Dewey Rowland, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Jackson
Agnes Hamilton, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Johns Island
Michael Mack, Bachelor of Science in Management; April Nelson, Master of Education.
Johnston
Lee Sawyer, Master of Education.
Kings Mountain
Octreyvius Roebuck, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Landrum
Julia Metcalf, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Laurens
Thomas Crane, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rachel Davenport, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Steven Groves, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Leesville
Michelle Rikard, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Lexington
Herbert Blackwell, Master of Science in Management; Lori Cook, Master of Business Administration; Shirley Coyner, Bachelor of Science Business Administration; Bichevia Green, Master of Science in Management; Tiffany Jones, Master of Business Administration; Annie Mack, Associate of Science in Business; Beth Tidwell, Associate of Science in Business; Natasha Washington, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Liberty
Anna Carroll, Master of Education; Tina Collins, Bachelor of Arts - Specialized Major; John Collins, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; David Fipps, Bachelor of Science in Pre Medicine/Pre Dentistry; Pamela Holladay, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Crystal Holliday, Master of Education; Kelly McKenzie, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Alicia Tennis-Shock, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kayla Turner, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Dawn Young, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Lugoff
Renee Ferrer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Marietta
Amanda Castonguay, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Mauldin
Michael Anderson, Master of Education; Terrah Linden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mountain Rest
Audrey Whitaker, Master of Education.
North Augusta
Maria Dicks, Associate of Science in Business; Jacqleen Elliott, Associate of Science in Business; Ramiro Guedea, Bachelor of Science in Management; Larry Hoffman, Master of Science in Management; Loretta LaGrone, Bachelor of Science in Management; Staci Pontoon, Associate of Science in Business; Evelyn Robinson, Master of Business Administration; Charlena Smith, Bachelor of Science in Management; Thomas Thomas, Associate of Science in Business.
North Charleston
Nicolette Crow, Bachelor of Science in Management; Anita Davis, Master of Science in Management; Beverly Gaillard, Bachelor of Science in Management; Jeremy Houchins, Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice; Janece VanWart, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Newberry
Amanda Richardson, Master of Business Administration.
Norris
Courtney Bracken, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major.
Pawleys Island
Patricia Burgess, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Pelion
Stanley Oswald, Master of Science in Management; Teresa Whetzel, Master of Business Administration.
Pelzer
RicaRose Conover, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anita Osborne, Associate of Science in Business.
Pendleton
Shauna Mattison Green, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kayla Plantin, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Tanya Sanders, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Pickens
Keni Abercrombie, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Kim Camp, Master of Education; Cayce Franklin, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jessica Gibson, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Sherry Golden, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Deedra Holder, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Ashley Key, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Kim King, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Nicole Peevy, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Christopher Rodriguez, Master of Education; Benjamin Stegenga, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Megan Wood, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Piedmont
Andrew Alewine, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Janice Daniels, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Rani Griggs, Master of Education; John Jones, Master of Education.
Rock Hill
Shane Pearson, Master of Science in Management.
Seneca
Christina Atkinson, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Heather Bryson, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Amy Chatfield, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Kevin Ellsworth, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Greta Harrison, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Shannon Lindsey, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Andrea Link, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; Casey Poore, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Jessica Raines, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science; Jennifer Vuknic, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Simpsonville
Jason Fetzer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brittany Forrester, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Steve Hoffman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Angie Holcombe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sherri Mullen, Master of Education; Ryan Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Hunt Teague, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Justin Weaver, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Jennifer Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Six Mile
Angel Fox, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Joy McJunkin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Isaac Moore, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Stephen Tolan, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Spartanburg
Karissa Whitcomb, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Springfield
Stephanie Gleaton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Summerville
Troy McClung, Bachelor of Science in Management; Holly Mellix, Bachelor of Science in Management; Charity Prosser, Bachelor of Science in Management; Vanessa Shosan, Bachelor of Science in Management; Tayler Smith, Bachelor of Science in Management; Lindsey Steedly, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Sunset
Emily Danuser, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Taylors
Will Chandler, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Frances Crumley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sharron Kitsos, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Trey Meadows, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Anna Munro, Master of Education.
Travelers Rest
Gideon Cooper, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
West Columbia
Wayne Bowers, Associate of Science in Business; Kelli Kelleher, Master of Business Administration.
Walterboro
LaTasha Woods, Master of Education.
West Union
Beth Mize, Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Westminster
Sean Ellenburg, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Grace Mitchell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Williamston
Christa Graddy, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Peggy King, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ryan Miller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In North Carolina
Archdale
Mark Haithcock, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Bessemer City
Tommy Battles, Bachelor of Arts - Specialized Major.
Fayetteville
Cristy Adkins, Associate of Science in Business.
Franklin
Kim Pinkston, Master of Education.
Hope Mills
Krystal Lowenstein, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.
Newton
Andrew Calderon, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Pleasant Garden
Kevin Carter, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Shelby
Allison Thrift, Master of Education.
Sophia
Elizabeth Schoeppler, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
In Georgia
Atlanta
Christian Sabillon, Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Augusta
Yvonne Booker, Associate of Science in Business; Latonya Collins, Master of Science in Management; Lakisha Fuzz, Bachelor of Science in Management; Jeff Moffett, Master of Science in Management; Vickie Palmer, Bachelor of Science in Management; Patricia Wells, Bachelor of Science in Management; Michelle White, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Evans
Patrice Glover, Associate of Science in Business; Vanessa Majors, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Hephzibah
Michael Austin, Bachelor of Science in Management; Marlon Bray, Associate of Science in Business; Corey Dinkins, Associate of Science in Business; Creshauna Hines, Bachelor of Science in Management; Carina Warren, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Martinez
Kathryn Bongard, Bachelor of Science in Management; Victoria Daniels, Associate of Science in Business.
Thomson
Tracey McCarty, Master of Education.
Waynesboro
Alphonso Bray, Bachelor of Science in Management.
In Alabama
Athens
Jackie Tubb, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
In Arizona
Phoenix
Sean Burgess Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
In California
San Diego
Emily Hardin, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
In Colorado
Denver
Monica Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
In Florida
Orlando
Cosmo Mathieu, Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Technology.
In Indiana
Greentown
Ryan Martin, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
In Maryland
Hyattsville
Tim Young, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
In Michigan
Chesterfield
Kristen Kokoszka, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
In Ohio
Mount Sterling
Nicholas Hindes, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
In Pennsylvania
Milton
Ryan Seibert, Bachelor of Arts in English.
In Tennessee
Fayetteville
Tasha Eddings, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
In Vermont
Lyndonville
Mike Vallieres, Bachelor of Science in Management.
In Virginia
Stafford
Megan Hill Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Staunton
Rebecca Argot, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
In West Virginia
Martinsburg
Rachel Shade, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Brazil
Sao Paulo
Leo Berenguel, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
China
In Anhui
Hefei
Chen Chen, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Venezuela
Caracas
Carlos Gonzalez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.