More than 350 earn degrees at Southern Wesleyan
Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, congratulates graduates as they enter Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center for a graduation ceremony on May 8 at the university’s campus in Central, S.C.
Graduates, their family members and friends gathered at Southern Wesleyan University’s campus in Central on May 6 and 8.
The speaker for the May 6 graduation ceremony was Dr. Ron Benefiel, president of Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. He earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Southern California in 1986 and a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene College in San Diego.
Dr. Benefiel urged the graduates to keep God as the focus in their lives.
“Live in a Christian community,” he said. “Find a Christian community that looks like the kingdom of God and live with those people.”
Dr. Benefiel has served as pastor of Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene and served congregations in Pomona, Calif., and Kansas City, Kan. He has served as professor of sociology and religion at Point Loma Nazarene University and as assistant professor at Azusa Pacific University.
“Follow Jesus. As you leave this place, keep that front and center. Remember every day that you belong to God,” he told the graduates.
The May 8 morning and afternoon ceremonies featured Dr. Gary Carr of Southern Wesleyan University. He compared graduation to an airport terminal, with graduates waiting to take off for their future careers.
“Graduation is a little like catching a connecting flight,” he said. “The destination is the kingdom of God.”
Dr. Carr has served as special assistant to the president for human resource development at Southern Wesleyan University since October of 2009 and has recently been appointed to the position of vice president of Adult and Graduate Studies at the university.
Dr. Carr earned his doctor of ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., a master’s degree in theology from Duke University, and a master’s of divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. He completed his bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
He has served as vice president for translations for the International Bible Society and as division chaplain, 2nd Marine Division and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. In addition, Dr. Carr has served as command chaplain aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and Battle Force Seventh Fleet.
During his military career, he served as national director of chaplain recruitment and as command chaplain at the Naval Air Technical Training Center, Pensacola, Fla. He is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and served as pastor for the Diamond Springs Wesleyan Church in Michigan.
“Changing your life by a single degree can make such an astonishing change in your perspective,” Dr. Carr told the graduates. “You’ve done a great thing, Class of 2010, but I ask you to continue to do great things.”
The Spring 2010 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 6, at 3 p.m.
There were two separate graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 8, for students graduating from the university’s Adult and Graduate Studies programs. The 10 a.m. ceremony on May 8 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 8 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta locations.
The university conferred more than 350 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 41 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 the state, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Classes are also offered in Spartanburg and Greenwood.
In South Carolina
Adams Run
Wendy Esparza, Master of Education; Linda Jenkins, Master of Education.
Aiken
James Gaiters, Bachelor of Science in Management; Julie Griffin, Master of Education; Amber Rahman, Master of Education; Stella Robinson, Associate of Science in Business; Deborah Smith, Master of Education; Theresa Trowell, Associate of Science in Business; Amy Weber, Master of Science in Management.
Anderson
James Baldwin, Master of Business Administration; Cynthia Cross, Master of Business Administration; Roy Fairchilds, Master of Business Administration; Bryan Horton, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Brandon Nance, Master of Business Administration; Christopher Reeves, Master of Business Administration; Karen Smith, Master of Education; David Turner, Master of Business Administration; Joseph Whitham, Master of Education; LaTasha Woods, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Awendaw
Henry Brown, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Barnwell
Doris Evans, Associate of Science in Business.
Batesburg
Lisa Williamson, Associate of Science in Business.
Blythewood
Melanie Brent, Master of Education; Angelique Carwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Boiling Springs
Linda Brooks, Master of Education; Shawna Simmons, Master of Education.
Calhoun Falls
Anita Usher, Master of Education.
Camden
Mildred Harris, Associate of Science in Business.
Campobello
Kimberly Bridges, Master of Education; Erin McNeill, Master of Education.
Central
Lydia Arneson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Phillip Boyer, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Devon Broome, Master of Business Administration; Hannah Chapman, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Jamin Connor, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration; Joshua Dawalt, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Palmer Dill, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Amanda Fowler, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Dana Frost, Master of Business Administration; Cliffton Hicks, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major: Computational Studies; Josh Householder, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Madison Payne, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; Rob Sears, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Kristin Sindorf, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication; Deanna Tegen, Master of Business Administration; Kindel Thomas, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Angela Ward, Master of Business Administration.
Charleston
Kathryn Butler, Master of Education; Louis Mintz, Master of Science in Management; Jeffrey Parks, Bachelor of Science in Management; Mary Veasey, Associate of Science in Business; Gwendolyn Whaley, Master of Science in Management; John White, Master of Science in Management.
Chesnee
Megan Bush, Master of Education; Adam Jolley, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
Clemson
Tim Baynard, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Rebekah Henderson, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Susan Parker, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science; Aramus Smith, Bachelor of Science in Sport Management; Wanda Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Clover
Nathan Jolly, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
Columbia
Janice Baldwin, Master of Education; Theophilus Bessellieu, Master of Education; Trinia Brown, Master of Education; Benjamin Burnside, Associate of Science in Business; Gwendolyn Carter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sherrill Clarkson, Master of Education; Kimberley Darley, Master of Education; Anthony Hingleton, Associate of Science in Business; Sonji Lacy, Associate of Science in Business; Tara Lewis, Master of Education; Michelle McLeod, Master of Education; Stephanie Morris, Master of Education; Randy Nazionale, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Nathan Pressley, Master of Education; Tamika Shuler, Master of Education; Danny Strickland, Associate of Science in Business; Melissa Ward, Master of Education; Sandra Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Conestee
LaShae Posey, Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Crosshill
Daniel Calwise, Associate of Science in Business.
Easley
Tim Allen, Associate of Science in Business; Ray Bridgeman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tammie Collins, Master of Education; Charles Greer, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Kelly Griffith, Master of Education; Jennifer Holliday, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Todd Jones, Associate of Science in Business; Zakary Schamell, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Anastacia Wallace, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Eastover
Cassandra DeVeaux, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Alberta Johnson, Master of Education.
Fair Play
Kelly Baker, Master of Business Administration; Crystal Williamson, Master of Education.
Fountain Inn
Theresa Gille, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brittany Watts, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.
Gadson
Justin Shiver, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Gaston
Angela Connett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Gilbert
Kelly Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Goose Creek
Michael Christmas, Bachelor of Science in Management; Jannie Freeman, Associate of Science in Business; Zenobia Hawkins, Bachelor of Science in Management; Shanna Lowe, Bachelor of Science in Management; Sharon Mazyck, Bachelor of Science in Management; Carla Salley, Master of Education; Michele Singletary, Master of Education.
Graniteville
Crystal Jackson, Bachelor of Science in Management; Bobby James, Master of Science in Management; Elizabeth Wingard, Master of Science in Management; Vonda Butler, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Green Pond
Marcie McMillan, Master of Education.
Greenville
Ryan Abrams, Master of Business Administration; Nicole Anderson, Master of Business Administration; Donna Bosley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Arwen Clark, Master of Business Administration; Brian Daniels, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Science - Specialized Major: Integrated Behaviorial Biology; Scott Drew, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Terra Gilreath, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Timothy Harmon, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; John Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tarren Lindsey, Master of Education; Craig Martin, Master of Education; Mary Martin, Master of Education; Josh Mills, Master of Education; Seth Mills, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Erin Munroe, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Jonathan Payne, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Paul Rutherford, Master of Business Administration; Kim Thrift, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Matthew Thrift, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Yolanda Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; John Willis, Associate of Science in Business.
Greenwood
Jerry Sprowl, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Dorothy Taylor, Master of Education.
Greer
Stefanie Connelly, Master of Education; Stephanie Donald, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Rosy Escobar, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joel Hammett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melissa Stucky, Master of Education; Ranae Thompson, Master of Business Administration; Chandra Walls, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Hartsville
Miranda Easterling, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Inman
Amy Butler, Master of Education; Caroline Sloan, Master of Education; Casey Smith, Master of Education.
Irmo
Brantley Brinkley, Master of Education; Mark Jones, Associate of Science in Business; Alyson Vance, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Iva
Matthew Cape, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Jackson
Agnes Hamilton, Associate of Science in Business.
Johns Island
Tia White, Associate of Science in Business.
Johnston
Jillian Rosier, Master of Education; Patricia Williams, Master of Education; Greggory Yonce, Master of Education.
Kingstree
Cobay Collins, Master of Education.
Ladson
Terry Dimiceli, Associate of Science in Business.
Landrum
Megan Hudson, Master of Education.
Lexington
Russell Bunce, Master of Education; Jennifer Corley, Master of Education; Curtis Henderson, Associate of Science in Business; Adam Price, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ashley Shoemaker, Master of Education; Karen Varnadoe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Liberty
Brice Bickel, Master of Business Administration; Mildred Brewer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lisa Corbin, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Brittany Hill, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Kim Keasler, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Julie Kellett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chris Rybolt, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Cqutrika Sloan, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Chris Tribble, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Lyman
Christine Fuller, Associate of Science in Business; Amanda Zimmerman, Master of Education.
Manning
Constance Lauersdorf, Master of Education.
Marion
Creighton McCallum, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mauldin
Najarious Dogan, Master of Business Administration; Jennifer Henderson, Master of Education; Kara Holmgren, Master of Education; Jerry Samuel, Associate of Science in Business; Nikki Smith, Master of Education.
Moore
Sherrie Grant, Master of Education; Charles Powe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Mountain Rest
Jane Roach, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Jamey White, Master of Business Administration.
Mt. Pleasant
Laura Smith, Master of Education.
Myrtle Beach
Travis Eiler, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Joe Heyd, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jen Terry, Bachelor of Arts in English Education.
North Augusta
Keith Gregory, Master of Science in Management; Jacob Jarrett, Associate of Science in Business; Robert Kilgus, Master of Science in Management; Jeff Jones, Bachelor of Science in Management; Meredith Lummen, Master of Education.
North Charleston
Jacqueline Cunin, Master of Science in Management; Marvin Gethers, Master of Science in Management; Diedra Green, Bachelor of Science in Management; Shaquetta Jakes, Associate of Science in Business; Jeffrey Lange, Master of Science in Management; Donna Oden, Bachelor of Science in Management; Sydell White, Master of Science in Management.
Newry
Kandy Carver, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Pacolet Mills
Regina Williams, Master of Education.
Pelzer
Tonya Davis, Master of Business Administration; Brittany Mays, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science.
Pendleton
Melissa Bolt, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science; Lonnie Aldrich, Bachelor of Science - Management of Information Technology; Pamela Burrell, Bachelor of Arts, English Education; Danny Cobb, Associate of Science in Business; Pamela McGowens, Master of Education; Jennifer Peed, Master of Education; Dystinie Russell, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Peggy Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Pickens
Julie Brezeale, Associate of Science in Business; Elizabeth Bruce, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Dana Casey, Bachelor of Arts in English; Crystal Chappell, Master of Education; Daniel Furr, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Tracey Glenn, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Erin Hunter, Master of Education; Donna Mansell, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Daniel Marsh, Master of Education; Lisa McKinney, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jenny Parrott, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Pamela Ramey, Associate of Science in Business; Cynthia Rigdon, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Alyson Taylor, Master of Education; Angela Trimnal, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Ashley Watson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Piedmont
Edith Alston, Master of Education; Chris Clay, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Dale Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Randy Risser, Master of Business Administration.
Port Royal
Ervin Manigo, Master of Education.
Richland
Sharie Renzo, Master of Business Administration.
Ridge Spring
Deborah Williams, Associate of Science in Business.
Salem
Ryan Tolley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Seneca
Hughton Bailey, Associate of Science in Business; Ida Benson, Master of Business Administration; Hannah Dyar, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Chris Heck, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Danny Montague, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Wanda Shehan, Master of Business Administration; William Shehan, Master of Business Administration.
Simpsonville
Jason Adams, Master of Business Administration; Charles Harvell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Bette Hedden, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Lon Lasseigne, Master of Education; Jennifer Rice, Master of Education; Sharon Snyder, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sarah Tighe, Master of Education; Jaron Walker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Gail Woods, Master of Education.
Six Mile
Whitney Abercrombie, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Gwendolyn McKinney, Associate of Science in Business.
Spartanburg
Jennifer Monroe, Master of Education; Cynthia South, Master of Business Administration.
Summerville
Philip Clark, Bachelor of Science in Management; Kevin Hicks, Bachelor of Science in Management; Cassandra Rice, Master of Science in Management; Leslie Salkeld, Bachelor of Science in Management; Abby Smith, Master of Education; Nichole Smith, Associate of Science in Business; Richard Threatt, Master of Science in Management; Chris Widmer, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Sunset
Julie Summey, Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.
Taylors
Amanda Feix, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science; Judy Goodrick, Master of Education; Leslie McCauley, Master of Business Administration; Will Rojas, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Townville
Brett Barton, Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Travelers Rest
Ashley Lawton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Francis Lawton, Master of Business Administration.
Trenton
Karen Coyle, Master of Education; Tracey Eubanks, Master of Education.
Union
Jennifer Arrington, Master of Education.
Walhalla
Jacob Hall, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Tyler Rex, Master of Business Administration; Haley Smith, Master of Education; Kayla Wilson, Bachelor of Arts in Social Science.
Wando
Jacqueline Alston, Master of Science in Management.
Ware Shoals
Beth Irby, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Warrenville
Michelle Marchant, Bachelor of Science in Management.
West Columbia
Phyllis Carbajal-Benitez, Associate of Science in Business; Kristen Harmon, Master of Education; Carla Mew, Associate of Science in Business; Angela Middleton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
West Union
Caroline Burgess, Master of Education; Georgia McCreary, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Westminster
Erik Beebe, Master of Business Administration; Brittany Buchanan, Bachelor of Arts in English Education; Denise Smith, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
In North Carolina
Charlotte
Robert Arrington, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Robert Caldwell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
High Point
Jenny Rickman, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Leland
Brian McCluskey, Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication.
Matthews
Joseph Rampey, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
Mebane
Whitney Fritts, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Moravian Falls
Brittany Hostetter, Bachelor of Science in Math Education; Sally Hostetter, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Randleman
Erica Picard, Bachelor of Science in Math Education.
Rockwell
Katie Brush, Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Sanford
Tomorrow Hughes, Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Thomasville
Matt Beasley, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
Wake Forest
David Harper, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
In Georgia
Atlanta
Sierra Threatt, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Augusta
Shevon Badie, Master of Science in Management; Nicholle Bracken, Master of Education; Amanda Carter, Master of Education; Lakisha Fuzz, Associate of Science in Business; Charlene Garrett, Master of Science in Management; Martha Inglett, Associate of Science in Business; Mary Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Management; Tabbitha Johnson, Associate of Science in Business; Pamela Reese, Master of Science in Management; Valerie Rouse, Associate of Science in Business; Beverly Scarlett, Master of Science in Management; Natasha Williams, Associate of Science in Business.
Brunswick
Andy Dixon, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Cartersville
Kristina Barton, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Evans
Cheryl Hartfield, Bachelor of Science in Management; Loretta Jones, Master of Science in Management; Alicia McClain, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Grovetown
Julie Lewis, Master of Education; Marcial Rodriguez, Master of Education.
Hephzibah
Shani Jones, Master of Science in Management; Corinna Lockamy, Master of Education; Raymond Scarlett, Master of Science in Management; Beverly Shaw, Bachelor of Science in Management; Rosa Tauaese, Bachelor of Science in Management; Willie Walker, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Martinez
Melissa Goretskie, Master of Education; Sheri Loflin, Master of Science in Management; Cynthia Marshall, Master of Science in Management; Dana Prickett, Associate of Science in Business; Stephanie Watford, Master of Education.
Springfield
Luisa Hughie, Associate of Science in Business.
Toccoa
Terry Roberson, Master of Education.
In Alabama
Mentone
Katie Gray, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
In Arizona
Glendale
Stephanie Richardson, Bachelor of Arts in English.
In Delaware
Camden-Wyoming
Brauncy Jenkins, Bachelor of Arts Business Administration.
In Florida
Gainesville
Ashley Newsome, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
St. Petersburg
Jessica Kelley, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Zephyrhills
Rebecca David, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
In Indiana
Fishers
Zachary Derr, Bachelor of Arts in Religion.
In Michigan
Temperance
Eric Cromer, Bachelor of Science in Pre Medicine/Dentistry.
Wayne
Wesley Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science.
In Mississippi
Quitman
Josh Ivy, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
In Tennessee
Mountain Home
Nick Crowder, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.
Oak Ridge
Jeffrey Jensen, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
In Virginia
Fredericksburg
Stephanie Guerra, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Portsmouth
Lauryl Brisson, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Roanoke
Brittany Rodriguez, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Canada
In British Columbia
Oliver
Pieter Martin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Vernon
Cody Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Taiwan
Taichung
Heather Craker, Bachelor of Science in Special Education.