Southern Wesleyan celebrates more than 400 graduates
Family members and friends joined Southern Wesleyan University faculty and staff in applauding the university’s winter graduates on Dec. 9 and 11.
The graduation ceremonies were held at Southern Wesleyan University’s campus in Central. Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in the ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m.
The speaker for the Dec. 9 graduation ceremony was Dr. Colleen Keith, president of Spartanburg Methodist College since July of 2009. Keith is a native of upstate New York, with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. A cancer survivor, Keith encouraged the graduates not to be afraid when life is difficult.
“We can become frozen by fear,” she said. “Find the courage to face your fears and work like heck to overcome them.”
Prior to coming to SMC, Keith served as executive director of development at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from State University of New York in Binghamton, a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University.
Keith urged the graduates to be persistent, never compromise their values and to take their time when they are faced with big decisions.
“Falling down does not signify failure, but staying down will,” she said. “Go forth, enjoy the life that you’re about to build for yourself.”
The Dec. 11 morning and afternoon ceremonies featured Dr. Phillip Baldwin, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and founder of Bethlehem Christian Academy in Simpsonville, S.C.
There were two separate graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 11, for students graduating from the university’s Adult and Graduate Studies programs. The 10 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 11 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 Dec. 11 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta locations.
Baldwin credited God for the achievements of the graduates and said they should keep their focus on God’s plan for their lives.
“You are here today because of the unfailing grace of God,” Baldwin said. “I urge you to follow your passion and purpose.”
Baldwin is a native of Pittsboro, N.C., and is the eighth of nine children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from North Carolina A and T State University in Greensboro, N.C. Baldwin received his master of divinity degree from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, S.C. He earned his doctorate of ministry degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
In 1993, Baldwin was called to serve as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Simpsonville. Bethlehem Baptist Church now has two worship services, more than 40 ministries, an after-school program, summer camp and a Christian academy.
“There is no greater fulfillment in life than knowing you’re doing what God created you to do,” Baldwin told the graduates. “Keep your hand in God’s unchanging hand.”
The December 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.
The university conferred approximately 425 degrees, according to Registrar Rock McCaskill. For additional photos, click here.
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 South Carolina, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Classes are also offered in Spartanburg and Greenwood.
Graduates included:
In South Carolina
Abbeville
Lolita Allen, Master of Education; Frankie McNair, Master of Education.
Aiken
Ernesto Barquet, Master of Business Administration; Samantha Blakely, Master of Science in Management; Lisa Dixon, Master of Education; Charles Foster, Master of Business Administration; Shana Golar, Associate of Science in Business; Benjamin Green, Master of Education; Janice Howard, Bachelor of Science in Management; Ingrid Johnson, Master of Business Administration; Dieter Marcum, Bachelor of Science in Management; Karen Norris, Bachelor of Science in Management; Adrian O'Bannon, Associate of Science in Business; Dorna Redd, Master of Education; Lucy Sutter, Bachelor of Science in Management; Leh'Chantel Thompson, Master of Science in Management; Chermaine Treece, Master of Science in Management; Roma Williams, Master of Business Administration.
Anderson
Curtis Baker, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Samantha Bowen, Master of Education; Wes Carter, Master of Business Administration; Tamara Fallous, Master of Education; Renate Gunnels, Master of Education; Courtney Hodges, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Miranda Humphries, Master of Education; Debbie Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jessica Johnson, Master of Education; Shannon King, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Ashley Nelson, Master of Education; Weston Scroggs, Master of Education; Marilyn Toney, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Kristen Welch, Bachelor of Science in Human Services; Anna Wentzky, Master of Education; Kyle Whitfield, Master of Education.
Barnwell
Jeffery Gaines, Master of Education.
Beech Island
Carol Jones, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Belvedere
Sabrina Emory, Master of Science in Management.
Blacksburg
Sarah Ligon, Master of Education; Brandi Maynor, Master of Education.
Blythewood
Kalelah Cooper, Master of Education; Dorothy Murphy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Boiling Springs
Ashley Cripps, Master of Education; Sharon Gowan, Master of Education; Felicia Jones, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tammy Scherbarth, Master of Education; Tennille Seay, Associate of Science in Business; Kristen Senn, Master of Education.
Buffalo
Ashley Eller, Master of Education; Scott Moore, Master of Education; Brandy Palmer, Master of Education.
Cayce
Kathy Rowe, Associate of Science in Business.
Central
Phillip Brown, Master of Education; Karon Donald, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sharon Durham, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Daniel Evans, Associate of Science in Business; Mary Gibson, Bachelor of Arts in English; Steve Gibson, Bachelor of Arts in History; Tiffany Moore, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Kesha Smith, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Chapin
Lindsey Antley, Master of Education; Michelle Flowers, Master of Education; Robin Tomlinson, Master of Education.
Charleston
Elizabeth Bowens, Bachelor of Science in Management; Linda DeMonti, Bachelor of Science in Management; Shenese Frasier, Master of Education; Natalie Geiger, Bachelor of Science in Management; Rhonda Jur, Master of Education; Jamie Spanner, Master of Education; Lauren Stanley, Master of Education; Cassandra Williams, Master of Education.
Chesnee
Cristy Lawter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jenna Parris, Master of Education; Amanda Scruggs, Master of Education; Dustin Smith, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tonya Wall, Master of Education.
Clemson
Jodi Bennett, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Megan Brown, Master of Education; Sara Cook, Master of Education; Jessica Jones, Master of Education; Ashley Moss, Master of Education; Jessica Mussro, Bachelor of Arts - Specialized Major; Katherine Schleifer, Bachelor of Arts in English.
Cleveland
Brenda Nelson, Master of Education.
Clinton
Stephanie Wilkie, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Columbia
Bettina Bennett, Master of Business Administration, Timothy Bryant, Master of Business Administration; Christopher Bumgarner, Master of Education; Sharon Clay, Master of Education; Chaka Coffey, Master of Education; Robert Coffey, Associate of Science in Business; Regina Cornelius, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Briana Dawson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ronda Dowd, Associate of Science in Business; Lesley Gadson, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Dwan Gathers, Master of Business Administration; Stacey Gladden-Harmon, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Carla Gourdine, Master of Education; Sophie Hodaly, Master of Education; Page Houser, Master of Education; Keisha Knight, Master of Education; Benjamin Landers, Master of Education; Alicia Lyles, Master of Education; Hope McFadden, Master of Business Administration; Latoris McVay, Master of Business Administration; Stephanie Morton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Michelle Muller, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Josh Nichols, Master of Business Administration; Jennifer Nocella, Master of Education; Constance Prioleau, Master of Education; Angela Randle, Master of Education; Lisa Smith, Master of Education; Shannon Taylor, Master of Education; Trica Washington, Master of Business Administration; Erin Weston, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Robert White, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Yvonne White, Master of Business Administration; Robin Young, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Conway
Akeem Downs, Master of Education.
Cowpens
Andrew Burgess, Bachelor of Arts in Biology; Courtney McDowell, Master of Education.
Dalzell
Terrance Jenkins, Master of Business Administration.
Donalds
Robyn Crawford, Master of Education.
Easley
Quinton Cannon, Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Heather Collins, Associate of Science in Business; Amy Evans, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Daniel Evans, Bachelor of Science in Accounting; Ross Gibby, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Ashleigh Hayes, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Heather Hooper, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Erica James, Associate of Science in Business; Shirley Karle, Master of Business Administration; Courtney Lewis, Master of Education; Randel McCall, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Nicole McGaha, Master of Education; Jennifer Murray, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sherri Nauss, Master of Education; Todd Owens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Seth Phillips, Bachelor of Arts in Music Education; Anna Reid, Master of Education; Jonathan Richards, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Lisa Stone, Master of Education; Micky Tate, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Allen Williams, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Edgefield
Beryl Henderson, Master of Science in Management; Charles Painter, Master of Education; Gayle Wilson, Master of Education.
Elgin
Roger Lampkin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Tasia Wilson, Master of Education.
Fountain Inn
Mark Best, Master of Education; Ashley Clemmer, Master of Education; Jennifer Curtis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Charles Jeffery, Associate of Science in Business; Daniel Stevens, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Ft. Motte
Virginia Covington, Master of Education.
Gaffney
Ansel Belue, Master of Education; Lindsey Gibbs, Master of Education; Dan Jones, Master of Education; Sherrie Vassy, Master of Education.
Gaston
Anita Hartwell, Associate of Science in Business; Jose Marrero, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Cynthia Singleton, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Nedra Tillmon, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Goose Creek
Lara Borja, Master of Education; Shenna Fox, Master of Education; Shavon Jefferson, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Gramling
Erin Gramling, Master of Education.
Graniteville
Suzie Ballard, Master of Education; Erin Coleman, Master of Education; Reggie Elam, Master of Business Administration; Rubin Stroman, Master of Science in Management.
Greenville
Philip Brown, Master of Business Administration; Andy Dixon, Bachelor of Arts in Music; Jon Dumont, Master of Business Administration; Rebecca Ellis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jim Faulkenberry, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Deatra Fleming, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Barry Formanack, Master of Business Administration; Jermaine Gantt, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Morgan Hamrick, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services; Tracy Harper, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Laura Helfert, Master of Business Administration; Mary Henry, Master of Ministry; Sue Margaret Johnston, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Brent Key, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Amber Leckinger, Master of Education; Unita Levy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jenny Loper, Master of Education; Tonya Lucero, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Melinda Messer, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Cynthia Payton, Associate of Science in Business; Tiffany Upp, Master of Education; Tim Valentine, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Caroline Williams, Master of Education.
Greenwood
Laura Bentley, Master of Education; Elizabeth Birch, Master of Education; David Bradberry, Master of Business Administration; Brittany Cann, Master of Education; Michelle Davis, Master of Education; Jacqueline Gilchrist, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Stephen Taylor, Master of Business Administration; Laura Thompson, Master of Education.
Greer
Tara Daly, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Michael Eudy, Master of Education; Sarah Hall, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; David Harlan, Master of Business Administration; Jonathan Harris, Master of Business Administration; Julie Janson, Master of Business Administration; Sarah Kemmerer, Master of Education; Theresa Lordemann, Master of Education; Mark Loucks, Master of Education; Sheri Regan, Master of Business Administration; Joel Stiles, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Edward Tate, Master of Business Administration; Lindsey Weeks, Master of Education.
Hanahan
Sharon Cooper, Master of Education.
Hartsville
Jewel Clark, Bachelor of Arts in Music.
Hollywood
Tiffany Matthews, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Honea Path
Maranda Brock, Master of Education; Nicholas Chiles, Master of Business Administration; Cassondra Ellis, Master of Education; Jennifer Parks, Master of Education.
Hopkins
Avary McGee, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Inman
April Camp, Master of Education; Nikki Collins, Master of Education; Jennifer Files, Master of Education; Sonexay Gomez, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Misty Lim, Master of Education; Niki Mullis, Master of Education.
Irmo
Jenny Henke, Master of Education; Teresa Sanders, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Iva
Matt Pinson, Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Services.
Jackson
Donna Posey, Associate of Science in Business; Robert Posey, Associate of Science in Business.
Johns Island
Allison Steffens, Master of Education.
Johnston
Ericka Middleton, Master of Business Administration.
Jonesville
Gina Gregory, Master of Education.
Ladson
Terrica Johnson, Associate of Science in Business; Nicole Watterson, Master of Education.
Laurens
Amy Gregory, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Leesville
Chad Leaphart, Master of Education.
Lexington
Jake Adkins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Carolyn Diaz, Master of Education; Sandra Dickert, Master of Education; Anna Kirby, Master of Education; Tonya Labrador, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; LaTonya Manago-Smith, Master of Business Administration; TLynn Moseley, Master of Education; Jeff Roland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kyle Ruppert, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jewel Trowell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Liberty
Valerie Baldwin, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Mindy Bolin, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Jamie Graves, Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science; Brittany Kelley, Master of Education; Christy Lawhorne, Master of Education; Stanley Thompson, Master of Business Administration.
Mauldin
Candice Armstrong, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Moncks Corner
Sherry Norris, Master of Education; Shayla Wright, Master of Education.
Moore
Saterria Broomfield, Master of Education; Jody Stone, Master of Education.
Mount Pleasant
Charles Dean, Master of Science in Management; Christy Pepper, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Mountain Rest
Ksenia Moore, Master of Business Administration.
North Augusta
Susie Ball, Master of Education; Gaynell Bryant, Bachelor of Science in Management; Catherine Burket, Master of Education; Sabrina Corley, Master of Science in Management; Jacqueline Cromwell, Bachelor of Science in Management; Justin Doman, Master of Education; Valerie Finley, Master of Business Administration; Terrell Floyd, Master of Business Administration; Joan Hill, Master of Education; Kimberly Mathews, Master of Education; James Rogers, Master of Business Administration; Kevin Stogner, Master of Science in Management; Paul Towner, Associate of Science in Business; Bietrich Williams, Master of Science in Management.
North Charleston
Lorita Baughman, Associate of Science in Business; Christina English, Master of Education; Chantille Finley, Master of Education; Michael Grant, Bachelor of Science in Management; Margaret Goode, Associate of Science in Business; Viola Hardy, Bachelor of Science in Management; Tonya Jones, Associate of Science in Business; Meagan Summerville, Master of Education; Jeffrey Tisdale, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Ninety Six
Barbara Harvey, Master of Education; Lee Ann Starnes, Master of Education.
Orangeburg
David Thompson, Master of Business Administration.
Pendleton
Erin Best, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Louise Leland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Melissa Mitchell, Master of Business Administration.
Pickens
Amy Brissey, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Andrew Hayes, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Natalie Helton, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education; Loveta Key, Associate of Science in Business; Amy Lark, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Samuel Smith, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Carolyn Wakefield, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Piedmont
Jasmine Adams, Associate of Science in Business; Whitney Broderick, Master of Education; Michelle Dove, Master of Education; Michael Shirley; Master of Business Administration.
Prosperity
William Joiner, Master of Business Administration.
Roebuck
Lindsey Harris, Master of Education.
Seneca
Anna Black, Master of Education; Jennifer Bond, Associate of Science in Business; Kevin Bray, Master of Business Administration; Amiee Debo, Master of Education; Tamika Earle, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Kate Elliott, Master of Education; Gale Hunter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Marsha Mayfield, Master of Education; Patricia McAlister, Master of Business Administration; Crystal Merck, Associate of Arts in General Studies; Tracy Morrow, Associate of Science in Business; Jennifer Neal, Master of Education; Kristen Vincent, Master of Education.
Simpsonville
Vince Burden, Master of Business Administration; David Craft, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Clark Day, Master of Education; David Linderman, Master of Education; Suzanne Linderman, Master of Education; Jolene Madison, Master of Education; Angelette Muhammad, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; David Roach, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Sandra Rosteck, Master of Education; Melissa Short, Master of Education; Michael Spearman, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kenia Warren, Master of Education; Anthony Williams, Master of Business Administration.
Six Mile
Randy Hammers, Associate of Science in Business; Kehl Hudson, Bachelor of Arts in Religion; Lara Odom-Phelps, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Spartanburg
Sonia Capotosti, Master of Education; Carla Jolley, Master of Education; Detra Olley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Kimberley Plemmons, Master of Education; Rayna Powell, Master of Education; Dennis Roberts, Master of Education; Drew Timmons, Master of Education; Bryan Turner, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Garry Woods, Master of Education.
Starr
Krystal Mainous, Master of Education.
Summerville
Alisa Brannon, Associate of Science in Business; Dawndra Buggs, Bachelor of Science in Management; Shonda Davis, Associate of Science in Business; Lorri Whack, Master of Education.
Sumter
Darlissa Wise-Parker, Master of Education.
Tamassee
Amanda Holden, Master of Education.
Taylors
Amanda Davis, Master of Education; Wesley Matson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Joanna Mobley, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Jim Porter, Master of Education; Brandi Richardson, Master of Education; Peter Simms, Master of Education; Kendra Spencer, Master of Education; Angela Walker, Master of Education.
Travelers Rest
Lauren Maxwell, Master of Education.
Union
Holly Lawson, Master of Education; Becca Morrow, Master of Education; Annette Vaughan, Master of Education.
Walhalla
Stephanie Brucke, Master of Education; Anna Durham, Master of Education; Stephanie Pacek, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Ann Smith, Associate of Science in Business; Mary Somerville, Master of Education.
Waterloo
Jaselyn Jennings, Master of Education.
Waynesville
Joy Tietje, Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
West Columbia
Dana Boozer, Master of Education; Paul O'Dell, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Cedora Vinson, Master of Business Administration.
West Union
Rhonda Floyd, Master of Education; Janice Moss, Master of Business Administration; Tammy Winchester, Associate of Science in Business.
Westminster
Hannah Bolt, Bachelor of Science in Special Education; Nancy Burchfield, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Elizabeth Cobb, Bachelor of Arts in Biology; Brandy Head, Master of Education; Kevin Keplar, Master of Business Administration; Bradley Peay, Associate of Science in Business; Angel Pittman, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education; Jessica Whitfield, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
Williamston
William Hayne, Master of Business Administration.
Windsor
Shanita O'Neal, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Woodruff
Amos Durham, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; Diane Massingill, Master of Education; Michelle Nelson, Master of Education.
In North Carolina
Etowah
Jono Blackburn, Bachelor of Science in Biology.
In Georgia
Augusta
Arroyo Aaron, Associate of Science in Business; Jessica Beasley, Master of Education; Latimer Blount, Master of Education; Brenda Brown, Master of Business Administration; Christine Brown-Lucas, Bachelor of Science in Management; Chip Cochran, Bachelor of Science in Management; Anthony Curtis, Bachelor of Science in Management; Ruth Douglas, Master of Science in Management; Lenski Eitson, Bachelor of Science in Management; Carla Evans, Master of Science in Management; James Guinan, Master of Science in Management; Bryan Howard, Bachelor of Science in Management; Tammy McArthur, Bachelor of Science in Management; Andrea Mitchell, Master of Education; Penny Nixon, Bachelor of Science in Management; Valerie Smith, Associate of Science in Business; Sophia Thomas, Master of Science in Management.
Grovetown
Marlana Harris, Master of Education; Shana Teasley, Bachelor of Science in Management; Darrell White, Master of Business Administration.
Hartwell
Tonya Teel, Associate of Arts in General Studies.
Hephzibah
Sylvester Federick, Master of Science in Management; Mary Knight, Master of Science in Management.
Martinez
Carol Hunter, Master of Science in Management; Ruby Parks, Master of Business Administration; Jimmie Stokes, Master of Business Administration; Rudie Waller, Master of Education.
Norwood
Rickey Jones, Bachelor of Science in Management.
Thomson
Shawanda Robertson, Bachelor of Science in Management.
In Florida
Miramar
Jessica Auguste, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
In Massachusetts
Marblehead
Katelyn Barnes, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
In Minnesota
Farmington
Chad Nettles, Master of Business Administration.
In Oklahoma
Edmond
Patrick Kitendo, Master of Education.
In Pennsylvania
Athens
Tasha Chandler, Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
Scottdale
Megan Ohler, Master of Education.
In Texas
Brownwood
Cheymeika Ashmore, Master of Business Administration.
In Wisconsin
Tomah
Jervie Windom, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
Australia
Nathan Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.