ETSU Commencement Program Winter 2023 by East Tennessee State University

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Commencement December 16, 2023

The Star-Spangled Banner Oh say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Alma Mater In the shadow of the mountains, Under skies of blue, Stands our dear old Alma Mater, Glorious to view. Sound the chorus, speed it onward; Thee we’ll never fail! Hail to thee, our Alma Mater— Hail to thee, all hail!

In thy halls we formed our friendships, Dear old college home; And to thee we pledge our hearts, Wherever we may roam. Sound the chorus, speed it onward; Thee we’ll never fail! Hail to thee, our Alma Mater— Hail to thee, all hail!

Commencement

The Platform Party Dr. Brian Noland, President Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Dawn Rowe, 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award in Research (Mace Bearer) Dr. Jessica Burchette, 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching (Commencement Speaker) Dr. Brenda White Wright, Motivational Speaker, Storyteller, Leadership Development and Diversity Trainer (Commencement Speaker) Ms. Christina A. Graham, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business and Finance Dr. Keith Johnson, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Dr. Joe Sherlin, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer Dr. Thomas N. Donohoe, University Registrar Mr. David P. Atkins, Dean, University Libraries

Board of Trustees Dr. Linda Latimer, Chair Mr. Charles Allen, Jr. Ms. Janet Ayers Mr. Steve DeCarlo

President’s Cabinet

Dr. Steph Frye-Clark, Faculty Trustee Ms. Dorothy Grisham Lt. Gov. (Ret.) Ron Ramsey

Dr. Brian Noland, President Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. William Block, Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Dean, Quillen College of Medicine Dr. Mark Fulks, University Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer Ms. Christina A. Graham, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Business and Finance Dr. Adam S. Green, Chief of Staff Dr. Nick Hagemeier, Vice Provost for Research and Chief Research Officer

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Dr. Daryl A. Carter, Associate Dean for Community Relations and Outreach, College of Arts and Sciences Dr. David Linville, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs and Senior Associate Dean, Quillen College of Medicine Dr. Debbie Byrd, Dean, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, and Interim Dean, College of Nursing Dr. Christopher Keller, Dean, Honors College Dr. Sharon James McGee, Dean, College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Dr. Tony Pittarese, Dean, College of Business and Technology Dr. Janna Scarborough, Dean, Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Dr. A. Lynn Williams, Interim Dean, College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean, College of Public Health Dr. Ginette Blackhart, Faculty Senate President Mr. Trent White, Student Government Association President

Mr. Aamir Shaikh, Student Trustee Ms. Melissa Steagall-Jones Mr. Tony Treadway

Dr. Mike Hoff, Vice Provost for Decision Support and University Chief Planning Officer Dr. Keith Johnson, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Dr. Karen King, Chief Information Officer for Information Technology Services Ms. Pam Ritter, Vice President for Advancement Mr. Jeremy Ross, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Joe Sherlin, Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Ms. Jessica Vodden, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer

The Program for Commencement

East Tennessee State University Saturday, December Sixteenth, Two Thousand Twenty-Three Ballad Health Athletic Center

*Platform Party Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liam Horne, Bagpiper *The Star-Spangled Banner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Francis Scott Key ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band Presiding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle Provost and Senior Vice President for Academics Affairs, East Tennessee State University Introduction of Commencement Speaker. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Brian Noland President, East Tennessee State University Commencement Speaker (10 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jessica Burchette 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching Commencement Speaker (2:30 p.m.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Brenda White Wright Motivational Speaker, Storyteller, Leadership Development and Diversity Trainer Light of a Clear Blue Morning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band President’s Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Brian Noland Recognitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provost Kimberly D. McCorkle Degree Candidate Host. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Thomas N. Donohoe University Registrar, East Tennessee State University Degree candidates will walk across the stage in order by college and then by degree type (Doctoral, Master’s, Baccalaureate). Presentation of Candidates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provost Kimberly D. McCorkle Conferring of Degrees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .President Brian Noland *Alma Mater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band *Platform Party Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liam Horne, Bagpiper

The audience is requested to remain in their seats until the platform party exits the Ballad Health Athletic Center. Guests are not allowed to come forward to take pictures during the ceremony. * Audience Standing

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Linda Latimer

Chair ETSU Board of Trustees

Dear Graduates of the Class of 2023, On behalf of the East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees, I extend to you our warmest and most enthusiastic congratulations! Today is a monumental day, a culmination of your tireless efforts, and a testament to your unwavering dedication. You have navigated challenges and overcome obstacles, emerging stronger and wiser, and for that, we applaud you. Your journey at ETSU has been a journey of hard work, growth, and personal discovery. You have dedicated years to your education, and your perseverance has brought you to this significant milestone. It’s an accomplishment worth celebrating. As you move forward, I encourage you to maintain a commitment to lifelong learning. The knowledge and skills you’ve gained here are the building blocks of your future success. Keep your minds open to new perspectives and continue to learn from others; this will enrich your personal and professional life. These are some of the insights and skills that I learned

Trent White

You did it! All your sacrifices, late nights, and those 11:59 p.m. deadlines have led you to this moment. On behalf of the entire student body, let me offer my congratulations on your remarkable achievement. As this chapter of your ETSU experience comes to an end, I hope you are able to reflect on everything that has brought you to this point. I hope you have found a community that has had your back every step of the way. I hope the lessons you have learned here, both in and out of the classroom, will serve as a guiding light as you navigate the path ahead. As SGA President, I have had the privilege of witnessing the impact you’ve made on our campus. Your commitment to improving the student experience has been truly inspiring. You have |

Now the future lies squarely in your hands, and it is a future brimming with opportunities. Take the knowledge you have gained, the understanding of the world and of yourselves, and use them to craft the life you have always dreamed of living. Be the change you wish to see in this wondrous world. We are grateful that you chose ETSU as your academic home, and you will always have a place in our ETSU family. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus someday to hear about your achievements and experiences. In closing, let me reiterate our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023. We are immensely proud of your accomplishments, and we have no doubt that you will continue to shine as you venture into your future. Embrace it with confidence, courage, and determination. Warmest regards,

Linda Latimer, M.D., FCAP, FASCP

President Student Government Association

Dear Graduating Class of 2023,

when I attended ETSU Quillen College of Medicine, and these lessons and my experience here changed my life forever.

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

formed and participated in student organizations, conducted research, and established yourself as a scholar in your field. You have left a lasting legacy. Your walk across this stage today does not signal an end but, rather, a beginning. You are the author of this incredible next chapter of your life. Though challenges likely await you, they will serve as mere footnotes to the story you will write for yourself. I know that you will carry the Buccaneer spirit onward as you pursue new opportunities and leave a mark in the region and beyond. Thank you for serving as an example for me and countless other ETSU students. Congratulations on your graduation, and I wish you tremendous success and happiness in the years to come. All my best, and Go Bucs!

Trent White

Dr. Brian Noland

President East Tennessee State University Dear Class of 2023, In the blink of an eye, Commencement has arrived. Today represents a milestone moment in your life as you, your faculty, your family, and your friends join together to celebrate the culmination of your hard work and dedication over the past several years. This event also marks the beginning of a new journey in your life – a journey that no matter where it takes you, whether it is into the workforce or continuing your education, will be enhanced by your experiences at ETSU.

On this day, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect upon the journey that led you to the Commencement stage. Your hard work and persistence paved the way for you to achieve this dream. Undoubtedly, your journey also has been enhanced through the support and encouragement of someone close to you: your family members, your classmates, and your loved ones, many of whom are seated in the audience today to celebrate your success. Please remember today to say “thank you” for their ongoing support as you begin this new chapter in your life. I also encourage you to show your gratitude to the faculty and staff who have stood with you throughout this journey. The ETSU community is so proud of you, and we cannot wait to see the many things you will accomplish. I hope you will stay engaged with your alma mater and the National Alumni Association. Also, we invite you to return to campus to take in a performance at the Martin Center for the Arts, cheer for the Bucs at an athletics event, attend Homecoming, or simply walk through our beautiful grounds. This campus will always be a place you can call home. You have achieved the dream of a college degree. Share that dream with others and talk with them about the importance of higher education. It is through the power of higher education that we can make the greatest difference in the world. Congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment. Godspeed and go Bucs!

Brian Noland

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

10 A.M.

Dr. Jessica Burchette

2023 Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching

Dr. Jessica Burchette is Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. She is the 2023 recipient of the ETSU Distinguished Faculty Award in Teaching, the highest teaching honor bestowed by the university. A native of Newport, Tennessee, she graduated from Tusculum College in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She is also a proud 2010 graduate from the inaugural class at ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy. Upon graduation, Dr. Burchette obtained further postgraduate training with a Pharmacy Practice (PGY1) residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, followed by an Internal Medicine (PGY2) residency with a secondary focus in academia at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. In a pursuit of her passion for teaching, Dr. Burchette joined the faculty at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy in August 2012 as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. She maintains a practice site at Holston Valley Medical Center working with ETSU Family Medicine, teaching students and residents about how to use medications safely and effectively in acutely ill patients. In addition to her practice, Dr. Burchette also coordinates and teaches several courses within the College of Pharmacy. She enjoys teaching students about how to care for patients with pulmonary disorders, such as asthma and COPD, along with understanding how to manage patients who may require treatment within the hospital setting. In 2013, she obtained board certification as a pharmacotherapy specialist through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. She also mentors many students each year as they seek and obtain post-graduate training or as they enter the workforce. Most recently, her career has focused on curricular revision as the Chair of the Curricular Steering Committee at the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Burchette is deeply interested in ensuring that the student pharmacists at ETSU receive a high-quality education. She makes it her goal to meet students where they are in their educational journey in order to better prepare them to care for patients in the areas surrounding ETSU and beyond. Combining passion for teaching with her love of interprofessional patient care has allowed her to make ETSU and the Appalachian Highlands region home for over 10 years.

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

2:30 P.M.

Dr. Brenda White Wright

Motivational Speaker, Storyteller, Leadership Development and Diversity Trainer

Dr. Brenda White Wright is a native of Rome, Georgia, and resides with her husband, Charles, in Kingsport, Tennessee. She is a motivational speaker, storyteller, leadership development and diversity trainer with over 40 years of experience in business management, board development, human resources, multicultural issues, radio, and television. Dr. White Wright is a very proud three-time graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of General Studies Degree 1990, a Master of Arts Degree in Storytelling 2005, and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, 2008. For over twenty years, she was President and CEO of Girls Incorporated of Kingsport, a United Way agency. In that capacity, she was a cultural exchange visitor to Moscow, Russia. Dr. White Wright has served on numerous local, regional, and national boards of directors. She attends Bible Study Fellowships with The Way International and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, which is committed to public service. Current and former board and leadership appointments include the Roan Scholars Steering Committee, Kingsport City Schools Education Foundation, Leadership Kingsport, Junior League of Kingsport, Rotary Club of Kingsport, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, Holston Valley Hospital, Kingsport Community Foundation, the National Board of Girls Incorporated, a Charter Member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission, and the Tennessee Citizens Advisory Commission on Ethics in State Government. Dr. White Wright received an ETSU Alumni Association Award of Honor in 1993 and was inducted into the ETSU Storytelling Hall of Fame. She has also received a national YWCA Racial Justice Award, the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and was recently recognized for community and regional service by the Kingsport Community Foundation and Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. In 2013 ETSU initiated the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy whose mission is to identify, encourage, and support students as they develop knowledge and skills to become effective servant leaders at ETSU and beyond. Most importantly to her, Dr. White Wright is a servant of God, a wife of 55 years, mother, and grandmother of three exceptional young adults.

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduating Students Receiving Army Commissions Four cadets in the Army ROTC program at East Tennessee State University took the oath of office during a special ceremony and were commissioned as second lieutenants. The new officers will serve in various branches upon graduation from ETSU. Logan Allen Bowling, Second Lieutenant, branch unassigned, United States Army Reserve, Active Duty

Jacob Andrew Roark, Second Lieutenant, branch unassigned, United States Army Reserve, Active Duty

Ari Amir King, Second Lieutenant, branch unassigned, United States Army Reserve, Active Duty

Jacob Edwin Thomas, Second Lieutenant, Corps of Engineers, United States Army Reserve

Commencement Participants Mace Bearer

Dr. Dawn Rowe, 2023 Distinguished Faculty Award in Research

Banner Cadets Justin N. Dubin Kenton D. Rowe

Announcement of Candidates Chad Barrett, ETSU Radio Station Director, WETS-FM

Bearers of University Banners College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Jesse Graves

College of Nursing Dr. PiMing Yeh

College of Business and Technology Dr. Chelsie Dubay

College of Public Health Dr. Sean Fox

College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences Dr. Marc Fagelson

Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy Dr. David Cluck

College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Dr. Bea Owens (10 a.m.) Dr. Julie Fox-Horton (2:30 p.m.) Clemmer College of Education and Human Development Dr. Stacey J. Fisher

Honors College Ms. Karla Leybold University Libraries Ms. Lydia Gwyn (10 a.m.) Mr. Jacob Bilek (2:30 p.m.) ETSU National Alumni Association Mr. Holden Gaylor

ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band Dan Boner, Program Director – fiddle/vocals

Will Hart – guitar/vocals

Lizzie Cahalin – guitar/vocals

Steven Ivey – fiddle

Lydia Hamby – mandolin/vocals

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Gabriel Hebert – banjo Will Potts – bass

Candidates for Degrees

  

cum laude magna cum laude summa cum laude

Because the Commencement program must be prepared in advance to be printed, the list of candidates, graduate theses, and dissertation titles is tentative and/or may be incomplete. Certification of graduates must come from the Registrar of the university. Academic Regalia and Honors - See descriptions on pages 31-34. # - Indicates students who completed degree requirements in August. + Access ETSU Completer

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Dean: Dr. Joseph Bidwell

Doctoral Degrees Heather Renee Altier #

Psychology Dissertation: “Gratitude and Sleep Quality in Primary Care: Mediating Effects of Health SelfEfficacy, Health Behaviors, and Psychopathology” Chair: Dr. Jameson Hirsch

Rebecca Altschuler #

Psychology Dissertation: “Approaching Trans Healthcare Competency: The Implementation of Trans Health Education for Medical Providers in Appalachia” Chair: Dr. Jill Stinson

Rachel Kate Carpenter #

Psychology Dissertation: “Dyadic and Ecological Associations with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling to Differentiate IPV from Community Crime” Chair: Dr. Jill Stinson

Gabrielle Alexandra Caselman #

Psychology Dissertation: “Sexual Trauma, Health, and the Moderating Effect of Psychological Flexibility and Inflexibility” Chair: Dr. Julia Dodd

Rachel Clingensmith #

Psychology Dissertation: “Behavioral Indicators of Reflective Functioning in Mother-Child Dyadic Interactions” Chair: Dr. Diana Morelen

Robyn Ashley Dolson #

Psychology Dissertation: “A Pandemic’s Potential to Haunt: A Longitudinal Look at the Professional Wellbeing of TN’s Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) Workforce” Chair: Dr. Diana Morelen

Madison Marie Hinkle #

Psychology Dissertation: “Strong as a Mother: The Resilience of Women Who Have Previously Experienced Infertility” Chair: Dr. Julia Dodd

Julia A. Najm #

Psychology Dissertation: “The Initial Validation of a Self-Care Belief and Behavior Questionnaire in the IECMH Workforce” Chair: Dr. Diana Morelen

Master’s Degrees Chemistry Thesis: “A Low Cost, Compact Electrochemical Analyzer Based on an Open-Source Microcontroller” Chair: Dr. Gregory Bishop

Felix Adulley

Priscilla Afrifa

Brand and Media Strategy Thesis: “A Qualitative Content Analysis of Nigerian Popular Music Genres: A Culture and Heritage Approach to Nation Branding” Chair: Dr. Susan Waters Mathematical Sciences Thesis: “Proteomic Analysis and Machine Learning for Identifying Novel Protein Markers in Pulmonary Embolism Risk Assessment” Chair: Dr. Mostafa Zahed

Alain Marcel Beauparlant

Lucas Scott Blanton #

Public Administration

Sociology

Chemistry Thesis: “Extraction, Purification, and Characterization of Potential Bioactive Compounds Produced by Janthinobacterium lividum TAJX1901” Chair: Dr. Abbas Shilabin Public Administration

Cecilia Ubembe Ashibel #

Chemistry Thesis: “Publication of Undergraduate Experiments, Development of Additional X-Ray Crystallography Experiments, and Proof-of-Concept Cyclopropanation Reactions” Chair: Dr. Cassandra Theresa Eagle

Chemistry Thesis: “Synthesis of Bacterial Glycerophospholipids for Biomembrane Model Studies: A Means to Advanced Biofuels” Chair: Dr. Robert Frank Standaert

Hiroshi Arakawa

Chemistry Thesis: “Isolation and Structural Determination of Bioactive Metabolites from the Soil Bacterium, Arthrobacter sp. TAJX1902” Chair: Dr. Abbas Shilabin

Yaa Amankwah Awuah

Michael Kofi Darko Addo #

Andy Elorm Agbakpo #

Amonah Temitope Arije #

Noah Borquaye

Mathematical Sciences Thesis: “Convolution and Autoencoders Applied to Nonlinear Differential Equations” Chair: Dr. Jeff Knisley

Elaina Brianne Campbell # Chemistry

Samuel Anthony Compton Public Administration

Kristen R. Connell #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Sarah Elizabeth Connolly

Brand and Media Strategy

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Digger Henry DeRusha Appalachian Studies

Shannon Danielle Elliott #

Biology Thesis: “Use of Transposon Screening for Salicylic Acid-Assisted Desiccation Killing in Salmonella” Chair: Dr. Erik Petersen

Robert D. Gunnin #

Geosciences Thesis: “Femoral Osteohistology in American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) Reveals High Variation in Growth and Facilitates Interpretation of an Early Pliocene Alligator” Chair: Dr. Blaine Schubert

Nicole Nanette Hall

Sociology Thesis: “What Discrimination? Christian Microaggression Rhetoric Against Nontheists” Chair: Dr. Kelly Foster

Lawson Garrett Hammock

History Thesis: “Music With a Racial Nexus: Culture Clash in Los Angeles Punk Rock Communities, 1976-1981” Chair: Dr. Elwood Watson

Shelley Lynne Hammonds #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Britten Kiley Harrison

Criminal Justice & Criminology Thesis: “The Impact of ACEs on College Students and Their Major Choices” Chair: Dr. Dustin Osborne

James Austin Horne

Chemistry Thesis: “Computational Quantum Chemistry Studies of the Stabilities of Radical Adducts Formed During the Oxidation of Melatonin Derivatives” Chair: Dr. Scott Kirkby

Lance Dalton Jessee #

Geosciences Thesis: “Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Modern Viperid Vertebrae Facilitates Identification of Fossil Specimens” Chair: Dr. Blaine Schubert

Kelletria Shamena Jolly

Communication & Storytelling Studies

Caitlin Rebecca Jones #

Biology Thesis: “The Old Family Clock: Exploring High Variation of Chronotype in the Common House Spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum” Chair: Dr. Thomas C. Jones

Sherry Kaye #

English Thesis: “Linguistic Features of Metaphor, Metonymy, and Narrative Gap in “The Yellow Wallpaper:” A Literary Analysis” Chair: Dr. Theresa McGarry

Shayleigh Elizabeth Maden #

Geosciences Thesis: “An Early Pliocene Fish Assemblage from the Southern Appalachians: Ichthyofauna of the Gray Fossil Site” Chair: Dr. Joshua X. Samuels

Bright Kwaku Manu

Mathematical Sciences Thesis: “A Bridge between Graph Neural Networks and Transformers: Positional Encodings as Node Embeddings” Chair: Dr. Jeff Randell Knisley

Emma Beaty Moore #

Biology Thesis: “Co-Flowering Community Effects on the Relative Contribution of Pollen Quantity and Quality Limitation to the Reproductive Success of Four Clarkia Species” Chair: Dr. Gerardo Arceo-Gomez

Amanda Leigh Morgan

Appalachian Studies Thesis: “Crossing the Pond: The Influence of Appalachian Old-Time on Contemporary Irish Music” Chair: Dr. Jane MacMorran

Ashley Denise Murphy #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Abraham Bear Neis-Eldridge # Sociology

Frederick Agyakwah Ntiri

Brand and Media Strategy

Hope Noel O’Neill

Psychology Thesis: “Obstetric Violence and Postpartum Adjustment: Exploration of Risk and Resilience Factors” Chair: Dr. Julia C. Dodd

Emmanuel Aigbokhavbo Ogedegbe

Mathematical Sciences Thesis: “Implementation of Hierarchical and K-Means Clustering Techniques on the Trend and Seasonality Components of Temperature Profile Data” Chair: Dr. Michele Joyner

Obinwanne Gabriel Okeke English

Hannah Marie Juarez #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Mariam Adefowoke Onabanjo #

Biology Thesis: “Understanding the Role of SABP2-Interacting Protein (SIP) 428: an NAD+ Dependent Deacetylase Enzyme in Abiotic Stress Signaling of Nicotiana tabacum” Chair: Dr. Dhirendra Kumar

Aleaya Decontee-Precious Phillips # Criminal Justice & Criminology

Leticia Pizzino

Communication & Storytelling Studies Thesis: “Once Upon Online: Conversations With Professional Storytellers About Adapting From In-Person to Virtual Storytelling Performance” Chair: Dr. Delanna Reed

Courtney Lynn Powell #

Communication & Storytelling Studies

Afia Maheda Prema #

Biology Thesis: “Mapping the Binding Site Within Integrin D2 for Carboxyethylpyrrole (CEP)Modified Proteins” Chair: Dr. Valentin Yakubenko

Alexandra Rose Belding Pulliam #

Biology Thesis: “Investigation of the Protein Components in a Periplasmic Mechanism Regulating Bacterial Morphology” Chair: Dr. Erik Petersen

David Joshua Rockow #

Biology Thesis: “Impacts of Urbanization on Pollination Success for Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)” Chair: Dr. Gerardo Arceo-Gomez

Shelby L. Sanders #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Casadie Grace Smith #

Communication & Storytelling Studies Thesis: ““Just as Scared as I Am”: Daughters’ Perspectives of the Impact of the Overturning of Roe v. Wade on Mother- Daughter Reproductive Conversations” Chair: Dr. Christine Anzur

Zacharias Noah Smith

Communication & Storytelling Studies Thesis: “You Can be Both: Experiences of People in Appalachia with Conflicting Christian and LGBTQ+ Identities” Chair: Dr. Amber Kinser

Samuel A. Sparks

Public Administration

Frances Margaret Stephenson

Geosciences Thesis: “Isotopic Ecology of Bison and Bootherium at Big Bone Lick, Kentucky” Chair: Dr. Blaine Schubert

Maggie Claire Cothron Stinnett Appalachian Studies

Samantha Rae Blackwell  

English

James E. Barr History

Karla Jeanine Browning Psychology

Marlena Katherine Dillard # Media and Communication

Logan Renee Dishner

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Steven Holt Dotson Biology 

William Adrian Butler Biology



Art



Cade Christopher Campbell Biology

Psychology

Samantha Lucinda Dunn

Criminal Justice & Criminology Biology

Psychology

Brody Luke Earnest

Lorrie Campbell

Biology

Theatre

 Sierra Nicole Edens

Mark James Canfield #

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Sociology

Sydni Cheyenne England

Kalee Danielle Carlson

Psychology

Alan M. Fagans #

 Natasha Kayla Carpenter

Psychology

Theatre



Hannah Nicole Catron Psychology

Grecia Farret #

Foreign Languages

Dwayne Robert Fitzgerald #

Paola Selena Cisneros

History

Psychology

Duncan Alexander Fleming

Criminal Justice & Criminology Foreign Languages

Madison M. Dufore

Emileigh Grace Eades

Cade Ryan Campbell

 Rachel Eowyn Clem #

Criminal Justice & Criminology Criminal Justice & Criminology

Kayla Gaylene Byrd

Skyler Drew Clark

Evelyn M. Dougherty

Adrianna Kamille Dover

Psychology



Criminal Justice & Criminology Psychology Psychology

Audra Byrd



Abbi Marie Dickenson

 Deemer R. Diep

Media and Communication

Art

Haley Elisabeth Barnett

Criminal Justice & Criminology 

 Jordan Makenna Burgess

Media and Communication



Elizabeth Gayle Day

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Rebecca Haley Avery

Media and Communication

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Austin Ray Burchett

Sociology

Reese Allen Banken

Sydney P. Bradshaw

Taya Lashay Davis

Communication Studies

Political Science



Charlie Kathryn Davis Sociology

 Jaspar Quincy Budd

Tiffany Arnold



Mckenna Elizabeth Bowers

Media and Communication

Criminal Justice & Criminology Political Science

Morgan Elise Bakaletz

Communication Studies Political Science

 Ember Autumn Brummitt

Makayla B. Andrews



Madalyn Rachel Darnell

Biology

Psychology

Biology

Sandora Zoe Bandor Boima

Biology

Caleb Hayes Brown

Samantha L. Andrade #

Joshua Eugene Bailey

Alison M. Cummings

Sociology

English

Chemistry



Daijah E. Boatner #

Media and Communication

Psychology



Media and Communication

Gregory Crutcher, III

Political Science

Brandon Jaivonte Bowen 

Nicholas Robert Crockett #

Joshua Hunter Blevins

Psychology

Myndi Nicole Allen

Criminal Justice & Criminology



English

Art

Cassidy Nicole Arnold

Psychology

Criminal Justice & Criminology

 Anna Joy Adelfang

 Kassidy Marie Albert

Sarah Emily Cress

Patrick Black

Biology

Foreign Languages

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Media and Communication

Ziqi Xu

 Lesley Hope Adkins

BreAnna Ruth Crawford

 Elijah D. Black #

Public Administration

Media and Communication

English

Psychology

Yun Xie

Oluwatofunmi P. Adedokun

 Taylor M. Cooper

Abigail G. Bilkey

Samantha Nicole Wright #

Baccalaureate Degrees

Psychology

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Geosciences Thesis: “Early Pliocene Mice and Rats of the Gray Fossil Site of Tennessee: Implications for Evolution of Cricetidae and Understanding of the Past Ecosystem” Chair: Dr. Joshua X. Samuels

Megan A. Colson

Brianna Elaine Marie Beverly

Gregory Allen Whitehead #

Geosciences Thesis: “Age and Paleontology of the Turin Pit Locality, Monona County, Iowa” Chair: Dr. Chris Widga

Communication Studies

Graphic Design

Mark-Daniels Tamakloe #

Mathematical Sciences Thesis: “Comparison of the 2022 Monkeypox (Mpox) Outbreak Using Mathematical Modeling and Time Series Clustering” Chair: Dr. Michele Joyner

 Lauren Nicole Collins

 Abigail Lai Bennett

Philosophy

Caylee Brooke Fling Psychology

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Joshua Matthew Foley Biology



Chemistry

David A. Foudy



Emily Maire Garcia

Callie Madison Honaker

Abigail Grace Gardner

Makayla Honaker

Graphic Design

Art



Psychology

Media and Communication

Milady Jadalis Maldonado # Media and Communication  Jehad Malibari

Psychology

Hannah Martin

Communication Studies 

Lillian Cyan Maupin Geosciences

Darius J. Howard

Emily Rose Maxwell

Edward L. Gass

Gary Stewart Huddleston

CheyAnn LaShay McCowan

Jordan L. Huff

Dillon Wayne McCroskey

History

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Kaitlin Alyssa Hullender

Biology

Psychology

Omara Alexandra Goyzueta

 Delanie Faith Hyder

Amelia Nicole Greathouse

Panatda Inthavong

English



Biology

Joseph Patrick Gunther

Media and Communication

JaCiya Mykel Guthrie-Barber

Media and Communication

Makenzie Renee Hagood

Criminal Justice & Criminology Political Science

 Tataya Ann Johnson

Mathematics

Foreign Languages



Anna Marie Hammonds

Biology

Alyssa Desiree Meadows Biology

Taylin Sharea Meneese

Media and Communication

Mickala A. Michael

Carolina B. Jones

English  

Psychology



 Wesley Price Harmon #

Theatre

Rachel Dawn Kincaid English

Ari Amir King

 Taylor Mackenzie Harr

Media and Communication

English

Tucker Everett King

Kathryn McKenzie Harrison

History

 David Kovacic

Communication Studies

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Ethan D. Lawson

 Miranda Lee Hatley

Music

Psychology

Cassidy Hope Hawkins



Alexa Dawn Lester

Bayli M. Hayes #



Laiken M. Lewis

Sociology

Media and Communication 

Jesus A. Hernandez

English

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Graphic Design

Linzee Ann Mitchell English

Psychology

Sharon R. Morgan Psychology 

Mason Paul Mosier #

Media and Communication Political Science

Victoria Marie Neal Art

Logan Marcus O’Handley # Psychology

Antonia Elizabeth Onks Sociology

Isabel Alejandra Ortiz

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Allen Aaron Oudom

Psychology

Biology Chemistry

Siera D. Light

Tyler A. Page

Criminal Justice & Criminology

 Andrew Stephen Litz #

Political Science

Madison Nichole Miller

Jessica C. Monday

English Theatre

 Leah E. Harley

Joshua M. Hernandez

Antonia Faith McPhearson

Lauren Taylor Jumonville

Psychology

History

 Anton Das Jepson

Justin Thomas Hamilton

Kayla Gwennette Hatley

Jeffrey Shawn McMurray, Jr. #

Amelia Grace Jennings

Psychology

Biology

Psychology

Katie Nicole Jenkins

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Biology

Kelsi Paige McGregor

Kaley Rose Jenkins

International Affairs

Media and Communication Psychology

Kira LeeAnne Ivanich

Jared Michael Grosvenor

Claire Michelle McDonald Caylin R. McFall

International Affairs Psychology

 Laken Ashleigh Greene

Alexa Kaitlin Hale

English 

Geosciences

Physics

English

Psychology

Biology

Britan Abigail Gilly Biology

Chemistry

Media and Communication

Mathematics

Daria Kate Hornsby

Jayson Alexander Luttrell

Christopher Jordan Garreffa

 Caleb Don Gibson



Criminal Justice & Criminology

Psychology



English

Mathematics

English



International Affairs

 Andrew Allan Holt

Shelby Lynn Garner #



 Aaron Lundy

Criminal Justice & Criminology Music

Psychology



Macy L. Higgins

Margaret E. Holley

Media and Communication English

 Andrew Stephen Litz #

English

Stephen Russell Foster

August Isaac Funderburk

Bracey Elizabeth Lynn Hester #

History

Media and Communication

Kaylie Jo Palmeri

Criminal Justice & Criminology



Levi David Parks

Kent D. Roller



Brian G. Pearcy



Anna Presli Pendleton

Katherine L. Russell



Lillie Ana Perez #

Emily Mai Sakhleh



Thiago Pernas #

Anthony Dewayne Salas #



Hannah Elizabeth Peters

Music

Psychology



Psychology

English

Jenna Lynne Ramey





Criminal Justice & Criminology 

Brandon D. Sexton #

Carrie A. Ward

Porshia Jenea Sexton

Torrey Allen Stringer Warren

Art

Bluegrass, Old Time, & Roots Music Studies 

Biology

Johnathan W. Smith



Serena Dominique Smith #



Renessa Erica Sosa

Political Science Psychology

Media and Communication

Samantha Starr English

Communication Studies Criminal Justice & Criminology

Ryan Bailey Wetzel #

Kara Lynn Smith 

Dana R. Weckel

 Maci M. West

Geosciences English

Criminal Justice & Criminology English Foreign Languages

History

Camille Shea Smith

Grace Marie Waters

 Claire Shao Webb

English

Psychology

History

English

 Austene Toushawa Gail Smith

Kieran James Evan Richards

Criminal Justice & Criminology  Lauren Taylor Whipple

Art



Isabella Lucille Wilkerson



Madison Adriana Wilkins



Brooklynn Nicole Wilson #

Kyela J. Stephens #

Criminal Justice & Criminology Biology English

Gabriel S. Woods

Art

Geosciences

Nicholas M. Riddle

 Sophie Madeleine Stines

Lane Elizabeth Ripley

 Jonathan Matthew Stokely

William Thomas Ripley

Luke Edward Story

Biology

Allan Joshua Sumner

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Psychology Biology

English

History

Media and Communication

Abigail Erin Robinson Psychology

Hayden M. Rogers #

Gabriel Tabor English

 Lydia Ann Tankersley #

History

Psychology

Skyler Andrew Wyatt # Bailey Nicole Wynn

Chemistry 

Raven Nikole Woods Amanda Wu

History

Communication Studies

Zachary Charles Roberts



English

 Emily Hope Robbins



Psychology



Geosciences

 Madison Michelle Walker

 Makayla Brooke Shortt

Biology



Breanna Seal

Kaitlyn Nicole Sherk

 Brandon Wesley Riddle 

Psychology

Sociology

Philosophy

Eric Robert Rice

Madison Brianna Vowell

Media and Communication

Kaiden Releford

Cameron Bryce Rhodes

Bailey Danielle Sawyer

Biology

Emily Ruth Walker

Media and Communication

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Taylor Paige Vaughn #

Psychology

Foreign Languages

Austin T. Rector



Kaia Lauren Salyers



Media and Communication

Destinn Mikel Reilly-Krapish

Sociology

 Cameron Philip Schaffner #

Todd Saunders Rapp

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Katie L. Turvaville

Brandon A. Waddell

Criminal Justice & Criminology

 Cooper Ray Reaves

Psychology

Geosciences

Hannah Marie Randolph #

Psychology

Kammie LaBelle Tolley



Biology

Kristina Marie Reagan

Criminal Justice & Criminology

Molly Emma Sayre #

 Paulina M. Ramirez #

Political Science

Parker Stone Tipton

 Ashley Skye Vanover

Biology

Psychology





Psychology

 Skylar Simmons Porter

Psychology

Criminal Justice & Criminology

 Chloe Brianna Salyer

Bluegrass, Old Time, & Roots Music Studies

Christopher Benjamin Potter

 Taylor Autry Tinsley

Psychology

Media and Communication

 Jacob Tyler Phillips

Media and Communication

Baylee Madison Rose

Psychology

Aria Fayelyn Peterson

Psychology

Biology

Geosciences

Media and Communication

Carmen Alexandria Terrell

Mathematics

Media and Communication 

Kannon Blake Wysor

Media and Communication

 Jared Trevor Young

Biology

Foreign Languages

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY Dean: Dr. Tony Pittarese

Master’s Degrees

Courtney Shea Hodge

Hannah Nicole Starnes

Chigozie Cynthia Agwubuo

Weston Case Hooper #

Rachel Delaney Swatzell #

Noe Amellal

Samuel Ayomidipupo Ige

Shane C. Sweat

Duncan Gordon Arnfield

Logan C. Ivey

Lauren Marie Thomas

Mofeoluwa Mabel Jide-Jegede

Samantha Peyton Venable

Kensington Dailey Jones

Bobbie Dawn Michelle Wilbourn

Gabrielle Caitlin Kelley

Carter James Wykoff

Information Systems Information Systems

Information Systems Thesis: “Enhanced Content-Based Fake News Detection Methods with Context-Labeled News Sources” Chair: Dr. Biju Bajracharya

Daniel Lee Barbrow

Information Systems

Taylor Alexis Boling # Digital Marketing

Edgar Wallace Bowlin, III #

Computer Science Thesis: “Lightweight Blockchains and Their Network Impact on Vehicular Ad-hoc Network-based Blockchain Applications” Chair: Dr. Mohammad Khan

Edward Michael Breese # Digital Marketing

Jonathan Thomas Bruce

Business Administration

Natalie Marie Chapman

Business Administration

Ceara Michelle Cogan

Business Administration

Asher Joonas Eskola Accountancy

Kingsley Temidayo Fasesin Information Systems

Business Administration Digital Media

Computer Science

Business Administration Computer Science

Business Administration Business Administration

Mary Caitlin King Accountancy

Sarah Michele Lilly

Business Administration

Samantha May McCall Accountancy

Robert Daniel Miller

Business Administration

Tiffany Michelle Noe

Business Administration

Courage Ojo

Information Systems

Chukwunonso Eliezer Okoro Information Systems

Aishat Oluwatoyin Olatunji

Computer Science Thesis: “Detection and Classification of Diabetic Retinopathy using Deep Learning Models” Chair: Dr. Biju Bajracharya

Business Administration Digital Marketing

Business Administration Business Administration Accountancy

Business Administration Business Administration

Baccalaureate Degrees Alexander Daniel Adkins Management 

Matthew Kelly Adkins



Frederick W. Ahrent

Engineering Technology Finance Marketing

Shannon L. Akers

Management

 Asmaa Al-Ariki

Digital Media 

Nicholas Arden

Management

Jesse Thomas Arnold

Computing

 Nancianne Saylor Atchley

Kaylee Marie Feathers

Benjamin Taylor Pottinger

Interior Architecture

Jared Michael Folks

Emily Nicole Pressley

Accountancy

Business Administration Business Administration

Heather Lee Fultz

Business Administration

Tilman Earl Goins, Jr.

Business Administration

Kaitlyn Gabrielle Gorzka

Business Administration

Computer Science Accountancy

Sydnee J. Reed

Business Administration

Jackie Floyd Rhea

Business Administration

Kalli Leanne Rhea

Business Administration

Nicholas C. Greene

Samuel Sarpong

Logan Andrew Greer

Katie Myhand Sellers

Jordan Tyler Guess

Cason Blake Setzekorn

Ryan Robert Haas

Noah C. Shelton

Hallerin Hilton Hill, II

Emily Katherine Skidmore

Business Administration Business Administration Accountancy

Information Systems Business Administration

Information Systems Business Administration Business Administration Accountancy Accountancy

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023



Sydne Renee Bane Emmalee Ruth Barbour

Digital Media

Gracie M. Barger

Marketing

Cora Briona Bates

Marketing

Tahj Quinta Bazel

Engineering Technology

Max A. Bennett

Management

Madison Marie Birmingham

Finance

Alexander R. Booher

Finance

Jaheim Tyrone Booker

Marketing 

Quentin Monard Eugene Boots

Digital Media



Dustin Wayne Bowery

Engineering Technology 

Brandon Xavier Lee Bradley

Digital Media

Ana Noelle Brame-Jefferys #

Marketing

Benjamin Bailey Bright

Management 

Lacy Abigail Brummett

Finance

Bryson R. Burgess

Marketing 

Brittany Kattalyna Calixto

Computing 

Issac Riley Camacho

Computing

Lydia Beth Campbell

Management

Austin D. Canter

Management 

Brianna Paige Carlsen

Marketing

Tyler J. Carr

Accountancy

 Richard Troy Cashion, Jr.

Computing

Marielisa Teresa Cashman

Management

Cory Scott Childers

Management 

Annie Nichole Clark

Engineering Technology

Christian Keith Clay #

Computing

Dylan Avery Cowell

Computing

Riley Paige Cox

Marketing 

Dailyn N. Crawley

Finance

 Madyson Elizabeth Creech

Marketing

Katie Dianne Crump

Marketing

Nicholas Tyler Dalton #

Marketing 

Jacob Matthew Dayton

Finance Management

Jacob James Eggleston

 Heather Christine

Joshua Dustin Ellis

Accountancy



Tiffany LeeAnn Epley

Interior Architecture



Steven Russell Errett

Management

Caleb David Thomas Fannon

Engineering Technology

Monica Dawn Ferguson

Management

Surveying and Mapping Science

Management

 Jacob Reed Fielden  Evan K. Fillers

Management

Dutchan W. Fleenor

Computing

Landon Chase Fletcher

Marketing

William Randall Virgil Flowers

Accountancy

Thomas Gregory Foreman

Computing

Dominic R. Foster

Management

Christopher James Fowler

Management

John Christopher Fraser

Accountancy

Nathaniel Forrest Freeman

Computing

Christopher Wyatt Gadd

Digital Media

Management 

Benjamin Noah Edwards Benjamin Samuel Edwards

Finance



Marketing

Computing 

Finance 

Engineering Computing Finance 

Marketing

 Kayla Joy Gibson

Marketing

Sarah Inez Jones Tyler Douglas Jones

Finance





Matthew P. Justis Tessa Lynn Kacvinsky Madison Joy Keaton # Dalton Payne Kelley



Maxwell Paul Key Joshua Ryan Khan # Charles Bradley Kinser

Computing 

Jacob E. Klucher

Elisha Christian Glass

Computing

Harley L. Goodman

Surveying and Mapping Science

Katie Lee Griffith

Finance

Henrik Gunther

Interior Architecture



Alexander David Hall

Management



Caleb Lee Hammond

Computing

Engineering Technology 

Marketing 

Marketing

Accountancy Computing

 Kinslee Grace Hammonds

Marketing

Engineering Technology

Dionte Jamal Jones

Engineering Technology

Lauren McKinley Dunn Emma Nicole Earnest

Alexis Kaye Jones #

Engineering Technology

Marketing

Economics

Calli Patricia Jenkins

Management

Thomas Brady Driver

Management



Jayden Lane Joiner

Accountancy

Computing

Surveying and Mapping Science

Stacey Erin Holt

Harley W. Horton

Computing 



Luke Caleb Hopson

Accountancy

Steven Anthony Denny

Management

Holstein-Mahi #

Computing

James Tyler LaPointe

Jacob Albert Leamon # Sydney Blanch Lewis McKenzie Lee Littleton Matthew Taylor Lockard



Ashley Jennifer Loveday #

Interior Architecture

 Caitlin Rachelle Lowe

Isaac Hampton

Digital Media

Trenton Heath Hart

Management

Garred Andrew Hawkins

Digital Media

Isaac Gray Haynie

Computing

Engineering Technology  Lydia Lee Hicks

Digital Media

Daniel Seth Hodgson

Tara E. Lowe Andrew John Lussier Dylan Wayne Lynch Kristen R. Madon

Management 

Jaimie T. Maltese

Digital Media

Economics

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Claire Olegovna Matossian

Interior Architecture

Cade Matthew Maupin

Marketing

Christian Noel McCurry

Marketing 

Addison Page McInturff



Hallie Elise McMillan

Marketing Marketing

Meredith Ann Melson

Management

Elizabeth Carol Miller

Marketing 

Amy Dorrene Potterton

Interior Architecture

Joseph Richard Misciagna

Surveying and Mapping Science 

David Patrick Mitchell

Surveying and Mapping Science

Havana Elizabeth Mitrik

Marketing 

Mason C. Moore

Management

Shantell Nichole Murray

Management

Joseph Thomas Neff

Management 

Michael Weijie Ng

Computing

Errett Kane Nichols

Engineering Technology 

Marisa Oliver

Computing 

Benjamin Reid Ottersbach

Interior Architecture

Olivia Sky Overbay #

Management

Cade Wellington Ownby

Management 

Olivia Marie Parchem

Digital Media

Jinalben G. Patel

Interior Architecture

Joshua Ryan Pearman

Engineering Technology

Elainna D. Peay

Computing

Kendalyn Fayth Peters

Marketing

Haley Anna Peterson

Accountancy

Khanh D. Pham

Computing 

Caleb James Phillips



Dustin C. Phillips

Accountancy

Management

Tanner James Poss

Surveying and Mapping Science  Kayleigh Ember Post

Computing

Zackary Ian Potter

Management

 Jonathan Mark Preshong

Accountancy

Caleb Grant Raines

Management

Steven Caleb Rains

Computing 

Ashleigh Lauren Reaves

Accountancy

Eric E. Rector, III

Management

 Richmond Gray Reed

Supply Chain Management



Patrick Morgan Retallack



Zachary Einar Rice



Austin Lynn Roark

Economics

Management 

Destiny Rose Robbins #

Interior Architecture

Angel Rodriguez

Accountancy

 Elle Claire Rovenstine

Marketing 

Ivey Madison Runion

Management

Dylan Sanchez

Management

Marissa Viola Schalk-Salmeron

Interior Architecture

 Christopher Mark Seals

Computing

Jaonia Paige Settles

Management

Heidi Amelia Shanks #

Marketing 

Chelsea Tamara Shaw



Benjamin Hunter Smith

Management Computing

Brody A. Smith #

Finance

Lillian Harriet Smith

Marketing

Shemar Demetrius Smith

Management

James Robert Smithey

Interior Architecture



Carlos Portas Chercoles #

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Tyler Christian Reid

Surveying and Mapping Science

Alexander Charles Pierce

Management



Finance



Management

Charis Ramsey

Surveying and Mapping Science



Mason B. Spears

Marketing 

Jacob Quillen Stewart

Digital Media

Cynthia Lynn Stokes #

Management

Jacob Ethan Strong

Accountancy

Kaylee Elizabeth Sweet

Marketing

Trevor Scott Taylor #

Computing

Cameron Ty Thelen

Finance 

Jacob Edwin Thomas



Sarah Rose Tollefson

Management

Interior Architecture

Megan Nicole Toth

Computing

Tristan Shawn Tremblay

Management

Parker Tullier

Marketing 

Gabriel Vieira Ramos

Computing

Samara E. Waldrop

Management

Kera LeAnn Walker

Marketing

Jonathan Gaige Wallace

Digital Media 

McKenna Layne Wallace

Marketing

Clay Edward Wells, Jr.

Finance 

Danyel Marie West

Interior Architecture  Joshua Ryan White

Surveying and Mapping Science  Liam Patrick Whitelaw

Computing

Zachary Michael Robert Wiener

Surveying and Mapping Science 

Anna Nicole Wiggins

Accountancy

Jackson C. Williams

Management

Kelsey Elizabeth Willis #

Management

Zachary Alan Wilson

Management 

Luke Chase Winegar

Management

Cole N. Wright

Accountancy

Walker James Wright #

Marketing

Kincaid Hunter Young

Computing

Runzhou Zhu

Interior Architecture

Daniel S. Zimmerman

Economics

CLEMMER COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT Dean: Dr. Janna Scarborough

Doctoral Degrees Brian Austell Bettis

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Professional Collaboration in Small Rural Schools: Teacher Perceptions of the Role of School Administrators” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Matthew Austin Bowser #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “School-wide Academic Outcomes and Instructional Modality Used During the 20182022 School Years” Chair: Dr. William Flora

Brandi Boling Bullock

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “The Experiences of Students During COVID-19 School Disruptions” Chair: Dr. Virginia Foley

Alecia Beth Burleson

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Educators’ Perceptions of Trauma-Informed Instructional Practices in One Northeast Tennessee School District” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Marla Cartwright

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Community College Students’ Perceptions of Sense of Community and Instructor Presence in the Online Classroom” Chair: Dr. Don Good

Sungwon Chae #

Sport Physiology and Performance Dissertation: “Acute Responses to Combined Accentuated Eccentric Loading and Rest Redistribution” Chair: Dr. Michael Stone

Courtney Brooke Collins

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Art and Interdisciplinary Opportunities for Literacy Instruction: A Qualitative Study to Examine Educator Perceptions in the Rural Setting” Chair: Dr. Ginger Christian

Jacob R. Cutshall-Church

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Dual Enrollment Matriculation Rates at Tennessee Board of Regents Community Colleges” Chair: Dr. James Lampley

Tammy Jo Dycus #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Tennessee Promise and Two-Year Community College Retention and Graduation in Rural Appalachia” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Cynthia Louise Everitt #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Secondary Educator and Administrator Perceptions of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Student Academic Achievement” Chair: Dr. William Flora

Amy Stayer Rigsby

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Perceptions of Educators on Motivational Strategies Influencing Middle School Students in Mathematics Courses” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Danielle Marie Rutig #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “School Leader Perceptions about the Implementation and Utility of Restorative Practices” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Shari Lynn Kinney

Shay M. Shannon #

Katherine Harris Madison

Donna Sue M. Shellman #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Parent Choice: Learning Pods or Public Education During COVID-19 Pandemic” Chair: Dr. William Flora Early Childhood Education Dissertation: “Exploration of Privilege and Preschool Teachers’ Demographics Associated with Teachers’ Self-Efficacy in Culturally Responsive Classroom Management” Chair: Dr. Amy Malkus

Jamila Aisha Omorose Jordan Moody

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Papa Was a Missing Stone: An Exploration into the Lived Experiences of Father Absent African American Women” Chair: Dr. Jill Channing

Michael Patrick O’Hagan

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Learning Mindset Dimensions and Completion Status of Tennessee Community College Students” Chair: Dr. Don Good

Michelle Lynn Van Dyke

Sport Physiology and Performance Dissertation: “Monitoring External Workloads and Countermovement Jump Performance Throughout a Preseason in Division 1 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Players” Chair: Dr. Michael Ramsey

Brandon Dale Weaver

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Strategic Blended Learning: 9-12 Teacher Perceptions of Digital Engagement Post COVID-19” Chair: Dr. Ginger Christian

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “College Commute Distance and Retention for First- Time Community College Freshmen” Chair: Dr. Don Good

Alison Michelle Williams #

Olawale Ibiyemi Olubowale

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Exploring the Experiences of Underrepresented Students Pursuing Health-Related Graduate or Professional Programs” Chair: Dr. Susan Epps

Early Childhood Education Dissertation: “Childhood Trauma in Early Care and Education: Understanding School Administrators’ Perceptions” Chair: Dr. Pamela Evanshen

Hayley Christian Poland

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Teacher SelfEfficacy in Novice Job Embedded Practitioners” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Akiko Yoshizawa #

Educational Leadership Dissertation: “Administrators’ Perceptions of Alternative to Suspension in Virginia Urban Public Schools” Chair: Dr. Pamela H. Scott

Early Childhood Education Dissertation: “Sound and Music Opportunities in Toddler Learning Environments” Chair: Dr. Ruth Facun-Granadozo

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Master’s Degrees & Education Specialists Jackie Danae Alexander Sport Management

Mollie Kate Allen

Sport Management

Johnny Edward Angel # Human Services

Michaela S. Ashe

Sport Management

Rebecca Morgan Aslinger # Education Specialist

Chase A. Barton

School Librarianship

Claire Elizabeth Bass # Education Specialist

Jacqueline Patricia Bauer Counseling

Faith Tara Bishop #

Educational Leadership

Laken Lynn Blankenship Human Services

Matthew Joseph Blevins Counseling

Sarah Lindsay Bradley School Librarianship

Jamie Ruth Broadwater #

Early Childhood Education

Angela C. Clark #

Educational Leadership

Jean Marie Colello

Educational Leadership

Tanner Abram Combs

Sport Science & Coach Education

Layne Amelia Cooper # Education Specialist

Rebecca Leanne Cope # Human Services

Laura Robinson Cornelius Teacher Education

Toni Jill Cox

School Librarianship

Susan Crownover

School Librarianship

Kelsey Aslee Cupp

Education Specialist

Macy Lynn Davis Counseling

Ryan Christopher Dent Teacher Education

Pamela Lynn Diaz #

Education Specialist

Kelly Lynne DiCostanzo # Human Services

Francess Nkechi Ekwudo

Franklin Ryan Oler #

Allison Marie Evans

Christina Marie Osborne

James Garrett Evans

Roberta Serwah Owusu

Caitlin Stephanie Fanning

Benjamin Austin Patterson

Amber Dawn Farley

Hannah Brooke Phelps

Matthew Fox #

Casey Mae Riley

Mackenzie Caryl Garcia

David H. Robinson #

Erica L. Gardner

Amber Elizabeth Rookstool #

Julie Pichauffe Hammonds

Robert Wayne Satterfield #

Shaun Michael Hastings

Samantha Ann Satterfield #

Kelli Ann Hauldren

Amy Peters Scott

Brianna Melissa Holsonback

Carla Mae Sexton

Dylan Thomas Johnson #

Jodi Lynn Sheffield #

Anna Alise Jones #

Regina Marie Smith #

Stephanie Jones

Kayla Danielle Stinson

Devon Michelle Graham Keith #

Brittney Faith Louisa Storey #

Erinn King

Kellie Rose Studer #

Hannah Brooke King

Amy Reece Townsend

Megan N. King #

Callie Dorcas Welch #

Matthew Tyler Landon

Charmaine Lynn Woods

Christine Denise Lewis

Brandon James Wright

Early Childhood Education Counseling

Sport Management

Educational Leadership Educational Leadership

Curriculum & Instruction Curriculum & Instruction Educational Leadership Human Services

Sport Science & Coach Education Educational Leadership Human Services

Education Specialist

Curriculum & Instruction Educational Leadership Educational Leadership Counseling School Librarianship Counseling

Teacher Education

Educational Leadership

Cassidy Shenea Mahan # Counseling

Sherry Belinda Mahan # Human Services

Kyla Alexandra Marquez

Early Childhood Education

Zachary Daniel Mills # Counseling

Francis Andrea Murillo Counseling

Courtney Elyse Myers Human Services

Gina Amanda Myers Human Services

Adedamilola Aishat Ogun # Counseling

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Sport Management Counseling

Early Childhood Education Counseling Counseling

Sport Management Education Specialist Teacher Education

Education Specialist Education Specialist

School Librarianship Education Specialist Education Specialist

Curriculum & Instruction Curriculum & Instruction Counseling

Human Services

Education Specialist Education Specialist

Early Childhood Education Teacher Education

Baccalaureate Degrees 

Caleb David Adkins

Kinesiology

 Lesley Hope Adkins

Early Childhood Development 

Evan Miguel Alvarado

Sport and Recreation Management

Dacoda Dean Armstrong

Kinesiology

Kaylee Jade Michelle Asberry #

Kinesiology 

William Scott Ashley

Kinesiology

Chandler Todd Bingham

Kinesiology 

Adam Waylon Birkholz



Molly Marie Boothroyd

Sport and Recreation Management Kinesiology

Logan Allen Bowling

Sport and Recreation Management 

Katlyn Nichole Briggs #

Human Services

Cameron William Bryson

Kinesiology

Adrian Farias Burato

Sport and Recreation Management  Perry Branson Casaday

Human Services

Gracie Malynn Cox

Kinesiology

Nathaniel Stephen Crowe #

Sport and Recreation Management 

Alec Edward Crum

Kinesiology

 Kesha Christine Dailey #

Early Childhood Development

Haylie Mae Davenport

Sport and Recreation Management

Kylie Raine Davis

Kinesiology 

Lillian Hope Dawson #



Kaley Brook Decker

Human Services Human Services

Madison Nicole Deering #

Human Services  Ashley Dick

Human Services 

Jarod Mikel Duncan #

Kinesiology

Jillian Reid Duncan

Human Services 

Boudi Olivia Dunlap #

Early Childhood Development 

Christopher James Epps



Judith A. Ervin #

Sport and Recreation Management Early Childhood Development

Haley Noel Fair

Kinesiology

Allison Michelle Farr #

Kinesiology

Sabrina M. Flettrich

Human Services

Kaleb James Fulmer

Sport and Recreation Management

Carla Garcia Alcantarilla

Ciera Lea Moody George S. Odimegwu

Bryan Charles Giudici #

Sport and Recreation Management

Human Services 

Nely Guerra Giudici



Peggy M. Goldmann

Madison Blaire Overbay

Human Services

Melissa Dee Parish

Human Services

Early Childhood Development

Aidan Cooper Parks

Ariah Kathlene Groves

Sport and Recreation Management

Kinesiology

 Joel Patera

 Lydia Faith Grunstra

Kinesiology

Keely Rianne Pollard

Sarrin Haylie Hamilton

Kinesiology

Elementary Education

Grace Hammond Clayton John Harkleroad #

Sport and Recreation Management

 Dakota Briley Hicks



Kinesiology

Christopher Logan Smith

Lindsay Jo Holliday #

Kinesiology

Peyton Tyler Humphreys #

Sport and Recreation Management

Nickolas Andrew Jeffers



Alexis Nicole Torney

Drew Kelton Jenkins

Kinesiology

 Kassandra N. Tucker

Mary Elizabeth Jeudy

Human Services

Mckinsey Kate Lake



Taylor Sue Lipford



Peyton A. Malone #

Sport and Recreation Management

 Tieran Coral Whalen

Elementary Education

Jordan Williams

Marqui X. Manns #

Sport and Recreation Management

Human Services

Deja Chantelle Yvonne Martin

Bryna M. Minton

Caleb I. Ward

Kinesiology



Conner Michael Wallace

Kinesiology

Early Childhood Development

Kinesiology

Kendall Regan Sullins #

Human Services

Kinesiology

Lily Jane Meyer

Austin Dale Spurgeon #

Kinesiology





Sport and Recreation Management

Alexandria Squires-McCartney #

 Emily Jean Irizarry

Human Services

Kinesiology

Isaiah Blake Ryans Lansing A. Shelton #

Levi Holcomb

Kinesiology



Hannah Elizabeth Reasor #

Kinesiology

Early Childhood Development



Human Services Kinesiology

Kinesiology



Kyra Chloe Ranvek

Matthew Eric Rowe

 Preston Kyle Hatfield

Kinesiology



Kinesiology



Parker David Montgomery

Kinesiology

Kinesiology 



Human Services

Nathaniel Malachi Williams

Sport and Recreation Management

Rachel Elizabeth Winfrey #

Human Services

Tommy Tatum Yamashita #

Sport and Recreation Management

Ryan Seymour Foley

Sport and Recreation Management

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF CLINICAL AND REHABILITATIVE HEALTH SCIENCES Interim Dean: Dr. A. Lynn Williams

Doctoral Degrees

Kimberleigh Ann McAfee

Leslie Jeanine Gilliam

Robert Bryce Ailshie

Tiffany Brooke Mikkola

Taylr Estyn Hall-Henson

David Paul Binns, III #

Victoria Kailand Moaf

Makenna Rose Helton #

Taylor Lynn Blair

Tyler Dewayne Nichols

Amy Renee Johnson

Colton H. Boleyn

Aspen Alexander-Britt Owens

Sara Alyson Johnson Cole

Joshua Makinley Brockwell

Virginia Elisabeth Rader

Sarah E. Lane

Joshua Bunner

Montana Brooke Riddle

Kristin Sloane Langston

Jesse A. Byington

Kelsey Beth Sanders

Olivia Ann Marenco #

Summer B. Calloway

Warren Glenn Shelton

Emily Ann Matthews

Jeanie Anne Cavender

Konner Sloane Street

Clarissa Nicole McPhillen

McKael Lee Conatser

Katarina Adrienna Susong

Melissa Ann Miller #

Brianna McCoy Donachy

Eva Christine Welch

Candice Faith Reed

Delaney Marie Dunlap

Taylor Lindsey White

Deborah Kay Rose

Lisa N. Ebeler

Nathaniel Peyton Wise

Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy Physical Therapy

Sarah Elizabeth Emrey Physical Therapy

Daniel Bryce England Physical Therapy

James Daniel Fowlkes Physical Therapy

Madison Grace Gaminde Physical Therapy

Megan Lindy Gray

Physical Therapy

Lauren Elizabeth Johnson Physical Therapy

John Paul King

Physical Therapy

Allied Health Allied Health

Clinical Nutrition Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health Allied Health Social Work

Allied Health

Clinical Nutrition Social Work

Allied Health

Allied Health Thesis: “E-Cigarettes: What is the Relationship Between E-Cigarette Usage and Periodontal Disease?” Chair: Dr. Randy Byington

Master’s Degrees

Millicent Grace Runnels

Marcus Craig Adams

JoBeth Baxter Wright #

Allied Health

Vanessa Rae Bentley Allied Health

Andrew Mitchell Berry

Allied Health Thesis: “Assessing Virtual Versus InPerson Experiential Learning and Medical High-Fidelity Simulation in Medical Student Pediatric Clerkship Training” Chair: Dr. Randy Byington

Clinical Nutrition Social Work

Baccalaureate Degrees  Sarah Ashley Banks

Dental Hygiene

Taylor MacKenzie Bare #

Social Work 

Joshua Ray Bowling #

Kelsey Ryan Kirk

Elizabeth Kaitlyn Bishop #

Radiologic Science

Ean Lisk

Dawson Grace Brown-Ezell

Physical Therapy

Clinical Nutrition

Allied Health

Devin Wade Lowe

Kylee Arden Bundy #

Physical Therapy

Clinical Nutrition

Allied Health

Kelly Diane Lundy

Madeline R. Christian

Rehabilitative Health Sciences

Allison Nicole Cook

Rehabilitative Health Sciences

Physical Therapy

Baxter Timothy Martin Physical Therapy

Clinical Nutrition

Social Work

Clinical Nutrition

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Harper Elizabeth Brewer



Gloria Ashley Bruce



Macey Brooke Burleson

Jean Leigh Anna Callaway

 Anna Katherine Craddock

Rehabilitative Health Sciences 

Candi Craig #



Deona Custard

Nutrition

Dental Hygiene

 Christian May Ferguson #

Allied Health

 Brittany Elizabeth Ferrell

Dental Hygiene

Caitlin Michelle Fillers

Respiratory Therapy 

Grace S. Freeland

Radiologic Science

Danicka Brooke Huskey

Rehabilitative Health Sciences 

Kaylee Alyssa Jackson

Rehabilitative Health Sciences  Kaitlynn M. Josephs

Radiologic Science 

David Wayne Lewis

Respiratory Therapy

 Braylon Madison

Radiologic Science

Donna Lynn Marshall

Respiratory Therapy 

Rebecca Laura McAdorey

Respiratory Therapy  Caylee Parker

Radiologic Science  Madison Nicole Patrick #

Dental Hygiene 

Brandon Paul

Rehabilitative Health Sciences  Kassidy Price

Respiratory Therapy  Dalton Lee Roe #

Allied Health

 Samuel Gerald Ross

Rehabilitative Health Sciences 

Kagon Tyson Seal

Respiratory Therapy

Mark Snider

Allied Health 

Lauren Nicole Speciale

Rehabilitative Health Sciences

Elizabeth Ashley Stripling #

Allied Health

Kenzie Marie Tipton

Rehabilitative Health Sciences  Blair McKenna Trout

Social Work

 Nicole Lynne Troutman

Rehabilitative Health Sciences

Shyanne Tyla Van Heel

Allied Health

Anne Chandler Weaver #

Allied Health

Emily Nicole Whisman

Rehabilitative Health Sciences  Savannah Rose Woodward

Allied Health

Maria Shahbaz Ahmad

Radiologic Science

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE AND CONTINUING STUDIES Dean: Dr. Sharon McGee

Master’s Degrees

Applied Science

Angela Atchley #

Jaylen Malik Frierson #

Tolulope Oluwanifesimi Adeusi #

Ton’Quez Demarcus Ball

Eddie Alejandro Garcia

Liberal Studies Thesis: “Navigating Cultural Crossroads: Exploring Fictional and Interview Narratives of Nigerian Immigrant Women Living in the Southern United States” Chair: Dr. Jill LeRoy-Frazier

Mackenzie Caroline Bolling Liberal Studies

Juanita Ferrell #

Professional Studies

Lydia Wairimu Githinji

Liberal Studies Thesis: “The Impact of Biblical Women’s Stories on Entrepreneurial Identity Formation: A Phenomenological Study of Kenyan Women in the Appalachian Diaspora” Chair: Dr. Chelsie Dubay



Interdisciplinary Studies

Charley Rheann Barger #

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

 Alec Edwards Gentry #

Interdisciplinary Studies

Deborah Darlene Beckman

Jacob Dale Griffith

Jesse Michael Boyce #

John Stewart Hansen

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

Teagen Mackenzie Boyle #

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies  Madisyn Ariel Harkleroad

Interdisciplinary Studies

Neal Owen Brantner

Quade L. Hilton

Applied Science 

Charles Bradley Brown

Interdisciplinary Studies

Madison Ryleigh Horne Applied Science

Sarah E. Brown

Jacob W. Kimball #

Einaj Carter

Addison Kiser

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

Sinoxolo Cesane

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies  Samantha Sue Lindsay

Interdisciplinary Studies

 Christopher Andrew Collins

Jawan Briant Martin

Steven Ray Craddock

Amanda Thais Mendes

Shannon Nicole-Leigh Adkins

Carlee Rae Cruise

Ashley Michelle Miller

Zailes Alexander

Phillip M. Davidson

Landon Gaige Miller #

Marcus Lee Anderson #

Ari Cole Drake

Nancy E. Miller

Baccalaureate Degrees Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Amy Leanne Nelson #

Robert Anthony Phillips

Khushbu Govind Bhai Patel #

Tristin Keith Rivers #

Interdisciplinary Studies

Jessica Darian Phillips #

Diego Rodriguez #

Stacy Howard Raleigh Wigand

Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies Interdisciplinary Studies

Interdisciplinary Studies

Brittany Nicole Simerly Interdisciplinary Studies  Jill Elizabeth Turner

Interdisciplinary Studies

COLLEGE OF NURSING Interim Dean: Dr. Debbie Byrd

Doctoral Degrees

Eve Marie Jean Bradford #

Sage Kathryn Weber #

Keyara Nicole Baltimore #

Justin Kell Broughton

Mendy C. Williams

Sierra Dorris Bridgers #

Morgan Ashton Buchanan #

Deanna Michelle Williamson #

Nikki Lee Davenport #

Elizabeth Ashley Collins #

Savannah Cheyenne Williamson #

Lauren Dixon #

Brittney N. Daniels #

Jordan Danielle Evans #

Madison Taelor Depriest #

Kristy Nicholson Frazier #

Amanda Lynn Dykes

Maggie Hensley #

Sarah Elizabeth Garrett #

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Baccalaureate Degrees Catalina Isabella Adams Nursing 

Haleigh Elizabeth Adkins

Nursing

Tammy Williams Howard

Hannah Ruth Greeson #

Dawn Gunter Johnson #

Fady Guirguis

Lisamarie Grace Levasseur #

Brandon Russell Jochum #

Michaella Aleen McDonald #

Aresia Pressley Jones

Chloe C. Meade #

Amy R. Jordan #

Jason Steven Nicholson

Nicole U. Lovill #

Cassey Renee Rivera #

Yolanda Alicia Mabry #

Sydney Nelson Stooksbury #

Caitlin Schwab Mammarelli

Amy Rine Wake

Krista Nelson #

Nursing

Teresa Payne

Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Nursing Dissertation: “School Nurses and the Sexual Health and Education of Public School Students in Tennessee” Chair: Dr. Lisa Haddad

Lindsey DeBord Yoggerst # Nursing

Master’s Degrees Jessica L. Agnew # Nursing

Leah Abigail Arnett #

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Lauren Pratt # Nursing

Daniel Andrew Reeder # Nursing

Madison Claire Stanley # Nursing

Nursing 

Omolade Mary Ajayi



Bethany IsaBell Akers

Nursing Nursing 

Reuben Kehinde Alawode #



Braden Philip Allen

Nursing Nursing

Brianna Nicole Allen # Nursing 

Kelsey Allen

Nursing

Emily Katherine Atherton # Nursing

Shannon Renee Austin 

Hadley Claire Baerns



Caleb P. Baker



Erika Baker #

Nursing Nursing

Marissa Baldwin Nursing

Natalie Marie Barca Nursing

Micah Danielle Truex Kinser #

Paula Benefield #

Johnna Varner #

Jessica Kaila Bible #

Nursing Nursing

Nursing

Nguungwan Vicki Afa

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Nursing Nursing



Mary Antonia Bill

Ian Michael Crosby

Leann Whitney Blackburn

John Henry Croteau, Jr.

Nursing 

Nursing

Kristin Joy Blackman



Blakely Lauren Bodemann #

Nicole LeAnne Cunningham

LaToya Gayle Bolden Nursing 

Nana Akua Serwaa Bonsu

Nursing

Megan Brooke Bowers # Nursing

Jasamine Sheree Boyd # Nursing

Sydney Elizabeth Brackins Nursing 

Dani Marie Brashear #

Nursing



Nursing 

Madison B. Graham

Nursing

Nursing 

Katelyn Virginia Godsey #

Tiffany Nicole Gragg

Peyton Lee Crowder

Nursing

Alexia Karissa Gay

Nursing

Nursing Nursing



Nursing

Ryan Alexis Griffith

Kathleen Dagata

Nursing

Brandi Jo Anna Davenport

Macy Breanne Gudger #

 Lauryn Catherine Dennis

Madison Elizabeth Haege #

Nursing

Nursing 

Kelli Marie Hall #

Cheyanne Michelle Denton

Nursing

Brooke L. Dingus



Morgan G. Hamilton #

Nursing

 Daniel C. Hanson

Richard B. Dishner # Nursing

Nursing

Hannah Dawn Brown #

Latrice Waynette Dixson

Katelyn Teresa Ann Hargis

Christopher L. Burnine

Savanna Guinn Dobbins

Sidnee Rachelle Harris #



Nursing Nursing 

Hollie Calderon #

Nursing

 Alexandra Victoria Dornburg #



Kennedy Anne Hart #

Nursing

Jessica Cammarata

LaBrea Dorsey

Matt Hauldren #

Laura Elizabeth Campbell

Macayla A. Dowdy

Jessica Nicole Heaton #

Alexia R. Carrell

Rachel Marie Dufresne

Melissa D. Helfrich #

Bianca Marie Carrera #

Charley Nicole Eaton #

Leara Henry #

Adam Echols

Janay Hill

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Cameron Gray Carroll

Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Kenya Lynn Carthorn

Abygail L. Eller # Nursing

Nursing

Christie Chandler

Melissa Ann Ellis #

Julie Wyleen Hill #

LaTisha Nicole Emery

Samuel Kyran Hirsch

Nursing Nursing 

Titus Chebet #

Nursing

Crystal Louise Clark Nursing

Sebastian Clerge #

Nursing Nursing



Emily Joy Farkas

Jayden Shianne Hobbs #

Caitlin Danielle Ferguson



Sarah Emily Compton #

Nursing

Benjamin Thomas Conner Nursing

Stacy Lyn Cook # Nursing

Sarah Elizabeth Ann Corder # Nursing

Elijah Remon Cox # Nursing

Kayla Marie Crisp Nursing

Nursing

Jamie Hobbs

Nursing

Kayla Michele Cole # Nursing

Nursing

Guillermo Estrada

Nursing

Sarah Michelle Collett

Jenny Rebecca Hill



Nursing Nursing



Nursing 

Alesha Jacquelyn Fields #

Nursing

Latori Fitzgerald # Nursing

Nursing Nursing

 Christina Marie Householder

Nursing

Alexis Marie Howard Nursing

Savannah Leigh Howell # Nursing

Michaela Yvonne Franklin

Amanda Sue Hullett #



Nicholas Grey Fuller

Brittany Lea Hunsucker



Patricia Taylor Fulton #

Arnessa K. Ingram #



Allison Blakely Gamble



Kristan Chantel Gates



Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Joshua Ayomide Ishola #

Nursing

Sierra Abriel Jackson Nursing

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY



Kaylee Breann Jobe #

Nursing

Jamaya Johnson



Hanna Marie Martin



Katelyn Allison Martin

Nursing

Nicole Christian Johnson

Kelsey B. Martin

Shelby Madison Johnson #

Lindsay Nichole Martin #

Nursing Nursing

Megan Jones

Nursing Nursing 

Stacy Alaine Mask #

Nursing

Tia Lashea Jones #

Heather Leann Masoner #

Nursing 

Jeremy Christian Justice #

Nursing

Skylar TeVette Maxwell Nursing

Agnes R. Kamau #

Teena May

Lucy Kariuki #

Bailey D. Mays

Nursing Nursing 

Samuel Clay Keirsey

Nursing Nursing 

Lindsey Ellis McCartt #

Gugulethu Precious NdlelaWilliams Nursing

 Anzhelika Nikolayevna

Nesteruk #

Nursing

Courtney Elizabeth Noel Nursing

Alexa Brett Norton # Nursing 

Ellen Obuobi Donkor



Anthony E. Oldham

Nursing Nursing

 Adenike Kehinde Olorunfemi

Nursing

Amanda Dawn Osborne Nursing 

Jeri Lynn Owen



Makenna Grace Palumbo



Dev Hemantkumar Patel #

Nursing

Lauren Faith Keith

Niya Angelique McCauley #

Whitney Adele Key

Corissa McClure

Christina Renee Keye

Ashley McCluskey #

Dipika M. Patel

Amara Renee Kincaid

Heather Nicole McCreary

Srushti Anilkumar Patel

Gabrielle Alise King #

Stacey McGhee #

Mary Kathryn Pelfrey

Mary-Katherine Kraeger #

Katherine Maribel Menendez #

Olivia Caroline Phillips

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

Julia C. Lavender

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Stephanie Nicole Meredith

Nursing

Phuong Hong Le #

Jennifer Davis Messersmith

Nursing 

Kaitlyn Elizabeth Lee #



Stephanie Brianna Lee #

Nursing

Nursing 

Christy Lee Mielke #



Mackenzie Faith Miller

Nursing

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Meghan Elise Pierce

Nursing 

MacKenzie Alexis Powell

Nursing

Rhonda Prater # Nursing 

Annmarie Grace Price #

Nursing

Jadelyn Hope Leonard #

Mary Angela Miller

Brittany Ann Nicole Lester #

Peyton Taylor Miller #

Jasmine Tiarra Pride

Kurtina E. Mitchell

Jakeelia Pullen

Nursing Nursing 

Jaclyn Cheyenne Lewis

Nursing

Brooke Danielle Lockamy Nursing 

Hannah Elinor Lombard

Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Renee M. Moore #

Nursing 

Lucky Flanagan Morton

Nursing

 Olliana Therese Long

Christin Mourey

Nursing 

Alexis Sierra Luttrell

Nursing 

Leigh Coker Mullinax

Nursing

Carlie Rae Lyons

Cassidy Lane Mullins

Myra Rena Mack

Rebecca Murray #

Nursing Nursing 

Heather Marsalis

Nursing

Nursing Nursing

Austin Jacob Martin Nursing



Lauren Ashley Nason

Nursing

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023



Carson Garrett Price

Nursing Nursing Nursing 

Brittney Ann Ragan #

Nursing

Kristen Raiford # Nursing

 Jesse Raines #

Nursing

Noemi Real Nursing

Tyler Zane Richardson Nursing 

Laura Lindley Riddle #

Nursing

Gabriella Alexis Rivera # Nursing

Jacob Andrew Roark Nursing

Tina Marie Roberts Nursing 

Hayley Grace Robinson

Nursing

Caroline Elizabeth Roden # Nursing

 Elisabeth Ann Torok #

James Shellhart

Nursing

Megan Leigh Shelton



Kristine Tourjee

Nursing

Angela Marie Shipley

Christine Marie Troutman Nursing

Nursing

Diamond Neesha Truitt

Faith Nelieh Shuler



Alexandria Nicole Rossi #



Miranda Marie Rowland #

Chance Elliott Simmons #

Enobong Ukpong

Emily Ruff

Haley Sue Smith

Taylor Lynn Vickers #



Ketha Danielle Ryan #

Nancy Annette Smith

Connor Bryce Walker



Jacquelyne Elizabeth Sadler #

Elijah Norris Spear

Margaret Delaney Walsh

Kimberly Lavon Spivey

Charcy Ward #

Nursing Nursing 

Nursing Nursing Nursing

Shelby Brooke Sadler # Nursing 

Marivie Salyers



Nursing

Nursing 

Evie Grace Sterling



Delaney Hope Warren

Nursing

Shannon Michelle Sanders

Kailyn H. Stevens

Laterica Denise Lashay Watkins #

Nursing 

Taylor Paige Sanders

Nursing 

Ariana Catherine Sarantidis #

Nursing 

Amber Nicole Scogin

Nursing

Tia Lynnette Stevenson #

Jason Lewis Wells #

Nursing 

Kennedy Taylor Street

Nursing

April Marie Stump #

Nursing

 Ashley Nicole White

Nursing 

Lauren Marie White

Nursing

Odi M. Suleiman

Nursing

Sonia Scullark-Johnson #

Morgan Baileigh Swearington

Nursing

Corey D. Sexton

Savannah Nicole Sword #

Nursing

LaSher R. Taylor #

Nursing

Rachel Scott Nursing Nursing Nursing

Devin Chase Sexton # Nursing

Beronica-Jean Layne Shanes # Nursing 

Madeline May Shaver

Nursing

Khadijah C. Sheard # Nursing

Nursing



Nursing Nursing 





Nacole Wilhelm Daniel Christopher Wilhoit # Trinity Grace Witt #

Caleb James Worley

Nursing

Nicole Temple

Nursing

Jessica Roby Templeton

Nursing

Sheronda Terry Thompson

Nursing

Nursing Nursing



Lexie Taylor Wright



Wafaa Poles Yacoub #

Lehua Paige Yamaguchi

Nursing

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC HEALTH Dean: Dr. Randy Wykoff

Doctoral Degrees Gabriela Guerra Abrego

Public Health Dissertation: “COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in the Hispanic and Latinx Communities of Northeast Tennessee” Chair: Dr. Megan Quinn

Jody Lynn Teel #

Public Health Dissertation: “Overdose Prevention Behaviors and the Rural Risk Environment Among People Who Inject Drugs in Rural Appalachia” Chair: Dr. Bill Brooks

Master’s Degrees Ariana Nicole Allgood Public Health

Kaitlin Alexandra Arbogast Health Administration

Meredith Lindsay Bacci Public Health

Matthew Joseph Calhoun Public Health

John DellaBadia Public Health

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Jamal D. Dillard

Alexander George Sarant

Kelsie J. Dowdell

Bethany Scalise #

Hannah R. Clinton

Jordan Nicole Durbin

Trisha Lynne Schuver

Madison G. Collins

Public Health

Health Sciences

Kevin Fenelon #

Colin T. Simmons

Microbiology

Dalton Phillip Ford

Colleen Suzanne Smalling #

Zachary Garbarino #

Georgette Smith-wa Ngongo

Health Sciences

Edward Greene #

Ashlyn Jade Stacy

Health Sciences

Angie Zulema Guillory

Cole Glenn Stines

Public Health

Adrianna Hall

Haley N. Summers

Sydney Harris

Johnathan D. Tremblay

Dana Nadine Partington Kembel

Jordynne N. Tucker

Zoya M. Khan

Clemence Elvira Walker

Samantha N. King

Tobias A. Warren

Saudikatu Mamudu

Kristyn McKenzie Whaley

Emily Brooks Mathews

Alexandra N. Whittle

Dhania Yolanda Jeanty #

Baccalaureate Degrees

Microbiology

Kendall S. Beale

Public Health

Emily K. Beasor #

Microbiology

Public Health Public Health

Health Administration Public Health Public Health Public Health

Health Administration Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health

Health Administration

Justin Meredith Public Health

Maiah D. Morris Public Health

Emily Leeann Murr

Health Administration

Tabitha Renae Murr

Health Administration

Breanna Kaitlin O’Mary Public Health

Public Health Public Health

Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health Public Health

Environmental Health Health Administration 

Trieste Bethea Bianchi #

Public Health

 Rachel Eowyn Clem #

Health Sciences Health Sciences

Jonathan Maxwell Cooper Jenna Catherine Dutton Environmental Health

 Ashlee Nichole Eastman 

James Eastman



Sandra Flores Castellanos

Aliviah G. Foster

Health Administration

Carla Garcia Alcantarilla Health Sciences

Kyler Christopher Glover Health Sciences

Gabriel Grayson-Henderson # Health Administration

Katie Rose Grindstaff Health Sciences 

Lochlyn Ann Hardy

Health Sciences 

Ali Hejji

Public Health Health Administration

 Brennan Dean Keeton

Megan Bailey Kirkland # Health Administration

Tiana Jade Long Alyssa Corinne Maiden  Julius D. Morris

Public Health 

Cody Wayne Paige

Cole Alexandria Otey #

Noah E. Blackburn

Health Sciences

Amani Patel

Bridgette B. Blackwell

Environmental Health

Benjamin Pelton

Jaydan Faith Blaylock

Microbiology

Public Health

Health Administration Public Health

Roya M. Rahimipour Public Health

Azrael Collins Rasnake Public Health

Isabella ShyAnn Reid Public Health

Daniel Ruiz

Public Health

Dakota Louise Russell Public Health

Health Sciences

Health Administration Health Sciences 

Taylor Ridge Bowers

Health Sciences

Emily C. Brewer Health Sciences 

Abbie Renee Campbell

Public Health

William P. Carpenter Health Sciences 

Katelyn Renee Carroll

Health Sciences

Mary Jo Carter

Health Administration

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023



Lauren Blaine Pennala

Kemper Reed Rasnake Paige Taylor Tambussi Health Sciences

Kiley R. Trent

Health Sciences

Noah Michael West Health Sciences

Alexis Mackenzie Whitaker Health Sciences

Dana Grace White

Health Administration

Leonard Nathaniel Williams, III # Health Administration

Scott D. Williams # Health Sciences

Brittney Wilson #

 Laken Brooke Woods

Health Administration

Health Sciences

Isabella Mae Woodard

Thomas Nathan Workman

Health Administration



Tracy Ye

Health Sciences  Dara Catherine Young #

Environmental Health

Health Sciences

QUILLEN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Dean: Dr. William Block

Doctor of Philosophy Mary Christine Andreae

Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Intestinal Microbiome, Fecal Fermentation Profile, and Health Indices in HIV Infected Men versus Non-infected Controls” Chair: Dr. William Clark

Cindy Lynn Barrett #

Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Microsporidian Spores and the Integrin Binding Loop of the MADAM Protein Are Important for Integrin Signaling and Attachment to Host Cells” Chair: Dr. Russell Hayman

Aaron Samuel Birchfield

Anna Joy Musket #

Kasey Renee Keever

Kristy Lynn Thomas

Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Flavonol Glucosylation: A Structural Investigation of the Flavonol Specific 3-O Glucosyltransferase Cp3GT” Chair: Dr. Cecilia McIntosh Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Effect of Macrophage Expressed a7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (a7nAChR) on Migration of Macrophages During Inflammation” Chair: Dr. Valentin Yakubenko

Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “MET Alterations in Glioblastoma: Characterization of Patient-Derived Xenografts and Therapeutic Strategies” Chair: Dr. Qian Xie Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Investigating the Role of Maternal Adiposity on Human Breast Milk and Preterm Infant Stool Short Chain Fatty Acid and Microbiome Profiles” Chair: Dr. William Andrew Clark

Jyoti Ranjan Behera

Biomedical Sciences Dissertation: “Elucidation of the Role of Avocado WRI1 and WRI2 and Their Ability to Affect Oil Content and Composition When Coexpressed with DGAT1 and PDAT1” Chair: Dr. Aruna Kilaru

BILL GATTON COLLEGE OF PHARMACY Dean: Dr. Debbie Byrd

Baccalaureate Degrees Kate-Lynn S. Garst Pharmacy Studies

Najmeh Hayel-Moghaddam

Pharmacy Studies

 Mackenzie Kay Johnson

Pharmacy Studies

Dottie Smith

Pharmacy Studies

Sarah E. Younce

Pharmacy Studies

Abigail S. Kennedy

Pharmacy Studies

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Thank you College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Dr. Karin Bartoszuk Shella Bennett Molly Bible Queen Brown Rickie Carter Anna Dampf Angela Edwards Fiona Goodyear Dr. Scott Kirkby Dr. Sharon McGee Aaron Pierce Emily Redd Don Rice Alondra Robbins Ethan Spann Jessimine Strauss Thomas VerDow Disability Services Matthew Gilbert Patric Hays Laurel Lefemine Mary Little Emergency Management / Public Safety Jeff Blanton Cesar Gracia Mark Tipton Facilities David Austin Aaron Ayers Laura Bailey Teresa Bailey April Ball Mark Blevins John Bryant

Commencement is the most exciting and anticipated day of the academic year. We greatly appreciate the many individuals who participated in, planned, and coordinated this event.

Tim Burton Chris Cuberson Lance Dugger Jason Ervin Maverick Francis Tisha Harrison Jessica Holder Kim Lewis Joey McNeil Bob Montgomery Sean Morris David Windsor Information Technology Services John Paul Lane Brian Bradley Rob Nelson Marketing and Communications Chad Barrett Romario Briscoe Ron Campbell Preston Cox Amerrica Duggan-Torbert O.J. Early Yasmeen Elayan Jeanette Jewell Vanessa Hawkins Jennifer Hill Rachel Howard Sherry Martinez Barbara Mason Steven May Lindsey Mumpower Melissa Nipper Jonathan Roberts Cody Ryans Fred Sauceman Larry Smith

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Lorraine Vestal Jessica Vodden Charles Warden Parking Services Waymond Babb Vernon Bradley Dana Carufel Mike Murray Sandra Scott Marty Story Drew Baranowski Lisa Booher Office of the Registrar Makayla Arnold Jessica Barrett Dr. Thomas Donohoe Amber Earp Cynthia Edwards Erica Fletcher Stacie Hill Dr. LaDonna Hutchins Nam Le Jessica Miller Jamila Moody Elizabeth Parker Hannah Benfield Rhoades Jennifer Seal Bobbie Wood Rebecca Woodring Sodexo Dining Services Bruce Reed Tracy Mitchel University Events Allison Athon Jennifer Clements Claire Shoun

Academic Regalia The three academic degrees generally recognized are the bachelor’s, the master’s and the doctor’s. The name of each degree seems to have been determined by medieval university custom. The bachelor’s degree, the baccalaureate, takes its name directly from the medieval practice of “bachelors” wearing a garland of bayberries. The master’s degree was equivalent to a license to teach, and sometimes was followed by the express words Licentia Docendi. The doctor’s degree was originally a title of respect and a recognition of great learning. Today the doctor’s degree indicates advanced study and independent research in a specialized field of learning, whereas honorary degrees are granted for meritorious service and for distinction in public or private endeavor. In the medieval university, students and teachers wore gowns indicating their status and scholastic achievement. In 1895, an intercollegiate commission drafted a uniform code for the use of academic caps, gowns and hoods in the United States. This code is followed by approximately 95 percent of all colleges and universities. In 1932 and 1935 the American Council on Education reviewed and refined the American academic costume. Those holding a bachelor’s degree traditionally wear a gown of worsted material, fastened at the top, and distinguished by long pointed sleeves hanging nearly to the knees. The master’s gown, worn open, is made either of worsted or silk, and has long closed sleeves with an arc appearing near the bottom and a slit for the arm near the middle of the sleeves. The doctor’s gown, also worn open, is made of silk, faced with a broad strip of velvet, and has three bars of velvet on each sleeve. A hood may be worn with the gown and is made of the same material. The master’s hood is three and onehalf feet long, faced with a three-inch strip of velvet; the doctor’s hood is four feet long, faced with a fiveinch strip of velvet. The color of the tassel or the velvet strip on the hood indicates the field of study in which the degree was earned or granted, as for example: Agriculture – Maize; Arts, Letters, Humanities – White; Commerce, Accountancy, Business – Drab; Dentistry – Lilac; Economics – Copper; Education – Light Blue; Engineering – Orange; Fine Arts including Architecture – Brown; Forestry – Russet; Journalism – Crimson; Law – Purple; Library Science – Lemon; Medicine – Green; Music – Pink; Nursing – Apricot; Oratory (Speech) – Silver Gray; Pharmacy – Olive Green; Philosophy – Dark Blue; Physical Education – Sage Green; Physical Therapy – Teal; Public Administration including Foreign Service – Peacock Blue; Public Health – Salmon Pink; Science – Golden Yellow; Social Work – Citron; Theology – Scarlet; Veterinary Science – Gray. The appropriate cap for all degrees is the familiar “mortarboard.” A tassel, displaying the color signifying the field of specialization, hanging to the left of the face, is appropriate for all degrees. Those holding a doctor’s degree may wear a soft velvet cap of the color indicating their field of study, or with the “mortarboard” may wear a tassel in whole or in part of gold thread. The Presidential Medallion - The presidential medallion is the traditional symbol of office worn at official functions. The design features a torch symbolizing learning; a wreath, symbol of victory, while the star ruby symbolizes excellence. The Mace - The East Tennessee State University mace is an organic design in forged silver with an ebony handle. The form gives a circular impression, referring to the medieval concept of a heavy armor-breaking club yet losing its warlike appearance by becoming less solid and a more decorative symbol of the university as it encompasses global thinking. A central staff radiates the thrust of the rhythmical branches of the tree of knowledge; the heavier branches representing the well-established disciplines and the more delicate ones the beginnings and growth of the new. The Flag - The flag of East Tennessee State University is of simple conception, yet representative of the rich heritage of the area and the aspirations of the university.

EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

Academic Honors

Students wearing a medallion on a colored ribbon are graduating with honors as follows: White ribbon - cum laude (3.50 – 3.64 GPA) Yellow ribbon - magna cum laude (3.65 – 3.84 GPA) Blue ribbon - summa cum laude (3.85 – 4.00 GPA)

National Honor Societies Alpha Epsilon Delta

Purple and red cords signify membership in Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national health pre-professional honor society dedicated to the encouragement and recognition of excellence in pre-professional health scholarship.

Alpha Sigma Lambda

The cream colored stoles with deep burgundy and antique gold embroidery signify the credo “First in Scholarship and Leadership.” Membership in the Zeta Tau chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda represents the premier national honor society for nontraditional students.

Delta Alpha Pi International

The blue and gold cords signify the participation in the Psi chapter of Delta Alpha Pi, which honors high achieving students with disabilities.

Gamma Beta Phi

The gold sashes signify membership in the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, which emphasizes service, scholarship, and character.

Gamma Sigma Alpha

The cords of red and gold signify membership in Gamma Sigma Alpha and a commitment to leadership, academic achievement, and excellence as core values of fraternities and sororities.

Golden Key International Honour Society

The Golden Key medallion is a round 2” gold sandblast finished medallion with the GK logo attached by a royal blue and gold 30” neck ribbon. The honor stole is a beautiful rich gold satin embroidered material with the GK logo in royal blue. The honor cords have double strands of intertwined royal blue and gold cords with a GK charm attached. The Golden Key regalia signifies membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society and the pillars of academics, leadership, and service for which the society was founded.

Omicron Delta Kappa

The sky blue, black, and white intertwined honor cords signify membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society which recognizes juniors, seniors, and graduate students who exhibit excellence in one or more of the following areas: scholarship, athletics, community service, campus governance, involvement in student organizations/publications, or the performing arts.

Phi Kappa Phi

The blue, gold, and white medallions signify membership in the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which recognizes and encourages superior scholarship in all academic disciplines.

Phi Sigma Pi

The purple and gold sashes signify membership in Phi Sigma Pi, a national co-ed honor fraternity. The fraternity’s purpose is to bring together some of the brightest and most motivated students on campus and work together in a spirit of excellence to encourage the three ideals of scholarship, leadership, and fellowship. 32

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

Sigma Alpha Lambda

The navy, black, and gold intertwined honor cords signify membership in Sigma Alpha Lambda, a national leadership and honors organization, which recognizes and encourages academic achievement, servant leadership, and community service.

Tau Sigma

Cords of burgundy and gold signify membership in Tau Sigma, an academic honor society designed specifically to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students.

College of Arts and Sciences Alpha Psi Omega Lambda Epsilon

The amber and sky blue cords signify membership in the Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, designed to recognize and reward exemplary student participation in theatre.

Kappa Mu Epsilon

The rose pink and silver cords signify membership in the Tennessee Beta Chapter of the Kappa Mu Epsilon national mathematics honor society, which recognizes achievement in and appreciation of mathematics.

Lambda Pi Eta

Graduates who have attained a standard of excellence in the field of communication wear honor cords of red and white to signify their membership in Lambda Pi Eta honor society.

Phi Alpha Theta

The maroon and light blue cords signify membership in Phi Alpha Theta, an American honor society established in 1921 for undergraduate and graduate students and professors of history. The society is a charter member of the Association of College Honor Societies and ETSU’s chapter, Alpha Epsilon Epsilon, was chartered in 1989.

Pi Gamma Mu

The blue and white honor cords signify membership in the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Science, which emphasizes scholarship in the social sciences.

Pi Kappa Lambda

The gold and white honor cords signify membership in the National Music Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, which recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and musicianship.

Pi Sigma Alpha

The red, white, and black honor cords signify membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the Political Science National Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in the study of political science.

Psi Chi

The silver satin stole worn by some psychology graduates signifies membership in Psi Chi, the honor society in psychology.

Sigma Tau Delta

The red and black honor cords signify membership in the Sigma Tau Delta International Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in English scholarship.

College of Business and Technology Beta Alpha Psi

The red and black honor cords signify membership in Beta Alpha Psi, the international honor society for accounting, finance, and information systems.

Beta Gamma Sigma

The blue and gold honor cords signify membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the honor society for schools accredited by AACSB - the International Association for Management Education.

Epsilon Pi Tau

The blue, gold, and white honor cords signify membership in Epsilon Pi Tau, the international honorary for professions in technology.

Upsilon Pi Epsilon

The maroon and white cords signify membership in Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the national honor society for computer science.

College of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences Alpha Eta

The intertwined white and light green honor cords signify the distinction of membership in Alpha Eta, the national honor society for allied health professionals. Alpha Eta members maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater and have evidenced community and professional service and leadership status, reflected in their motto: “Together We Serve.”

Lambda Beta

The blue and green cords and ribbons signify membership in Lambda Beta, the national honor society for the respiratory care profession. Lambda Beta honors scholastic achievement, service, and the character of students, graduates, and faculty members of the respiratory care profession. These graduates represent the top 25 percent of their respiratory class.

Lambda Nu

The maroon and forest green cords signify membership in Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. Lambda Nu fosters academic scholarship at the highest academic levels, promotes research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences, and recognizes exemplary scholarship.

Phi Alpha National Honor Society

The blue and gold medallions signify membership in the Phi Alpha National Honor Society, which recognizes and encourages superior scholarship in social work as well as all other academic disciplines.

Kappa Delta Pi

The violet and jade green twined honor cords with violet tassels signify membership in Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education.

Kappa Omicron Nu

The crimson and cream honor cords signify membership in Kappa Omicron Nu, the national family and consumer sciences honor society.

College of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau

The orchid and white honor cords signify membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing.

Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy Phi Lambda Sigma

The green and gold honor cords signify membership in Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the National Pharmacy Leadership Society. Members of Phi Lambda Sigma are selected by their peers in recognition of service and leadership in the advancement of pharmacy.

Rho Chi

The purple and white honor cords signify membership in Rho Chi, the academic honor society in pharmacy. Membership in Rho Chi is based on academic and professional achievement.

College of Public Health Delta Omega

The black and salmon stoles signify membership in Delta Omega, the national honor society for public health. Membership reflects dedication to quality in the field of public health and to protection and advancement of the health of all people.

Epsilon Nu Eta

The gold, green, and sky blue honor cords signify membership in Epsilon Nu Eta, the national honor society for environmental health majors. ETSU is the founding chapter of Epsilon Nu Eta.

College of Graduate and Continuing Studies Graduate Liberal Studies Programs

The Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs National Honor Society is open to graduate students in liberal studies who have earned a minimum of a 3.75 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and who have demonstrated leadership in the classroom and in the greater community. AGLSP National Honor Society members at ETSU wear honors cords of blue and gold to signify their distinction.

Additional Programs

Sigma Phi Alpha

Access ETSU

Clemmer College of Education and Human Development

Center for Academic Achievement

The purple and gold cords signify membership in Sigma Phi Alpha, the national honor society for the dental hygiene profession. The purpose of Sigma Phi Alpha is to promote, recognize, and honor scholarship, leadership, and service among dental hygiene graduates. These graduates represent the top 10 percent of their dental hygiene class.

Chi Sigma Iota

The royal blue and white twined honor cords signify membership in the Eta Tau Sigma chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, Counseling Honor Society International, which values academic and professional excellence in counseling.

Access ETSU is a two-year, non-degree, inclusive higher education program that provides students who have an intellectual disability with similar college experiences as their same age peers. This experience focuses on the enhancement of academic and career development skills needed for meaningful, competitive, integrated employment. The gold medallions with blue ribbons designate tutors and supplemental instruction (SI) leaders from the Center for Academic Achievement. These graduates were selected based on academic performance, faculty recommendations, and interpersonal skills. Each individual must maintain a 3.0 GPA each semester. After selection and completion of an internationally EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

recognized training program, the tutors and SI leaders work diligently to provide one-on-one and group academic assistance to support the success of their fellow students.

Emerging Leaders Academy

The intertwined royal blue, gold, and silver cords signify completion of The Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy. Based on principles of servant-leadership, the Emerging Leaders Academy serves to identify, encourage, and equip emerging student leaders with the skills, knowledge, and experience to effectively lead at ETSU and beyond.

Expedition Leaders

The gold stoles designate graduates who are members of the Expedition Leader organization through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. After selection through a competitive application and interview process, these leaders work to provide an unforgettable on-campus experience for prospective students and guests through the facilitation of campus tours and events. As an indispensable part of our recruitment team, they must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA, uphold the standards of their contract, and meet specific performance objectives.

EQUIP

The Kelly green cord designates EQUIP, a three-year mentoring program for academically capable students from rural communities who want to attend the Quillen College of Medicine and return to rural communities to practice primary care medicine. Kelly green represents the hood color of a Doctor of Medicine graduate.

Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program

The long stoles of silver designate the Fine and Performing Arts Scholars Program of the ETSU Honors College. These graduates were selected as artistically talented students and have completed a rigorous major or minor in an arts-related field.

Honors-in-Discipline Programs

The bronze medallions on blue and gold ribbons designate the Honors-in-Discipline Programs of the ETSU Honors College. These graduates, selected on the basis of their academic performance, completed a rigorous honors program in their major area of study.

International Regalia

National Residence Hall Honorary

The blue and white cords signify membership in the National Residence Hall Honorary, which recognizes the top one percent of residence hall students who are exemplary residential students in academics, leadership, and service.

National Society of Collegiate Scholars

The burgundy and gold cords signify membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, which recognizes students who earned at least a 3.0 GPA in their first and second years of college. The cord shows that the student is a lifetime member of the NSCS, and is committed to the three pillars of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Pre-Health Living-Learning Community

The gold stoles signify membership in the pre-health livinglearning community, an interdisciplinary undergraduate community focused on the academic, professional, and personal growth of pre-health students.

Physician Assistant Student Organization

The sky blue and royal blue cords signify membership in the Pre-Physician Assistant Student Organization, which promotes academic excellence, compassion, leadership, community service, and professional achievements of pre-physician assistant students.

Preview and Orientation Leader (POLO)

The Preview and Orientation Leader (POLO) emblem is represented on white stoles trimmed in gold. This emblem is a circle of blue surrounded by a laurel wreath. At the center, in a field of white, is a tree, a burning torch, and the ETSU mascot, Bucky. POLO team members represent themselves as leaders to new Buccaneers through transition programming and campus traditions.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC)

Graduates wearing military uniforms participated in ETSU’s ROTC program and are newly commissioned officers of the United States Army. These graduates took on the challenge and seized the opportunity to combine world-class leadership and management training with their academic studies here at ETSU.

Roan Scholars Leadership Program

Stoles depicting the colors and/or flags of different countries represent the home countries of ETSU international graduates or the countries where the graduates have participated in significant study abroad experiences as part of their degree programs.

The purple and gray stoles are representative of the prestigious Roan Scholars Leadership Program founded in 1997. Outstanding student-leaders throughout the region are selected based on exemplary character, leadership, intellectual curiosity, physical vigor, and overall leadership potential.

Interprofessional Education (IPE) Program

Student Veterans of America

Graduates who complete the two-year Interprofessional Education Experience offered through the Academic Health Sciences Center are wearing white cords. This experience focused on the four core domains of Interprofessional Education and Practice – Interprofessional Communication, Interprofessional Values and Ethics, Teams and Teamwork, and Roles and Responsibilities. The white color represents the end result when multiple colors of light (representing each profession involved in the experience) pass through a prism and symbolically blend expertise in the Interprofessional Education Experience.

Midway Honors Scholars Program

The long stoles of ETSU blue with gold embroidery designate the Midway Honors Scholars Program of the ETSU Honors College. These graduates were selected as academically talented students who transferred from other colleges and universities and who have completed programs of academic challenge and performance here at ETSU. 34

COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023

The Student Veterans of America (ETSU Chapter) is a national student organization that recognizes veterans for their service to our country and their continuing excellence in pursuing higher education. The red stoles presented proudly by SVA represent the graduate’s veteran status while attending ETSU. Yesterday’s Warriors, Today’s Scholars, Tomorrow’s Leaders.

University Honors Scholars Program

The long stoles of antique gold with blue embroidery designate graduates of the University Honors Scholars Program of the ETSU Honors College. These graduates, selected on the basis of academic excellence and well-rounded experiences, have participated in a four-year program of academic challenge and performance at ETSU.

Recent Retirees Resie Bell Tax and Revenue Services

Deborah Joyner Office of the Provost

Elaine Boone ETSU at Kingsport Downtown

William Kirkwood Student Services Admin

Cindy Canter Medical Education

Velma Lathrop Office of Sponsored Programs

Myra Carew Nursing Graduate Programs

Jerry Leger Office of Sponsored Programs

Pamela K. Carr Office of Sponsored Programs

Jo Ann Marrs Nursing Graduate Programs

Tina Church Internal Medicine

Donna Metcalf Assoc Dean Student Services

Cherrie Cloyd Sport, Exercise, Recreation and Kinesiology

Hugh Miller III Biology

Martha Conley Medical Library Administration

Kimberly Perry Miller Pediatrics

Ann Marie Cornelison Child Study Little Bucs

Patty Mink Art and Design

Renee Couch Student Housing

Randall Nentrup Nursing Undergraduate Programs

Susan Creek University Career Services

Joe Leonard Robertson Biology

Brenda Estep Nursing Undergraduate Programs

Don Samples College of Clinical & Rehabilitative Health Sciences

Dale Godsey Plant Maintenance and Repairs John Guthrie Power House Operations Karen Heaton Internal Medicine Donald Hoover Biomedical Sciences Mark Jee Environmental Health & Safety

Laura Terry SORC Admin Angela Thompson Biomedical Services Jose Velasco Office of Academic Affairs Susan Waters Media and Communications Elizabeth Wilson Custodial Services

East Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by ETSU. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Compliance Coordinator, PO Box 70271, Johnson City, TN 37614, 423-439-8544. ETSU’s policy on non-discrimination can be found at: etsu.edu/ universitycounsel/compliance. ETSU is an AA/EEO employer. ETSU-ACE-36329-24

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COMMENCEMENT DECEMBER 2023