Morehead State University
Class of 2025 Fall Commencement
Saturday, December 13, 2025
The Program
Fall Commencement
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – 10:30 a.m.
Academic-Athletic Center
The Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
The College of Science and Engineering
The Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology & The Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Processional ......................................
Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar Dr. Nathan Stites, Piano
Special Music ......................................................
National Anthem ..................................................
Mr. Will Young
Ms. Ashley Vela Words by Francis Scott Key Dr. Nathan Stites, Piano Music by John Stafford Smith
Opening of Ceremony .................................... Dr. Michele Paynter Paise Grand Marshal and Mace Bearer
Welcome and Introductions .............................
Dr. Joseph A. (Jay) Morgan President
Introduction of Student Representative ................... Dr. Christopher Schroeder Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Commencement Address ..................................
Ms. Macie Lynn Vanover
Student Representative
Remarks ......................................................... President Morgan
Presentation of Candidates for Degress ............................. Dr. Tim O’Brien Chair of Mathematics and Co-Director of the Quality Enhancement Program
Dr. Nicola Mason
Dean, Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
Dr. Ahmad Zargari Dean, College of Science & Engineering
Dr. Johnathan Nelson
Dean, Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology
Dr. Sylvia Henneberg Dean, Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Conferring of Degrees ............................................ President Morgan
Commissioning of ROTC Officers ............................ MAJ Adam Crawford
Alumni Association Induction ..................................
Mrs. Allison Caudill Vice President for University Advancement
Alma Mater ....................................................
Words by Elwood Kozee (1953)
Music by Betty Jo Whitt (1952)
Mr. Logan Smalley
Dr. Nathan Stites, Piano
Closing of Ceremony ..................................................... Dr. Paise
Recessional ........................................................
Mr. Will Young
Marshals
Grand Marshal and Mace Bearer
Dr. Michele Paynter Paise
Faculty Marshals
Dr. Julia A. Hypes
Dr. Kimberlee Sharp
The University
Administration
Dr. Joseph A. (Jay) Morgan President
Mrs. Allison Caudill
Vice President for University Advancement
Mr. Russell Mast Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Christopher Schroeder Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ms. Mary Fister-Tucker Vice President for Fiscal Services
Dr. Sylvia Henneberg Dean, Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Nicola Mason Dean, Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
Dr. Johnathan K. Nelson Dean, Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology
Dr. Ahmad Zagari Dean, College of Science and Engineering
Dr. Kim Clevenger Interim Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Student Success
Ms. Rhonda Blackburn Pikeville, KY
Mr. Thomas Clem Louisville, KY
Mr. John Holbrook Sandy Hook, KY
Dr. Sanford Holbrook
Mt. Olivet, KY
Board of Regents
Mr. Eric E. Howard Lexington, KY
Mr. Wayne Martin Winchester, KY
Mr. Chris McClurg Lexington, KY
Dr. Joel Pace Morehead, KY
Mr. Craig Preece Debord, KY
Dr. Joyce Stubbs Olive Hill, KY
Mr. Arthur Walker III
Mt. Sterling, KY
Commencement Profiles
Dr. Joseph A. (Jay) Morgan has served as the 14th president of Morehead State University since July 1, 2017. His focus at MSU has been on student success, performance outcomes, academic excellence, as well as university rankings and responsiveness to the region.
Prior to service at MSU, Dr. Morgan served as the statewide chief academic officer and vice president for academic affairs and student success for the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education in Frankfort. Before state-wide service at the Council, Dr. Morgan served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Murray State University, as well as associate provost, university faculty regent, leadership program director, graduate program coordinator, professor, and teacher educator. He also has career service in business and as a high school teacher and coach.
Dr. Morgan holds a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, a B.S. and an M.S. from Murray State University, and completed a graduate track for school superintendent, as well as a certificate in management from Vanderbilt University.
Dr. Morgan served as Board Chair of the Council of Presidents of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference/ Division 1, as well as Board Chair of a football conference, among other boards. He is a former board of trustees member of a medical university, vice chair of a public university board, an economic development board, a bank board, the Kentucky Educational Professional Standards Board administering public school teacher licensing and educational standards, and on several foundation boards and state financial boards. Additionally, his former public service includes four terms as an elected member of a city council, board president of a chamber of commerce, board chair of the United Way, was formerly named Citizen of the Year, is a Rotarian, and has been involved with economic development, banking and other regional initiatives. He has taught, worked and traveled in more than 15 countries for academics, business, research, and development.
Since joining MSU, the University has broken records for private fundraising for scholarships, university graduation rates, grants and contracts, federal appropriations, and foundation endowments, and achieved record highs in U.S. News and World Report rankings and has been elevated to Carnegie Research College & University status. He has led the way for a new science and engineering building, two new residence halls, a new music and business building, a veterinary science building, and major renovations to over ten campus buildings and athletic facilities. His tenure has marked over $300 million in campus facility improvements.
Dr. Morgan notes that MSU is striving to become a Top 10 Regional University in the South by staying focused on student success, and we are well on our way.
Commencement Profiles
Macie Vanover (Class of 2025) of Lexington is the commencement speaker representing the College of Science & Engineering. She is married to Blake Vanover, a senior nursing major from Versailles. She is the daughter of Chad and Tiffany Wilson and the granddaughter of Larry Carter, Linda Carter, and Judy Wilson.
Vanover will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences.
A transfer student from Eastern Kentucky University, she is a member of MSU’s George M. Luckey, Jr. Academic Honors Program and has maintained a 4.0 GPA every year as an undergraduate student.
She served as a Student Alumni Ambassador, working with MSU alumni and assisting with special events. She served as their philanthropy chair. She was also a member of the Pre-PA (Physician Assistant) Club, where she served as president and social media chair.
Vanover also gained extensive experience in the medical field outside of the classroom.
In addition to volunteering on the medical-surgical floor at UK St. Claire hospital in Morehead, she shadowed multiple physician assistants and doctors in internal medicine, family medicine, emergency medicine, and pediatrics from November 2023 to April 2025. Beginning in March 2024, she worked as a patient care associate at UK St. Claire, assigned to multiple units, where she monitored vital signs and assisted patients with daily tasks.
Upon graduation, Vanover will complete the Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of Kentucky.
Candidates for Degrees
Subject to the completion of all curriculum requirements, degrees will be conferred upon those listed herein and upon such others as may meet the graduation requirements. An asterisk represents students who are earning two degrees simultaneously. A double asterisk represents students who are being awarded a degree posthumously.
Graduate Degrees
Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
Candidates for the degree Education Specialist
Brooke Rachelle Lengle Crittenden, KY
Instructional Leadership
Collan Lee McCoy Louisa, KY
Instructional Leadership
Candidates for the degree Master of Arts
Angela Adkins-Dickerson Huntington, WV
Adult and Higher Education
Joshua S. Baldwin Utica, KY
Counseling P-12
Madison Dennis Morehead, KY
Adult and Higher Education
Natalie Reeves Fish Waverly, OH
Counseling P-12
Micah B. Ledford Sellersburg, IN
Adult and Higher Education
Juliana Colleen Smith Elizabethtown, KY
Adult and Higher Education
Caleb Sexton Voiers Tollesboro, KY
Counseling P-12
Candidate for the degree Master of Arts in Education
Hannah Marie Howard Ashland, KY
Teacher Leader English
Candidates for the degree Master of Arts in Teaching
Haley Danielle Arrasmith Mt. Sterling, KY
Spanish
Carrie Abigail Rose Sargent West Liberty, KY
Secondary Mathematics
Ada Bailey Stamps Scottsville, KY
Secondary Earth Science
Paul Lyndon Stepp II Louisa, KY
Middle Grades English/Language Arts
Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology
Candidates for the degree Master of Business Administration
Melissa A. Bishop Paris, KY
Sarah Elizabeth Dearth Central City, KY
Madison Carey Feldhaus Columbus, OH
College of Science and Engineering
Candidates for the degree Master of Science
Bethany Noel Childs Wartburg, TN
Biology
Ethan Alberto Hernandez Paris, KY
Engineering and Technology Management
Candidates for the degree Master of Science in Nursing
Cleve Edward Jackson II Louisa, KY
Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Ally Cathryn Spencer Campton, KY
Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Megan Makenzie Stallard Grayson, KY
Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Courtney L. McKnight Sumner Jackson, KY
Family Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care
Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Candidates for the degree Master of Arts
Dakota James Hill Cynthiana, KY Communication
Sharday Myhand Harvey, IL General Sociology
Kristen Reed Morehead, KY Communication
Hannah Nicole Tollison Elizabethtown, KY English
Candidates for the degree Master of Music
Ethan Nicholas Wood Smithfield, KY Music Performance
Candidates for the degree Master of Public Administration
Kellsey Burns Frankfort, KY
Savannah Raye Jackson Morehead, KY
Undergraduate Degrees
Brian Todd Phillips West Liberty, KY
Kayla Marie Stamm Wallingford, KY
Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Arts
Kayson C. Adkins Chesapeake, OH Social Studies, Teaching
Haylee Marie Albert Ashland, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Daisy Laurel Aldridge Ashland, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Isabella Grace Allen Ligon, KY Middle Grades 5-9
Loren Marie Boggs Isom, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Raven Nicole Clay Russell, KY Community Support Services
Lindsay T. Cochran Hagerhill, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Cloe M. Copas
Washington Court House, OH
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Bryson Daniel Crank Mt. Sterling, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Harley Marie Crider Prestonsburg, KY Middle Grades 5-9
Kristina Ann Curtis Hillsboro, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Sophia Belle Eldridge Blackey, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Destiny Brooke Glass Carlisle, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Sydney Lane Hancock Wheelersburg, OH
Middle Grades 5-9
Makaela Rose Haney Flatwoods, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Anthony François Michel Tibault Horn Pewee Valley, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Emily Daye Humphries Flemingsburg, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Taelyn Elizabeth Johnson Vanceburg, KY
Moderate and Severe Disabilities and P-5
Delaina Grace Lovin Ashland, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Hannah Grace Muncy Inez, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Sarah Hope Rudd Jackson, KY
Community Support Services
Kaitlyn Paige Russell Salyersville, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and P-5
Connor Auxier Spradlin
Flat Gap, KY
Middle Grades 5-9
Raegan Caroline Stepp Berea, KY
Learning and Behavior Disorders and 5-9
Emma Stamper VanHoose Paintsville, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Erikah Mackenzie Voll Salyersville, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Summer Nicole Young Louisville, KY
Early Elementary P-5
Elmer R. Smith College of Business and Technology
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Arts
Matthew Conrad Libertyville, IL
Sport Management
Marshall James Roy Merrimack, NH
Sport Management
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Business Administration
America Brook Adams Frenchburg, KY
General Management
Oliver Johnathan Aguilar Florence, KY
General Management
Dalton Christian Arwood
Ashland, KY
General Business
Dawson Shane Baker
Clay City, KY
General Management
Jackson Kole Benjamin Los Gatos, CA
General Management
Joshua Brady Branham Ashland, KY
Marketing
Haley Alexandra Butcher West Union, OH
Marketing
Michael Bryce Butler
Mt. Sterling, KY
Finance
Daniel Joseph Carr Flemingsburg, KY
General Management
Lyndsey Brooke Childers Pikeville, KY
Accounting
James Braden Clark Ewing, KY
Accounting
Robert Conley
Owingsville, KY
Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Brayson Stuart Cook West Liberty, KY
Accounting
William Michael Cook Paintsville, KY Health Care Management
Madison McIntyre Denniston
Mt. Sterling, KY
General Management
Alexa Gianna Dibenedetto
Hauppauge, NY
General Management
Maleah Brooke Duhl
Wellston, OH
Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Abbigail McKinsey Edwards Somerset, KY
Health Care Management
Anna Brooke Garrison Cynthiana, KY
Marketing
Emily Scarlett Hatfield Morehead, KY
General Business
Abbey Leigh Howard Whitesburg, KY
Marketing
Erika Paige Johnson Virgie, KY
Marketing
Tera Nicole Kaplon West Liberty, KY
Accounting
Tanner Jack Keith Jackson, KY
General Management
Caden Keith McClelland Russell, KY
Accounting
Logan Patrick Sparks Clay City, KY
General Management
Taylor Ray Sparks Flatwoods, KY
Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship
Nelson Wade Sturgill Paintsville, KY
Marketing
Ashley Dawn Thompson Mt. Sterling, KY
Marketing
Andrew J. Thurman Vanceburg, KY
Accounting
Ryan Allen Upp Leesburg, VA
General Business
Shelby Larissa Wallace Maysville, KY
General Management
Wade Brian White II Versailles, KY
Finance
Mara Paige Wilson Barbourville, KY
Marketing
Ethan Tyler Wright East Point, KY
Accounting
Colton Layne Young Stanton, KY
General Management
Candidates for the degree Associate of Applied Science
Camren Anthony Muncy Ashland, KY
Business Studies
College of Science and Engineering
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Arts
Avery Elaine Hall Grayson, KY
Health Promotion
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science
Terra Ann Adams Hazard, KY
Veterinary Science
Jaber Almarri Buqayq, Saudi Arabia
Engineering and Technology
Management - Engineering Management
Karis Faith Applegate Maysville, KY
Exercise Science
Kylee Danielle Atkins Lawrenceburg, KY
Equine Science
Lillian Cashae Baker Flowood, MS
Biomedical Sciences
Camryn Isaiah Banbel West Liberty, KY
Computer Science
James Wayne Bandy Vine Grove, KY
Computer Science
Amelia Rae Beckley Nicholasville, KY
Animal Science
Jessie Alison Begley Somerset, KY
Biomedical Sciences
Kaitlyn Marie Beyer
Alexandria, KY
Animal Science
Logan Tanner Blair Willows, CA
Exercise Science
Olivia Rose Blatt Athens, OH
Neuroscience
Donavon James Blevins Hillsboro, KY
Computer Science
Savanna Rae Booten Sidney, KY
Computer Science
Autumn Briann Bowman Morehead, KY
Psychology
Caleb Grant Bradley Raceland, KY
Exercise Science
Austin Wayne Caldwell Owenton, KY
Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering Technology
Jacob Vaughn Caldwell Ashland, KY
Engineering and Technology
Management - Engineering
Management
Joseph Stephen Cannedy
Zionsville, IN
Agribusiness
Hannah Claire Cantrill
Paintsville, KY
Exercise Science
Britton Leigh Carr
Lexington, KY
Biomedical Sciences
William Graham Cartmell
Pikeville, KY
Engineering and Technology Management - Engineering Management
Nicholas J. Chrest
Houston, TX
Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology
Hayden Lee Clark
Carlisle, KY
Electronics and Computer Engineering
Technology
Brayden Chase Combs
Prestonsburg, KY
Exercise Science
Devin Virginia Covert
Cynthiana, KY
Veterinary Science
Trevon C. Curtis
Winchester, KY
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
Justin Lee Delph
Rabbit Hash, KY
Agronomy
Matthew Todd Dials
Inez, KY
Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology
Brooke Elizabeth Dunaway Berry, KY
Agribusiness
Shelby Dee Easter
Portsmouth, OH
Exercise Science
Darian Marie Fitzpatrick
Georgetown, KY Animal Science
Shyanne Jo Floyd
Monticello, KY Biology
James Thomas Frazier Mt. Sterling, KY
Computer Science - Cybersecurity
Grant Timothy Goodman Louisville, KY
Exercise Science
Ambrose J. Groce
Morehead, KY
Computer ScienceComputer Engineering
Robert Braden Hale
Ashland, KY
Psychology
Laura Hall
Prestonsburg, KY
Engineering and Technology Management - Information Systems
William Michael Hazlett
Winchester, KY
Computer Science - Data Science
Kayla Shea Hefner
Bridgeport, WV
Biomedical Sciences
Olivia Soleil Heindrichs
Grand Rapids, MI
Biomedical Sciences
Derek Christopher Hensley Hatfield, KY
General Agriculture
Johnathan Don Hensley
Salyersville, KY
Computer Science - Advanced Topics
Dalton Blake Holbrook Jackson, KY Agronomy
Benjamin Charles Houston Versailles, KY
Engineering and Technology Management - Engineering Management
McKenley Kade Hurley Pikeville, KY
Psychology
Joshua Luke Hyden Prestonsburg, KY
Exercise Science
Brack Eugene Jewell Jackson, KY
Engineering and Technology Management - Technology Management
James David Johnson Inez, KY
Computer Science
Landon Tyler Douglas Jones Minford, OH
Computer ScienceComputer Engineering
Crecie Gail Kelly
Hillsboro, KY
Biological Sciences - MSU Teach
Jacob G. Lawson
Wellington, KY
Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology
Edward Gerard Lentz La Grange, KY
Physics - Mechanical Engineering
Kennedy Arvon Little* Lexington, KY Agribusiness
Victoria S. Long Waynesburg, KY Animal Science
Amelia Lynne Lybarger Jeffersonville, KY Psychology
Brooke Marcum Liberty, IN Agribusiness
Lauren Carmen Marks Star, ID
Veterinary Science
Debrah Nevaeh Mayse Campton, KY
Exercise Science
Lillian Cordelia McManama Union, KY
Biomedical Sciences
Emma Ruth Miller Corinth, KY Horticulture
George Austin Montgomery Louisville, KY
Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering Technology
Chase Andrew Morgan Ashland, KY
Computer ScienceComputer Engineering
Emilee Rheya Nash
Mt. Vernon, KY
Mathematics - MSU Teach
Aden Bryce Nichols
Olive Hill, KY
Exercise Science
Jayme Elizabeth Parks
Hazel Green, KY
General Agriculture
Jubilee Ann Piersall-Neal
Mt. Sterling, KY
Psychology
Jordan Brooke Porter
Olive Hill, KY
Exercise Science
Kiya Jaclyn Michelle Rains
Brookville, IN
Veterinary Science
Nathan D. Raschella
Georgetown, KY
Engineering and Technology
Management - Information Systems
Morgan B. Reed
Owingsville, KY
Animal Science
Chelsea Victoria Reynolds
Prestonsburg, KY
Exercise Science
Lydia Beth Riddell
North Bend, OH
Psychology
Tristan Matthew Robertson
Louisa, KY
Exercise Science
Jason Willis Rohr
Paintsville, KY
Engineering and Technology
Management - Information Systems
John Thomas Self
Crestwood, KY
Exercise Science
Thomas W. Skaggs Mt. Carmel, KY
Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering Technology
Seaanna G. Skinner Paris, KY Agronomy
Gabriel Miles Smith Westchester, NY
Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering Technology
Billie Sneed Maysville, KY
Veterinary Science
Elaina Rose Thibeault Knoxville, TN
General Agriculture
Clara Elizabeth Toy Rogers Owingsville, KY
Biomedical Sciences
Marissa Trowbridge Minford, OH
Psychology
Cory A. VanHoose Paintsville, KY
Mathematics - MSU Teach
Macie Lynn Vanover Lexington, KY Biomedical Sciences
Rosa Villasana Mt. Sterling, KY
Exercise Science
Hannah E. Weatherly Monticello, KY
Veterinary Science
Jake Wenz Maysville, KY
Computer Science
Cassandra Westwood
Pittsburgh, PA
Psychology
Nicholas Kent Whitaker Madison, IN
Agribusiness
Zachary Ryan Williamson Crestwood, KY
Computer Science
Logan Avery Wong Modesto, CA
Construction Management & Civil Engineering Technology
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Lauren Faith Bradley Louisa, KY
Caleb Andrew Campbell Flatwoods, KY
Nerisia Ngum Che Frankfort, KY
Catherine Noelle Cox Carlisle, KY
Kylah Grace Cropper Flemingsburg, KY
Renan Evan Dobbs Monticello, KY
Audrey Elise Evans Morehead, KY
Hope Joelle Harris Ashland, KY
Meredith Breann Hennion Park City, KY
Zoe Ashlynn Holbrook Slemp, KY
Miranda Kirchbaum Ewing, KY
Amy Lynn McGimsey Louisville, KY
Allie Danielle McGinnis Salyersville, KY
Madeline Shelby Miles Butler, KY
Robie Blaine Mullins Cynthiana, KY
Trinity Paige Ritchie Stanton, KY
Madelyn Robinson Paintsville, KY
Tess Diana Ruehrmund Cardington, OH
Jasmine Kalei Wellman Morehead, KY
Mary Wilson Garden Grove, CA
Candidates for the degree Associate of Applied Science
Kayla Eileen Bradley Olive Hill, KY
Nursing
Kamaya Hope Breeding Neon, KY
Nursing
Lydia Claire Bruder Lexington, KY
Nursing
Madison Brooke Canter Jenkins, KY
Nursing
Kelly Erann Cole
Mt. Sterling, KY
Nursing
Natalie Shae Collins Louisa, KY
Nursing
Emily Grace Crouch
Owingsville, KY
Nursing
Allison Brooke Cummins
Lawrenceburg, KY
Nursing
Emily Danielle Curtis
Brooksville, KY
Nursing
Candace Marie Fulks
West Liberty, KY
Nursing
Dakota Kane Gibson
Whitesburg, KY
Nursing
Dallas Harris
Corbin, KY
Respiratory Care
Cordell Tray Howard West Liberty, KY
Electronics and Computer Engineering
Technology
Cheyanne Jarvis Allen, KY
Nursing
Jennifer Renee Kelly Grayson, KY
Nursing
Victoria Charlotte Kersey Louisville, KY
Respiratory Care
Whitney Elizabeth New Louisa, KY
Nursing
Kara Lashea Parks Louisa, KY
Respiratory Care
Haley Ann Rademachir West Liberty, KY Respiratory Care
Isabella Marie Ramsey Greenup, KY
Nursing
Kelsey Taylor Ruth Winchester, KY
Nursing
Jadelyn Mae Slone* Frenchburg, KY
Nursing
James Kyle Stakelin West Liberty, KY
Nursing
Sarah Mae Thorpe Stanton, KY
Nursing
Caudill College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Arts
Walker Riley Anderson
Lexington, SC
History
Isabella Grace Anderson Huseman
Campbell Hill, IL
History
Vincent Vincel James Anthony Louisville, KY
Media Production & Journalism
James Jackson Bond
Olive Hill, KY
Strategic Communication
Kaya Layne Bowman Flatwoods, KY
English Teaching 8-12
Katherine Sue Childress
Millersburg, KY
English
Timera Elizabeth Dobbins
Nashville, TN
Media Production & Journalism
Lisa J. Griffith
Olive Hill, KY
English Teaching 8-12
Kassie Jade Grimes Ewing, KY
Legal Studies
Christy Mashay Hall Banner, KY
Media Production & Journalism
Caleb William Hoppe Independence, KY
Theatre
Nazari Aliyah Jackson Forsyth, GA
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Katelynn Mayrea Jennings
Oklahoma City, OK
Music - General
Faith Susanne Johnson
Robinson Creek, KY
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Christina Dean Lee Lambert
Morehead, KY
History
Mackenzie Paige Lee Franklin, TN
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Tessa Elizabeth Leibee
Ashland, KY
English Teaching 8-12
Kennedy Arvon Little*
Lexington, KY
Legal Studies
Abigail Hannah Morgan
Cold Spring, KY
Art Teaching P-12
Haruna Nebu
Niigata, Japan
Media Production & Journalism
Makenlee F. Norris
Brooksville, KY
Sociology and Social Justice
Jordan Maryn Orcutt*
Olive Hill, KY
English
Catherine Eileen Pearce
Burlington, KY
Media Production & Journalism
Sydney Grace Releford
Campton, KY
Media Production & Journalism
Timothy Crowley Scully III
Lexington, KY
Strategic Communication
Arwen Raine Sergent Mayking, KY
Public History
Serenity Smith Grayson, KY
English
Audrey Faith Tackett Grayson, KY
English
Kenley Joy Taulbee West Liberty, KY
Sociology and Social Justice
Danielle Emily Vigil Yorktown, VA
Media Production & Journalism
Khader Yasin Hollister, CA
Sociology and Social Justice
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Fine Arts
Sarah Catherine Crady Crestwood, KY
Creative Writing
Jordan Maryn Orcutt* Olive Hill, KY
Art
Haylee Denise Wasson Winchester, KY
Art Teaching P-12
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of Social Work
Brooklyn Ashcraft Mt. Sterling, KY
Hannah N. Baldwin Grayson, KY
Hanna Beth Cooper South Shore, KY
Joshua Matthew Croucher Frankfort, KY
Abigail Leeann Finlayson Jeffersonville, KY
Karlie Brooke Fleeman Kitts Hill, OH
Kristy Ann Grant Paris, KY
MacKenzie Lee Madeline Gussler Ashland, KY
Tabitha Shantae Houston Ashland, KY
Carmen Macie Inskeep Olive Hill, KY
Hannah Charlene Jones Harlan, KY
Thomas Wayne Keeton Grayson, KY
Jaiden Elise McKenzie Frenchburg, KY
Jennifer McWhorter Ashland, KY
Cori N. Miller Winchester, KY
James Allen Pauley-Barker Louisa, KY
Morgan Elizabeth Sexton Morehead, KY
Sherri Lynn Yarbrough-Metts Winchester, KY
Earl Steven Young Catlettsburg, KY
Candidates for the degree Bachelor of University Studies
Belinda Mae Adams Hazard, KY
Sarah McKenzie Canel Allison Cynthiana, KY
Zakaria Kareem Attoussi Murfreesboro, TN
Larry Edward Deaton Hazard, KY
Dallas James Duncan New Richmond, OH
William Ryan Farley Worthington, KY
Mickey Dewayne Gilley Shelbiana, KY
Beth Ann Horne Paintsville, KY
Adison Paige Maggard Mallie, KY
Hunter J. Mancino Independence, KY
Michael C. Marcus Grayson, KY
Julian Paul Melancon Lafayette, LA
Brooklyn Ann Minix Morehead, KY
Zaria Moore Louisa, KY
Krystal Janelle Mullins-Chapman Frenchburg, KY
Sydney Allyn Newsome Howell Teaberry, KY
Anthony T. Ravizee Sr. Lynch, KY
Andrew Keith Royster Frankfort, KY
Jadelyn Mae Slone* Frenchburg, KY
Amber Dawn Zoe Sparks Morehead, KY
Sarah Jo Vaske Elsmere, KY
Shamae Nickole White Ashland, KY
Spencer Bailey Wills Ashland, KY
Candidates for the degree Associate of Arts
Quindarius Deonta Armond
Laurel, MS
University Studies
Nodin Ray Haight
Morehead, KY
University Studies
Jonathan Ray Michael Lacy Morehead, KY
University Studies
Peyton Kennedy Lacy Morehead, KY
University Studies
Caleen Lee’sha Treadway Sharpsburg, KY
University Studies
Elizabeth Marie Willoughby Owingsville, KY
University Studies
This concludes the ceremony.
Honors Program Graduate
Danielle Emily Vigil
ROTC Commissioned Officers
William Michael Cook
Tristan Matthew Robertson
Mary Wilson
Nicholas Kent Whitaker
The University Mace
The practice of carrying a mace in academic processions dates to medieval times in England when a person bearing a mace, a formidable weapon, walked in front of the highest-ranking official as they entered & departed ceremonial occasions, to protect him or her from personal injury.
As adapted by European & American universities, the mace has become a symbol of office to the institution’s president & is carried by a distinguished member of the faculty. At Morehead State, the joint office of faculty grand marshal & mace bearer is held by the current recipient of the Distinguished Teacher Award.
The mace of Morehead State University was fashioned from Eastern Kentucky walnut in 1984 by John S. VanHoose, a retired faculty member from the Department of Industrial Education & Technology.
Academic Honors - Baccalaureate Degree
Summa Cum Laude - With highest honors
Magna Cum Laude - With great honors
Cum Laude - With honors
Academic Honors - Associate Degree
Distinction - With distinction
Academic Costumes
The academic regalia worn at commencement is a custom dating back to the Middle Ages. It was brought to this country during the colonial period. With the increase in the number of educational institutions & the development of new subject-matter fields, a group of American college & university representatives met in 1895 to establish a uniform system of academic apparel for this country. This led to the establishment of an “Intercollegiate Code of Academic Costume.” The American Council on Education formed a committee in 1932 to review the 1895 code, & it was again reviewed & revised in 1959.
All candidates for degrees & those who hold degrees, including university officials, faculty & visiting dignitaries, are attired in traditional cap & gown. Recipients of the associate degree & the bachelor’s degree wear black gowns & caps, & recipients of master’s, specialist & doctoral degrees wear black gowns & caps with hoods of various colors.
Bachelors’ gowns are designed with pointed sleeves. Masters’ gowns have long, extended sleeves, & doctoral gowns have bell sleeves with panels of velvet down the front & three bars of velvet across each sleeve.
The mortar board or cap is the headpiece most often worn at American universities for commencement ceremonies. Degree candidates wear tassels falling from the right quarter of the board, while graduates wear the tassel on the left. Tassels are usually black for bachelor’s & master’s degrees, & gold for doctorates.
The most significant part of the academic dress is the hood. The hood is worn falling from the shoulders, down the back of the gown in a display of vivid color. The hood is edged in velvet which by its color denotes the academic discipline in which the wearer’s degree was earned, & it is lined with the color(s) of the institution granting the degree. Colors used by Morehead State University graduates are:
Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education – Light Blue College of Science & Engineering – Gold
Elmer R. Smith College of Business & Technology – Drab Caudill College of Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences – White
Nondiscrimination Statement
Morehead State University is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, and armed forces service medal veterans, disability, or social or political viewpoint in its educational programs, services, activities, employment policies, and admission of students to any program of study. The University condemns religious and ethnic discrimination, including discriminatory acts based on antisemitism. The University is committed to intellectual diversity and viewpoint neutrality. In this regard the University conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities. This includes: Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Equal Pay Act of 1963, Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Kentucky Revised Statutes 207.130 to 207.240; Chapter 344; Kentucky Senate Joint Resolution 55; and other applicable statutes. Vocational educational programs at Morehead State University supported by federal funds include industrial education, vocational agriculture, business education, and the associate degree program in nursing. Any inquiries should be addressed to: General Counsel, Morehead State University, 305 Howell-McDowell Administration Building, Morehead, KY 40351, 606-783-2053.
Safety Notices
To ensure your safety during today’s ceremony, please take note of the following:
1. Smoking, vaping, lighters, and open flames are not permitted in the arena at any time.
2. Locate your nearest exit. In the unlikely event of an emergency, follow the directions of the event staff and ushers. Do not follow the police, they will be going to the scene of the emergency. You will be directed to a safe area away from the arena.
Alma Mater
(The audience is invited to participate.)
Far above the rolling campus, Resting in the dale, Stands the dear old Alma Mater We will always hail. Shout in chorus, raise your voices, Blue and Gold - praise you. Winning through to fame and glory, Dear old M-S-U.