SAMFORD UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT
MAY 2-3, 2025
Samford University
Samford is one of the country’s leading Christian universities and offers undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools.
Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th–oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. As part of the College Pulse Survey for 2025, The Wall Street Journal ranked Samford University in three top-10 national rankings. Samford ranked #2 in the nation for the character development of its students, #8 in the nation for the quality of career preparation provided to its students and #10 in the nation for being a most highly recommended college or university.
Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference, and the university is ranked with the second highest percentage in nation among all NCAA Division I universities for its Graduation Success Rate
Samford’s 57,966 alumni living in all 50 states and 65 foreign countries have included more than 60 members of the U.S. Congress, eight state governors, two U.S. Supreme Court justices, one Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy awardwinning artists, two national championship football coaches and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes.
Please silence watches and cellular phones. Emergency assistance during the service is available in the lobby.
This listing of degree candidates is for ceremonial purposes only and is in no way to be considered an official listing of actual graduates.
Samford University welcomes Daniel B. Coleman, 16th president of Birmingham-Southern College as our honored guest to congratulate seniors who transferred to Samford under the special teach-out agreement. Birmingham-Southern was a leading liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church that served Alabama from 1856 until 2024. Former Birmingham-Southern students are wearing special stoles that acknowledge and celebrate the rich history of the college.
Congratulations
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. The commencement ceremony is the pinnacle of the academic year. All our work and effort at Samford leads to this moment. We rejoice in the fulfillment of our institutional mission and honor the beginning of a new era in the life of each graduate.
This ceremony continues our tradition that stretches to Samford’s founding in 1841 as Howard College in Marion, Alabama. Over the past 183 years, Samford has granted thousands of degrees. Today, these graduates join the nearly 58,000 living alumni serving around the world. We take pride in their hours of study and preparation required to earn their academic degrees. We recognize the enormous sacrifice of the students and their families, the excellent work of faculty and staff, and the dedication of so many who provide the financial support necessary to build and sustain a great Christ-centered university.
All of us at Samford are especially grateful to those who have loved and supported these graduates. We welcome each of you into the fellowship of our extended Samford University family as we celebrate this very special day. Congratulations to the Class of 2025. We have given you our best, and we will hold you in our hearts until we meet again.
Sincerely,
Beck A. Taylor, PhD President
University Mace
There are two maces used at commencement. The oldest mace is from the 1970s, made from wood, and represents the founding of Samford University. It contains a medallion used in past university presidents’ inauguration ceremonies.
The new mace—constructed of silver and ebony—comprises eight elements that symbolize Samford’s history and tradition as a Christian university. A simple cross resides at the top of the instrument. Beneath the cross, silver bands embrace a Lucite sphere embedding a computer chip containing the entire Bible, linking the high-tech world with the timeless biblical Word. A likeness of columns, reflective of Samford’s Georgian Colonial architecture, bears the university motto, "For God. For learning. Forever." A decahedron follows bearing the university seal, logo and historical scenes. A globe symbolizes Samford’s international mission as an educational institution devoted to world awareness and ministry. Below the globe, a cylinder encases actual soil from Samford’s four campuses (two in Marion, Alabama, and two in Birmingham). The cylinder bears the Shema (“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One”). Extending to the bottom of the mace is an ebony wood shaft inlaid with silver plates bearing the names of Samford presidents. The mace rests on an acorn base, reflective of Sherman Oak, symbol of the East Lake campus, and of the fact that sturdy, strong lives spring from humble beginnings.
The mace is borne by a faculty representative at the head of all university academic processions as an ensign of authority. To be the mace bearer is an honor extended to faculty who have won teaching awards or who have been recommended for this honor by the dean of their college.
Commencement Honors
Honors at Samford University are awarded on the basis of all academic work taken at Samford University. Students who earn at least 70 credits at Samford and a grade point average (calculated on all work done at Samford University) of 3.500 through 3.749 are graduated cum laude; of 3.750 through 3.899 are graduated magna cum laude; and 3.900 through 4.000 are graduated summa cum laude. Latin honors announced at commencement are not official; they are subject to change once grading is completed.
Upon recommendation of the faculty, a candidate for a JD may be awarded the degree cum laude if the student’s grade point average at the law school ranks the student in the top 15% of the graduating class. A candidate whose grade point average at the law school ranks the student in the top 5% of the graduating class may be awarded a JD magna cum laude. A candidate whose grade point average at the law school ranks the student in the top 1% of the graduating class, but no less than two students, may be awarded a JD summa cum laude.
Undergraduates receiving a degree designated “University Fellows” have completed the rigorous university honors program, which requires a two-year interdisciplinary core curriculum, and provides opportunities for international study and academic enrichment. As a result, this degree
recognizes exemplary academic achievement. These students may also qualify for summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude designations.
Academic Dress
The formal academic dress worn today originated in the Middle Ages and is modeled after the gowns used at Cambridge University and Oxford University in England. Until the Civil War, American university students usually wore their gowns to class each day. Now, gowns are typically worn only at commencement.
In general, the gown indicates the level of the highest degree held: for bachelor’s degrees, the navy gown with flowing, pointed sleeves; for master’s degrees, the black gown with sleeves slit midway for the arms and the sleeve bottom closed flat with a semicircle cut in the side; for doctoral degrees, the flowing robe with sleeves closed at the wrist, decorated with chevrons of velvet, most often black on black, but occasionally with chevrons of another color indicating the general field of study. Occasionally, the entire robe is of another, universityspecific color.
Gonfalons
In May 2016, Samford University introduced new gonfalons, the ceremonial flags that serve as a symbol of each college and school that compose Samford University. The gonfalons, hand-stitched by the New England Flag and Banner Company, are displayed only at university commencement.
The history of gonfalons goes back to the time of ancient Rome. Roman armies used them to identify military units and were symbols of pride. In medieval Europe, gonfalons served important purposes in commerce. Most people could not read, so gonfalons served to advertise businesses. Different colors and symbols on the flags denoted what each business had to offer. In Renaissance Italy, gonfalons were used in religious processions and were often adorned with pictures of the life of Christ or of the saints. Trade guilds and city-states used them much as we use national flags today.
Today, colleges and universities mark occasions of special significance with gonfalons. They are a reminder of both the solemnness and the celebratory nature of commencement.
Speakers
MEGAN R. MILESKI PHD, RN / COLLEGE
OF HEALTH SCIENCES
MEGAN MILESKI, PHD, RN is an associate professor in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing at Samford University, where she has been a full-time faculty member since 2012. She plays a pivotal role in undergraduate nursing education, preparing future nurses for the challenges of clinical practice. Before joining academia, Mileski dedicated 15 years to labor and delivery nursing at UAB Hospital, where she gained extensive hands-on experience in high-risk obstetric care, antepartum management, and prenatal education. Her time at UAB shaped her expertise in maternal-newborn health and fueled her passion for improving outcomes in obstetric nursing.
Mileski holds a PhD in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and she earned both a Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Samford University. She is recognized for her expertise in labor and delivery, electronic fetal monitoring, and the transition of new graduate nurses into professional practice.
Her research is focused on critical issues such as maternal and infant
mortality, with a particular emphasis on disparities affecting African American women. Additionally, she investigates strategies to enhance the readiness of undergraduate nursing students for clinical practice. She has published and presented extensively on these topics at local, national and international conferences.
Mileski is an active leader in the nursing community, holding memberships in professional organizations such as the National and Alabama Leagues for Nursing and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses, where she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Alabama Section Chair. She is also a dedicated member of the Samford campus community, serving as a faculty adviser for Chi Omega sorority and engaging in initiatives through the Office of Greek Life.
Outside of her professional commitments, Mileski enjoys cooking, reading and traveling. She is married to Chris, and they have three children, two of whom are current Samford students.
Speakers
PHILIP G. RYKEN is the eighth president of Wheaton College. A Wheaton native and the son of longtime professor Leland Ryken and Mary Graham Ryken, Ryken attended Wheaton as an undergraduate, majoring in English literature and philosophy. He met his wife Lisa during their first few days at the college, and they were married before their senior year. The Rykens have five children and two granddaughters. Ryken earned a Master of Divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary and a doctorate in historical theology from the University of Oxford. He preached at Philadelphia’s historic 10th Presbyterian Church from 1995 until his
appointment at Wheaton in 2010. Ryken has published more than 50 books, including The Message of Salvation (InterVarsity, 2001), Art for God’s Sake (P&R, 2006), Beauty is Your Destiny (Crossway, 2023), I Have My Doubts (Crossway, 2024), and expository commentaries on Exodus, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Jeremiah, Luke, Galatians, and other books of the Bible. He has served as a board member with Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Gospel Coalition, the Lausanne Movement and the National Association of Evangelicals.
PHILIP G. RYKEN / BEESON DIVINITY SCHOOL
Speakers
CLARA E. GERHARDT, MBA, PHD / BROCK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ORLEAN BEESON SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
CLARA GERHARDT is a Distinguished Beeson Professor at Samford University. She is also the character scholar in residence for Orlean Beeson School of Education. Professionally she is dually licensed as a clinical psychologist and a marriage and family therapist. She is a prolific author with five books to her name, including titles on family dynamics and parenting. Her publications comprise numerous book chapters, over a dozen lengthy encyclopedia entries, 140+ articles and commentaries in the popular press and a regular column for the National Council on Family Relations.
Areas of expertise in education focus on infusing principles of character into the curriculum, psychological dimensions of
teaching/learning relationships, creativity and group dynamics in the classroom. She has been an international guest professor and presented workshops on five continents. In leadership roles, she served as department chair and as chair of the State Board of Examiners in Psychology. For this service to the people of Alabama, she twice received The Governor of the State of Alabama Certificate of Appreciation. She is the product of three continents, speaks five languages fluently, and has traveled extensively. Gerhardt found her true academic home when she first joined the Samford family in 1994, followed by a full-time appointment in 1998.
Speakers
SHARON L. LAWHON / HOWARD COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES, SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
SHARON LEDING LAWHON is a professor of music specializing in teaching voice at Samford University, where she has been a faculty member since 1994. Lawhon teaches applied voice and conducts the University Chorale. Before her tenure at Samford, she served on the voice faculty at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentucky Governor's School, and Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana.
In addition to her teaching at Samford, she has been a frequent visiting professor at the Department of the Russian Evangelical Christian Baptists Union Bible College in Moscow, Russia, and has taught at various Chinese Christian Church Music Institutes held in California, Canada, New York and Kentucky. In recognition of her teaching excellence, Lawhon received the George Macon Memorial Teaching Award from Samford in January 2006.
As a soprano, she has performed both nationally and internationally, participating in oratorios, operas, concerts and recitals. Her repertoire includes solo roles in works like Handel's Messiah,
Haydn's Creation, Brahm’s Requiem, and Fauré's Requiem. Some of memorable opera roles include the mother in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors and Miss Todd in Menotti’s Old Maid and the Thief. Notably, James Jenson, a former faculty member at Samford, composed The New Yorker Songs specifically for her, which she performed at Samford and during a composer showcase in Miami, Florida.
Lawhon earned a Doctor of Musical Arts with a major in voice performance from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, where she also served as a graduate teaching assistant, instructing courses in various vocal techniques. Her advanced studies continued at Indiana University, Bloomington, under the guidance of acclaimed operatic soprano Virginia Zeani. A master's degree in church music with a concentration in voice performance complements Lawhon’s rich academic background, along with honors award certificates in voice and pedagogy. Her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance was earned at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Speakers
KRISTEN C. JOHNSTON / COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
KRISTEN JOHNSTON, DNP, FNP-BC,
COI, AE-C is an associate professor in Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing at Samford University. Johnston earned her ASN, BSN and MSN from Samford University and her DNP from Troy University. She is a family nurse practitioner and certified asthma educator. Johnston has over 25 years of experience working with vulnerable populations, treating many patients with acute and chronic conditions. She began teaching at Samford nine years ago and continues to care for patients. Johnston and her dear friend, who is a Samford colleague, started a free mental health clinic at their church where they are active in clinical practice with patients who are experiencing health inequities and mental health concerns. She loves teaching students how to love and care for vulnerable populations, seeing them as bearers of God’s image.
She was appointed to the Alabama Board of Respiratory Therapy and is a former Mann Fellow. Johnston is
currently in the second year of the Christian Teacher Scholar Program. She has published and presented on the topics of interprofessional work with virtual asthma camps, stress in parents of children with chronic health care needs, creation of a mental health clinic, and human trafficking. Her time at Samford University as a student and later faculty have been some of her most rewarding days of growth and joy. She and her husband Latta attended Samford together and have been married for 28 years. He is the ninth grade assistant principal at Homewood High School. They have two children, one who graduated from Samford and is an ESL teacher locally and the other who is a junior at Samford. As a family, they love to travel and have been to all 50 states. Many summers, they take time away to go to the Boundary Waters to canoe. They are active members at Hunter Street Baptist Church where they teach newly married couples and lead a dementia respite ministry.
Speakers
JUDGE KARON O. BOWDRE / CUMBERLAND SCHOOL OF LAW
JUDGE KARON BOWDRE served as chief judge from November 18, 2013, until January 1, 2020, having served on the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Alabama since November 2001. She took senior active status on April 25, 2020, and moved to inactive status (retired) on November 30, 2023.
During her tenure, Bowdre presided over several high-profile trials, including ones involving public corruption and securities fraud. She also presided over the Northern District of Alabama's Court Assisted Reentry Program, which is designed to help criminal defendants succeed as they return to the community.
The Southeastern Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates awarded Bowdre the 2014 Trial Judge of the Year Award. Samford University recognized Bowdre as one of its Women of Achievement in March 2014. She is also an Alabama Law Foundation Fellow, committed to giving back to the profession and to making access to justice a reality for those in need of legal services.
Bowdre has served on the Samford Board of Trustees since 2008 in various positions, and currently is board chair. She is a member of the Samford Legacy League, and an avid supporter of all things Samford.
Prior to her appointment, she was professor of law and director of legal research and writing at Cumberland School of Law. She also practiced civil litigation with Rives & Peterson after a federal judicial clerkship with Judge Foy Guin, Northern District of Alabama. She graduated from Cumberland cum laude and received her bachelor's degree from Samford University.
In retirement, Bowdre enjoys spending time with her grandchild, working in community gardens with other master gardeners and alone in her own gardens, riding horses, and spending time wandering the woods of the family farm discovering native plants. She is a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, where she and her husband lead a life group.
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT
College of Health Sciences
Undergraduate Programs
Friday, May 2, 2025, 9 a.m.
Pete Hanna Center
MACE BEARER
Lisa E. Gurley, Professor, Associate Dean, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
PRESIDING
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRELUDE
Cathedral Brass, “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Isaac Watts/William Croft/arr. Dan Boone. ASCAP
*PROCESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor
INVOCATION
Stephen A. Brown, Associate Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
SCRIPTURE READING
Carol J. Ratcliffe, Professor, School of Public Health
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Melondie R. Carter, Professor, Dean, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
ADDRESS
Megan R. Mileski, Associate Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADUATES
Dana K. Basinger, Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
REMARKS
Beck A. Taylor
*ALMA MATER
Emily S. Andrews, Assistant Professor, School of the Arts
*BENEDICTION
Kelly F. Jackson, Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
*RECESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “El Capitan with Imperial March”
John Phillip Sousa/arr. Jari Villanueva and John Williams/arr. Jayan Nandagopan
FACULTY MARSHALS
Courteney L. Benjamin, Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
J. Patrick Marsh, Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
Lori H. Harrison, Assistant Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Sarah A. Stone, Instructor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Jeffrey A. Kyle, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Bruce A. Waldrop, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Rachel E. Bailey, Associate Professor, School of Public Health
Emily K. Bourne, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health
DEANS
Alan P. Jung, Dean, School of Health Professions
Melondie R. Carter, Dean, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Michael A. Crouch, Dean, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Suresh T. Mathews, Interim Dean, School of Public Health
*The audience will please stand
School of Health Professions
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Carolina Acosta
Cole Samuel Anderton
Abigail Leigh Archer
Erin Elizabeth Baines
Bailey Caroline Baxter
Anne Sterling Beall
Brenna Christine Beucler
Camryn Elizabeth Blackwell
Philip Andrew Bonilla
Samantha A. Bradford
Mary Claire Brown
Jaden Brownell
Elizabeth Grier Bruce
Chloe Victoria Grace Cagle
Monica Campa
Gabriel Alexander Carter
Katarina Elizabeth Catrett
Logan Melissa Champion
Heath Randall Clevenger
Caitlin Faith Cline
Blake Manning Cloud
Raney Lauren Collins
Reagan Lee Collins
Jacob Charles Conn
Grace Leigh Cox
Ryan Harrison Cruz
Amiel Denise Dabney
Laura Brooke Dart
Mary Ellis Shepherd Davies
Lauren Melissa Davis
Noah Wagner Doyle
Courtney Claire Easlick
Katherine Anne Eisenhauer
Bella Alexandra Elder
Abigail L. Ferguson
William Grant Fox
Branden Michael Fryman
Cole Anderson Fryman
Eboni Gabrielle Gaddis
Anna Corinne Galbreath
Kya A. Gardner
Sydney Gillam
William Gabriel Gray
Lillian Grace Harmon
Nathaniel Louis Henry III
Cullen Andrew Horowicz
Kobe Amare Hughes
Jesse Peterson Hungerpiller
William Michael Johnson
Jane Tyler Kelly
Andrew Bennett King
Darrian Princeton King
Kathryn Asher King
Mary Katherine Kinsey
Sidda Lynne Lachina
Owen Joseph LaRocca
Elizabeth Ayers Leggett
Levi Stephen Lodge
Caroline E. Love
Emma Elisabeth Love
Anna Katherine Major
Emma Grace Martin
Gracie Rena' McCoy
David Michael Miller
Morgan Grace Miller
MaryGrace Sue Mills
Jaden Hunter Mosley
Liyah Symone Nelson
Shane Andrew Nelson
Jacob Ray Newman
Oluwatimilehin Olanrewaju Olawole
Sinkenesh Miriam Parker
Justin Michael Perritt
Ethan Perry Persons
Lily Arlina Kay Prout
Jacob Anthony Pufall
J'Maureai Duane Raby
Hope Kathryn Ramsey
Ella Claire Ray
Brenden M. Reed
Matthew McCain Ridenour
Peyton O. Ryce
Molly Rae Skipper
Kamron Roy Smith
Clare Elise Sprinkle
Sarah A. Squillace
Eleanor Serenity Stroud
Tate Craig Taylor
Mitchell Alan Thompson
Brizza Gissell Triana
Leah Rose Troup
Brooke Alexis Waller
Benjamin Neal Whitmire
Blake Pearce Willingham
Kelsey Kendall Wimsatt
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Lauren Carol Adamo
Gabriela Mia Aleman
Kathryn Elizabeth Anthony
Carmen Elizabeth Bailey
Macy Cecilia Bell
Emily Bernice Bitterman
Natalie Elizabeth Brauchler
Claire Elizabeth Buha
Destiny Raynelle Canady
Alexandra Lauren Carlee
Ellie Dreith Cimbura
Faith Elizabeth Collins
Lauren A. Congalton
McKenna Grace Conner
Emma G. Donley
Madelyn Elizabeth Doster
Kristen Elizabeth Dowdy
Ayden Madison Drake
Ginger Elaine Eubank
Laura Emmaline Farmer
Julianna Marie Friel
Brianna Nicole Garcia
Taylor Ashley Gentle
Georgia Kathryn Goth
Elizabeth Greer Gunter
Jenna Margaret Haaland
Eliza Quinn Hackworth
Kathryn Gray Hartman
Emily Anne Harvey
Hudson Taylor Hill
Alyssa Holbrook
Abigail Grace Jackson
Lauren Elizabeth Johnson
Mary Fraser Johnston
Abigail Grace Jones
Emma Susanne Kelley
Abigail Erin Kennedy
Kannon Willis Key
Nicole Elise Lawrence
Hannah Rachael Lloyd
Mary Grace Maddox
Sarah Nicole Marshall
Emma K. Martin
Megan Meredith McCabe
Abigail Grace McCall
Margaret Anne Miller
Caleb Christian Mohr
Kate Emerson Naddell
Mackenzie Leigh Neeley
Ashley Elizabeth Neubert
Rachel Hana Nicole Nickerson
RosaLynn Lara Olivares
Ella Marie Pacini
Kaylee Marie Pappa
Casey Elizabeth Partee
Caroline G. Patton
Sally Ann Peacock
Amy Elizabeth Roberts
Dominique Santrice Saintvil
Caleb Matthew Scheffler
Anna Kathryn Scott
Kara Noel Sheldon
Kaylee Ann Smith
Emma Margaret Spencer
Samantha Diane Sponcia
Moriah Grace Stansberry
Elizabeth Grace Stipp-Puffer
Reagan Elizabeth Thieme
Mary Catherine Turner
Emily Danielle Tyre
Sydney Morgan Via
Hannah Anne Walsh
Julianna Marie Whatley
Chloe Morgan Whiteman
Alexandria Benet Williams
Emily Kathleen Williams
Grace Ann Wright
McWhorter School of Pharmacy
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Ashley Gloria Aleman Garcia
Tatum Elizabeth Amos
Christopher Matthew Ashley
Michael Riley Atkinson
Taylor Renee Backer
Briley McCall Ballard
Abigail Grace Batchelor
Lauren Abigail Bates
Addison Grace Beasley
Rylee Madison Blackburn
Averie Hope Blackwell
Rebecca May Blanchard
Ethan Noah Bollinger
Nicole L. Bouldin
Hope Alexandra Braun
Siloam Jane Brenner
Tallie Ann Brown
Tyler Juwan Burge
Kevin X. Camacho Rosa
Francis Grace Castellarin
Olivia Kate Clifton
Jon Thomas Coley
Sydney Claire Correll
Wilmer Couret Rodriguez
Michael Ray Dailey II
Abigail Grace Davis
Ella S. Day
Lauren Paige Dowdy
Sydney Nell Fesmire
Wilmarie Figueroa Rivera
Chyna Allyssa Fitzgerald
Ziah Z. Gaylor-Hawkins
Kirk Ronald Goodwin
Tyler Wade Grogan
John Kelly Hawkins
Kayla Elizabeth Hay
Peggy Avelice Hernandez Diaz
Meghan Kathleen Herrington
Hallie Sheree Holmes
Sarah Horsley
Dawson Ryan Ingram
Jakieria NyAsia Johnson
Lucas Cade Kennemer
Audrey Alexia Ketchem
Cordelia Latrice Lampton
Elizabeth Gano Leavell
Samuel Walker Lee
Amber Jacqueline Lopez
Payton Marie Luker
Charles Thomas Lynskey
Shaun Patrick McCarthy
Kelly-Anne Michel McMaster
Luis Gabriel Morales Vargas
Phi Anh Nguyen
Valerie Paige Ogle
Madison Sheleya Parrish
Teresa Kathryn Passerrello
Brady Kyle Patterson
Mattie Elizabeth Patzke
Grace Caroline Pawelkowski
Justin Dallas Porter
Erica Hali Powell
Payton Olivia Preuitt
Ty’Rah Alisabeth Ray
Andrew H. Redding
Kara Leigh Roper
School of Public Health
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Ginnalee Hope Betsill
William Carson Goold
Caley Lorraine Ingram
Abigail Grace Juillerat
Davis Anne Pendley
Audrey Leigh Strange
John Bennett Swearengin
Grant Alexander Thibodeaux
Macey Elizabeth Thompson
Naileen Edith Rosado-Rodriguez
Samantha Kay Schrock
Christian Chase Sears
Gracie Kay Sellars
Victoria Faith Serra
Kennedy Renee Shoemaker
Erin Kathleen Sims
McKenzie Colby Smith
Yarelis Adriana Sonera Serrano
KayLeigh O. Steen
Kassidee Mayson Stillwell
Mary kate Stough
Anna Lynley Thompson
Alexander Riley Tislow
Skylar McKenzie Watson
Jazmyn Whitfield
Tiffany Nichelle Williams
Claire Siqi Wu
Michelle Yankah
Harrison Lane Weathington
Andrea Elise Westra
Jonah Bond Loftin Wetsel
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT AND SERVICE OF CONSECRATION
Beeson Divinity School
Friday, May 2, 2025, 11 a.m.
Andrew Gerow Hodges Chapel
PRESIDING
Douglas A. Sweeney, Dean, Beeson Divinity School
PRELUDE
“Voluntary on Hymn to Joy,” Michael Burkhardt
Dianne H. Norton, Organist Emerita
Dawson Memorial Baptist Church
*PROCESSIONAL
Hymn. 529, “For All The Saints” SINE NOMINE
Zac M. Hicks, Coordinator Beeson Chapel Music
*INVOCATION
Douglas A. Sweeney
*THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
INTRODUCTIONS
Douglas A. Sweeney
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Douglas A. Sweeney
REMARKS
Douglas A. Sweeney
THE READING OF HOLY SCRIPTURE
Matthew 24:1-14
Marci S. Johns
*HYMN NO. 544
“The Church’s One Foundation”
Zac M. Hicks
SERMON
“From Today Until the End of the World”
Matthew 24:1-14
Philip G. Ryken, President, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION
Mark S. Gignilliat, Professor, Director, PhD program, Beeson Divinity School
BLESSING OF GRADUATES
Beeson Divinity School Faculty
*HYMN NO. 287
"Lift High the Cross," Zac M. Hicks
*BENEDICTION
James C. Pounds Jr., Director of Operations, Beeson Divinity School
*RECESSIONAL
“Finale from First Symphonie”
Louis Vierne
Dianne H. Norton
CRUCIFER
SGA Chaplain
BANNER CARRIERS
SGA President and SGA Vice President
GUEST ASSISTANCE
Beeson Divinity School chapel attendants
LIVESTREAM, VIDEO, SOUND
Beeson Divinity School Media Center
*The audience will please stand
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Hannah Leila Barry
Hannah Elizabeth Gibson
Karana Nicola Jones
Claire Schwenk
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF DIVINITY
Grayson Camille Bartlett
Salvador Blanco-Perello
Tucker Reese Bryant
Caleb Andrew Craft
Molly Jean Doro*
Thomas Carlton Gray
Grayson R. Holbert
Ashton Lindley Holt*
Susannah Brooke Terpin
Biyang Yu
Charles William Nolen
James Alan Oliver
Jacob T. Patton
Cole Shiflet
William Hutton Stanard
Daniel Joseph Terpin
Nicole Williams
Stephen Anderson Williams*
*Also receiving Certificate of Anglican Studies
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT
Brock School of Business, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Friday, May 2, 2025, 2 p.m.
Pete Hanna Center
MACE BEARER
Celeste H. Hill, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
PRESIDING
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRELUDE
Cathedral Brass, “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Isaac Watts/William Croft/arr. Dan Boone. ASCAP
*PROCESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor
INVOCATION
Barbara H. Cartledge, Assistant Professor, Brock School of Business
SCRIPTURE READING
Steven T. Jones, Professor, Chair, Brock School of Business
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Anna E. McEwan, Professor, Dean, Orlean Beeson School of Education
ADDRESS
Clara E. Gerhardt, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADUATES
Dana K. Basinger, Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
REMARKS
Beck A. Taylor
*ALMA MATER
Morgan C. Soja, Associate Professor, School of the Arts
*BENEDICTION
Charles “Chad” M. Carson, Dean, Brock School of Business
*RECESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “El Capitan with Imperial March”
John Phillip Sousa/arr. Jari Villanueva and John Williams/arr. Jayan Nandagopan
HOODERS
Lisa L. Beckham, Assistant Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Amy L. Benton, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
FACULTY MARSHALS
William “Bill” H. Belski, Associate Professor, Brock School of Business
Garrison J. LaDuca, Assistant Professor, Brock School of Business
Cynthia F. Lohrke, Professor, Brock School of Business
Karen J. Birkenfeld, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Jonathan C. Davis, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Amanda “Mandy” S. Hilsmier, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
Amy E. Hoaglund, Professor, Orlean Beeson School of Education
DEANS
Charles “Chad” M. Carson, Dean, Brock School of Business
Anna E. McEwan, Dean, Orlean Beeson School of Education
*The audience will please stand
Brock School of Business
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS
Amanda Mary Deku Erik Christian Fagerberg
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Emily Margaret Adams
Veronica A. Agrippina
Payton Michael Ahlemeyer
Dillan Samuel Alcorn
Ashley Elizabeth Allen
Seth A. Almon
Annabelle Janine Anderson
Julianna Elise Argentine
Addie Patterson Austin
Mack Riley Baker
Evan Francis Barnes
Mason Ross Barnett
Raneem Samer Batarseh
Ethan Douglas Baxter
Susan Caroline Beale
Cameron Mitchell Beritiech
Daniel Thomas Bethel
Bryce Alexander Bickel
Zachary Mason Billante
Molly F. Billingsley
Brian Charles Boles
Jeremy Michael Borman
Lexa Sbethlana Botello Montoya
Aslan Grace Bouffard
Eli Jackson Bowen
Ally Jo Bridwell
John Thomas Brown
Alice Catherine Bryan
Fisher H. Bryant
Theodore Owen Bullock
Annalisa Jo Burns
Alexandria Lee Bush
Gracie Lynn Butler
Bridget Anne Callaghan
Benjamin Farrell Capel
Cade Capron
Katie Elizabeth Carlton
Jack W. Carson
Claudia Castro Perea
Jacob Wade Childers
Maya Elaine Chipley
Riley Christopher Clements
Sarah Renee Coffey
Jonathan Coby Coggin
David Wesley Coltrane
Catherine Ann Copeland
Andrew Craig Current
Ashley Grace Currier
Carleigh Alexander Czajkowski
Andrew Michael Davidson
Douglas O'Neal Davis
Tanner Joseph DeBardelaben
Haywood Augustus Dozier III
Grayson M. Eady
Stephen James Edds
Alexis Dianna Edwards
Alyssa Love Elliott
Asher Leland Falk
Nicolas J. Ferrer
Luke Cole Field
Catherine Grace Frank
George Marshall Gainer Jr.
Mariana Gaviria Giraldo
Gage S. Geren
Louis Benjamin Gilham
Grayson McCall Glover
Britney Sandivel Gonzalez Ezquerra
Dayton Floyd Green
Elijah Jobe Grubbs
Charles Elic Gum
Rachel Elizabeth Hagen
Isaiah Byron Haines
Ian Patrick Hair
Dakota Hartfield
William Garrett Hauenstein
Anna Grace Headley
Carey S. Hereford
Andrew Mark Herlevic
Sydney Elizabeth Hernandez
Jared Connor Hiday
Hudson Nichols Hobbs
William Francis Hodges III
Joseph Henry Hopkins Jr.
Christianna Hallie Hornigold
Kedzie O. Howe
Hayden Michael Humber
Parker Russell Hutson
Colby James Hwang
Matthew N. Ingenito
Luke McGill Jackson
Raegan Marie Jenkins
Ian Christopher Jones
Jonathan D. Jones
Skyler Sommer Kasselmann
Thomas Patrick Kay II
Benjamin Doke Kiblinger
David Thomas Kizer
Camden Joshua Kuhn
Emma Hartley Latham
Abigail O'Brien Lee
Luke David Lemasters
Jacob Taylor Less
Brooks O'keefe Lewis
Hannah Nicole Littleton
Sadie Hamilton Logan
Analisa A. Lujan
Eliana Leigh Lynch
William McDermott Lynch
William Dale Malcolm
Maxwell Curtis Mankin
Nathaly Manuel Avendaño
Anna Marie Martin
Thomas Rives Martin
Lucas Henry Martin-Schimmelpfennig
Clayton Connor Masters
Charles William Mathews
Mallory Anne Matthews
Jordan McClendon
John Mark McDaniel
Connor James McNatt
John G. Meadows
Caleb Andrew Measures
Jonathan Aaron Melara
William Thomas Miller
Jarad Jerome Mitchell
Michael Christopher Mitchler
Charles Davis Mobley
Avery Anne Moore
Brady Conley Moore
Andrew James Morgan
Caydin Nathaniel Mowen
Jackson Thomas Murphree
Joshua David Musser
Jack Porter Oliver
Samuel J. Owen
Isamar Pacheco-Bautista
James William Penley IV
Lauren M. Pepper
Jack Robert Pickard
Mary Elizabeth Pike
William Joseph Purdy
Collin Brooks Rice
Michael George Miller Riggins
John Allen Rogers
Brett Ross
John David Ryan
Taylor Ashlyn Ryczek
Thomas Ronald Sanders
Greta Catherine Schwarz
Hannah Lynne Schwarz
Kassidy Michaele Scott
Jack E. Shannon
Riley Elizabeth Sinn
Andrew Chalmers Smith
Brennan R. Smith
Ella Mei-Ling Smith
Russell Day Smith
Samuel Clark Smith
Timothy Walker Smith
Thomas Patrick Speed
Nicholas Charles Speros
Caleb Reagan Sprinkle
Joshua Rubin Sprinkle
Paige Nicole Stafford
Payton Rose Stafford
Jonah Robert Stauffer
Midnight Rose Steward
Wesley Allen Steward
Garrett Tate Stinson
Ricarda Stöckl
James Luke Stone
Matthew Thomas Strand
Emily Morgan Surcey
Tyke Jeffrey Tabor
Natalie Louise Talbert
Elizabeth May Taylor
William B. Taylor
Lucas Lee Thornton
Samuel Craig Tolbert
Cedric Tooson
Christopher Thomas Tralongo
Ty Nicholas Truett
Charles Carter Tyus
Haleigh Burke Ward
Aiden A. Warren
Caroline Lieb Weaver
Alexander George Webber
Elliott Shane Wessels
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF ACCOUNTANCY
Shelby M. Blalock
John Cooper Blevins
Taijah Monae Clark
Aiden Groves Davitt
Abigail Grace Denning
Tucker Alderman Heaton
James Preston Huddleston
Alexis Ann Lopez
Noah Whitaker Martin
Zachary Harrison Moreland
Ashton Victoria White
Hannah Elise White
John Bradley Whitmire
Noah Tripp Williams
Jake Alexander Wilson
Samuel Knox Witherspoon
Emma Grace Wolfe
Sloane Alexandra Womac
Madison Dorothy Wooten
Noah Bradley Young
Jackson Paul Moyers
Ashley Douglas Perry Jr.
Kate Branan Perry
Gracie Lin Plunk
Hannah Faith Poenitske
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Meghan Rae Claburn
Mary Katherine Cleveland
Jacaila Alexandria Davis
Caroline Elizabeth Donovan
Naomi Brishawn Eaton
Dylan Edward Gadsey
Synclair B. Goyer‡
Adeline Haisch
Caleb David Haught‡
Michael Chapman Hiers
Nicholas Michael Jackson
Amelia Grace Krusinski
Anna Grace Phillips‡
Jaylin Adrick Rainey
Kyla Reynolds Kimberlin
Gabrielle Elisabeth Rice
Quinn Michael Richey
John Anthony Rogone
Robert Edward Rowell
Craig Allan Sanders
Ella G. Simpson
Jamie Paige Stagg‡
Elizabeth McKenzie Williams‡
Riley Jade Williams
Grace Ann Sedberry
Madeline Grace Slater
Ingrid Selene Soto Campero
Lily Katherine Springer
Laura Elizabeth Sumrall
Bryce Lee Williamson
Landon Joshua Wright
William Bryant Yeiser‡
‡Receiving two degrees
Orlean Beeson School of Education
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS
Kayleigh Mychelle Addison
Emily Elizabeth Armstrong
Somer Marie Auker
Rainey Elizabeth Bardolf
Ashlyn Hope Barrett
Nora Kristine Bunke
Taylor Grace Butler
Sarah D. Carrell
Sophia Jane Corts
Carlos Crum
Linley Faith Darnell
Sarah M. Dodgen
Sara Carlisle Fields
Sydney L. Frye
Bethany Michelle Garmon
Lilah Elizabeth Harold
Ellie Lyle Higgins
Morgan Mackenzie Hill
Caroline Rae Himel
Catherine Grace Jarvie
Kayli Mackenzie Jones
Camden Elizabeth Jung
Rachel Raines Langston
Katherine Bethany Lewis
Emma Danielle Marino
Ava Simone Michaux
Elizabeth Reece Moore
Jordan Hope Morris
Emily Grace Mullins
Emma Elizabeth Nimnicht
Kyle D. O'Dowd
Matthew Gauge Parette
Anna Clay Parrish
Peyton McDade Philips
Hannah E. Predmore
Sarah Grace Queen
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Maria Carol Benitez*
Rachel E. Blackmon*
Joy Channell Bozeman*
Jaden Christopher Chatman*
Madison C. Comans*
Avery Elizabeth Crawford*
Marjorie Encil Cummings*
Abby Elaine Hays*
Amy McCall Herndon*
Anna Claire Howard*
Emmaline Frances Johnston*
Natalie Michelle Kardoes*
Courtney Elisabeth Krueger*
Mikayla Criss Lee*
Mary Grace Leuenberger*
Piper Jaye Lowery*
Anna Marie McGehee*
Taylor Ashley Miller*
Kirsten Jennings Norvell*
Keely Paige Owens*
Brennan Cole Paulus*
CANDIDATE FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Stacy Cook
Jordan Delgado Hill
Baden Elizabeth Kemp*
Lindsey Zirbel McConnell
CANDIDATES FOR EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Thomas Matthew Brown
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
Danyell Butler
ExaminingProfessionalDevelopment and its Perceived Influence on StudentLearning
Reba Maria Hudson
ReimaginingK-12Learning: AQualitativeExplorationof Competency-BasedEducationin Practice
Charles Wesley Mickle IV WhereAreAllTheGuys?TheFactors that Motivate Black Males
Makella Delores Moore
Administrators'PerceptionsofSocial EmotionalLearningandArtsEducation
Vivian Grove Palmer
Administrators'PerceptionsofSocial EmotionalLearningandArtsEducation
Lauren Paige McKleroy
Cynthia Dianne Newton
Amanda Blake Turner
SupportingMedicallyComplex Students:QualitativeInsightsinto SpecialEducationPractices
Tashara Goudy Walker
AnExplorationofCrucibleLeadership ExperiencesAmongAfricanAmerican SeniorHigherEducationLeaders
Julia Christina Reis
Abbey Claire Smith
Kaylee Grace Snider
Shelby Faith Snow
Chelsea Renee Stough
Caroline Elizabeth Studdard
Micaiah Alyce Thomas
Amelia Hope Turner
Danielle Casey Ward
Hannah Elisabeth Warren
Dorothy Caperton Williams
McKenzie Mae Pilch*
Hannah Sophia Evelyn Sharpton*
Coleman Bradley Smith*
Phoebe Elizabeth Tulloss*
Laura Ruth Vogt*
Abigail Elizabeth Weaver*
Justin Byron Taylor
Sherita Murdock Williams What'sNextandWhy:African AmericanFemaleHighSchool Seniors'DescriptionsofEducational ExperiencesthatInfluenceTheir Decisions about Their Futures
Cristal L. Wooten VoicesofUrbanHighSchoolTeachers: DescriptionsofTheirMentalHealth andWell-Being
Project titles provided by candidates *Receiving Teacher Certification
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT
Howard College of Arts and Sciences School of the Arts
Saturday May 3, 2025, 9 a.m.
Pete Hanna Center
MACE BEARER
Lawrence J. Davenport, Professor, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
PRESIDING
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRELUDE
Cathedral Brass, “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Isaac Watts/William Croft/arr. Dan Boone. ASCAP
*PROCESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor
INVOCATION
Dawn McCormack, Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
SCRIPTURE READING
Scott L. Guffin, Associate Professor, Executive Director of Christian Ministries, School of the Arts
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Amanda “Mandy” R. Howard, Associate Professor, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
ADDRESS
Sharon L. Lawhon, Professor, School of the Arts
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADUATES
Dana K. Basinger, Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
REMARKS
Beck A. Taylor
*ALMA MATER
Jonathan P. Rodgers, Assistant Professor, School of the Arts
*BENEDICTION
W. Lance Beaumont, Dean, School of the Arts
*RECESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “El Capitan with Imperial March”
John Phillip Sousa/arr. Jari Villanueva and John Williams/arr. Jayan Nandagopan
FACULTY MARSHALS
Brian W. Gregory, Professor, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Michael J. Janas, Professor, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Janie L. Kennedy, Associate Professor, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
Steven A. Potaczek, Assistant Professor, School of the Arts
Morgan C. Soja, Associate Professor, School of the Arts
Charles L. Ford, Professor, School of the Arts
Geoffrey S. Sciacca, Associate Professor, School of the Arts
DEANS
Dawn McCormack, Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
W. Lance Beaumont, Dean, School of the Arts
*The audience will please stand
School of the Arts
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS
Bridget Elizabeth Barek
Hallie Rose Barnwell‡
Brady Wade Blackburn
Levi Nathan Brooks
Samuel Charles Dillard
Alyssa Lauren Douglas
Lindsay Jane Drummond
Emerie Jayne Ediger
Joseph Alexander Felts
Harris Jackson Fischer
Kaylee Rebekah Fisher
Devin J. Gaboya
Ethan James Haggerty
Carly Jenna Hambrick
Mikayla Hope Hansen
Amanda Ruth Hohn
Andrew Parker Ivester
James Grant May
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Madeline Jane Almer
Jaden Clair Arnold
Madeline Ashton Athearn
Dora Abbey Baca
Sophia Rose Baden
Ainsley Lynn Bangs
Hallie Rose Barnwell‡
Kathereine Lucille Blaylock
Lauren Elizabeth Bonney
Thomas Jackson Bradshaw
Alexandria Grace Brandstetter
Christin Grace Brewer
Anna Elizabeth Brown
Emily Elizabeth Carey
Marjorie Diana Castro Arias
Taylor Madison Conly
Ella Kathryn Corsetti
Katherine Elizabeth Draper
Cambrie Brit Emerson
Emma Elizabeth Ferrante
Summer Elaine Gregg
Kathleen Elizabeth Hankins
Audrey Sue Hawley
Lillian Grace Henry
Ethan Wade Hillis
Julia Joyce Kaminski
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Caroline Leigh Copeland
Bianca Renata Fasanelli
Allison Kate Frederick
Hooper Swilling Hammond
Nathan Bryan Herring
Kathryn Anne King
Valeria Machuca Vazquez
James Oakley Powers
Caroline Marie Meyers
Jacob Ethan Norvell
Charles Leander Plunkett
Frederick Matthew Rattray
Michael Ford Reasons
Kenneth Cirby Ritchie
Peyton Trever Robbins
Abby Jane Rossnagel
Caroline Elizabeth Seeling
Sienna Lee Lange
Emma Catherine Martin
Jessica Elizabeth Monk
Madeline Kate Myrick
Carter Wayne Nelson
Daley Elena O'Brien
Macie Elizabeth Pfeuffer
Claire Elizabeth Phegley
Kristin Terese Radice
Lillian Grace Ross
Emily Michele Singleton
Ethan Thomas Speights
Bella Caroline Taylor
Elijah Roe Samlowski
Olivia Hope Sand
Katie Elizabeth Schansberg
Andrew James Villars
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
Mildred Jessie Evans*
Brennen Graham Ramsey* Chandler A. Young*
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Esther Rose Grimes
Lucy Louise SiHui Hail
Ehma Sophia Herrera
Danielle Grace James
Morgan Murner
Leland Day Vickery
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
Lilian Suzanna Chandley
Samuel Lincoln Chimento
Raynier Diaz
Mia Mary Ruth Edens
William Owen Flint
Layne Christine George
Carter Pierce Grice
Benjamin Tate Holley
Isabella Maria Infante-Maymo
Emma Louise Lawing
Madeline Grace Moyer
Katelyn Nichole Murphy
Kristin Leigh Stewart
Samuel Thomas Stogner
Emme Woolley
Faith Elizabeth Thomas
Frances Margaret Weissend
Samantha Kate Wilkerson
Clay Arden Williams
Katheryn Morgan Williams
Paige Courtney Wyatt
Kinsley Belle Wynja
Charles Matthew Yaeger
Nathan Aaron Windham
Hannah Elizabeth Payne
Bailey Thomas Salmon
Macy Brooke Smith
Spencer Weddle
*Receiving teacher certification
‡Receiving two degrees
Howard College of Art and Sciences
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS
Harriette Elizabeth Adam
Andrew Adams
Dakota Michael Aderhold
Samuel Robert Allen
Davis Wade Alverson
Benjamin James Bambrey
Olivia Marie Bartholomew
Nicholas Randolph Paul Batson
Luke Benedick Becker
Ava M. Berry*
Kaylee Bhasin
Frederick Wilson Bishop
Allison Renee Blain
Preston Enloe Brent
Hunter Thomas Briggs
Garrison Hill Brothers
Wesley Edwin Brown
Mary Whitaker Buchanan
Kathryn Ann Caldwell
Aubry Lynn Campbell
Lilly Marie Carroll
Ashlyn Grace Carty
Anna Grace Cella
Sarah Elizabeth Comrie Chew
Rebecca Reagan Chimento
William Nickerson Clapp
Chandler Marion Click
Lindsey Elizabeth Collins
Payton Ansley Collins
Sara Margaret Corbitt
McKayla Frances Cothran
Linden Blair Cundiff
Jacob Deets Daniels
Amy Grace Davis
James Peter Demos
Lindsey Nicole Dernavich
Lindley Kay Dillard
Matthew Thomas DiPrima
Grace Katherine Doerr
Collin Michael Doherty
Reese Audrey Doner
Mitchell Shelton Drennen
Mattie Elizabeth Erwin
Grace Pearl Fennimore
Jadyn Marler Fenton
Camila Isadora Figueroa
Jackson Luke Fraser
Reagan Emily Gage
Alanna Sherrill Gaines
Daniel Alexander Garcia
Campbell Garner
Sarah Grace Garrard
Hannah Elizabeth Giles
Samuel Henegar Gould
Sydney Reece Grice
John Chesser Habig
Nicholas Edward Hairston IV
Candace Renee Harrison
Mikayla Danielle Harrison
Grace Mary Rennolds Henry
Ethan Russell Henshaw
Christiana Ysabel Hewlett
Ella Kathryn Hill
Brooklyn D. Hilliard
Sabrina Katelyn Hobbs
Karis Christine Hughes
Hank Daniel Jackson III
Kendall B. Jarrard
James U. Jefferson Jr.
Ava L. Jenkins
Randall Brett Johnson
George Chavier Jones
Anne Virginia Min Kelley
Anna Caroline Knight
Jada Elizabeth Knight
Anna Renne Kolbie
Egan Patricia Koster
Delaney Arlene Laing
Lydia Joy Lauderback
Kristen Elizabeth Lemus
Abigail Kaye Litton
Nathaniel Dale Loper
Madison Elizabeth Mansour
Kelsey Michelle Martin
Kathryn Elizabeth Mayfield
Anna Elizabeth McBane
Sophie Grace McClendon
Kathrine Elizabeth McGinley
Avery Katherine Means
Emma Caroline Mikell
Mary Helen Miller
Abigail Grace Montgomery
Madeleine Jaye Moravek
Hannah Grace Nash
Caleb William New
Arden Clare Noland
Shaun Patrick O'Neil
Jack Henry Oliver
Amelia Grace Palmer
Jacob Kyle Payne
Emma Grace Phillips
Adam Henry Piedrahita
Dontae Sanchez Pollard
Jon T. Posey
Addison Marie Ratliff
Luke Holten Rector
Emily Elizabeth Redford
Thomas Jacob Riggs
Sarah Christine Ritenour
Jennifer Mishel Rivera
Karlie Grace Rosenberry
Mary Grace Rowell
Olivia Caitlin Ruble
Kennedy Zade Russell
Logan Christopher Sanford
Ella Grace Sawyer
Sarah Grace Scott
Kaitlyn Grace Sepulveda
Bailey Rebekah Shepherd
Jordan Shepperson
Jesiah Gage Sherrill
Annessa Kay Shively
Tristyn Elizabeth Siegert
Mary Camille Slaughter
Abigail Grace Smith
Anja Sophia Smith
Anna Elisabeth Smith
Paul Stramaglia
Langston Howard Strawbridge
Jackson Lee Tate
Akeim Blair Thames
Keeley Grace Thompson
Ana Sofia Triana Lopez
Denver Klein Waltman
Laura Caroline Ware
William Ellis Warren
Connor Thomas Watson
Ada Lanier Weems
Amelia Mason White
Andrew Kinser White
Elizabeth Law Willcox
Charles Francis Williams
Alison Brooke Williams
Mason Jeremiah Williams
Mary Elizabeth Winkelman
Tori Noelle Woods
Ally M. Young
Anna Catherine Young
CANDIDATES FOR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Brittney Alanis Adams
Kendall Hope Bearden
Joseph Lawson Brown
Caitlin Rose Brunn
Presley Nicole Chadwick
Aiden Caleb Cooke
Reed Alexander Craft
Quincy Chakobe Crittendon
James Sellers Crum
Courtney Glenn Daniels
Brody Matthew Davis
Andrew William DeSimone
Jonathan Sharp Durden
Sofia Charlotte Efferson
Stacy Estrada
Liz Farley
Syrus Fitts
Elizabeth Rose Flood
Lily Wei Flowers
Jayden Griffin Freeman
Isaac Byron Friedman
Margaret Anne Fulmer
Caroline Elizabeth Gilbert
Aaron Nicholas Gill
Gabriel James Groark
Ian C. Harrison
Sophia Abigayle Harvey
Benjamin Paul Hayes
John Eric Herrington Jr.
Robert D. Hinton*
Christopher Franklin Holbrook
Murphy Oghenemine Igbakpa
Caroline Grace Ingraham
Bennett Nikolaj Jakobsen
Samuel Curtin Johnson
Olivia Adele Johnson
Sarah Marie Katona
Victoria Frances Langevin
Marcus Taft Little
Jaren Wesley Lobb
Sophie Rose Lovett
Emma Catherine McBane
Ian Noah McCormick
Mackenzie Hart McCravy
Emily Kristin McElvy
Sean David Meehan
Andrew Fletcher Middleton
Emily Paige Morgan*
Patricia Kate Morgan
Patrick Wilson Moulton
Emma Grace Murphree
Baylee Elizabeth Nall
Trustin Northington
Jose Eleazar Ocampo
Jackson D. Orth
Jordyn Alexis Partain
Allyson Renae Parvin
Margot Alden Peters
Sarah Elizabeth Plummer
Madison Elizabeth Marie Roberts
Luke Everett Ross
Mersades Alexis Salmon
Christopher Shaun Shorrosh
Courtney Smith
Luke Asher Smith
Madison Elizabeth Tarifa*
Nour Tayara
Jamall Leon -Phillip Thompson Jr
Cameron Thomas Wiebe
Sadie Blake Wright
Myles D. Wynn
Abigail Jayne Yarberry
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Luke Grant Byrne
Andrea Carise Davis
Latrell Hannah
Jerald Jermaine Jordan
Christopher Charles Noble
Gabriel Warner
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT
College of Health Sciences
Graduate Programs
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 2 p.m.
Pete Hanna Center
MACE BEARER
Michael G. Kendrach, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
PRESIDING
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRELUDE
Cathedral Brass, “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Isaac Watts/William Croft/arr. Dan Boone. ASCAP
*PROCESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor
INVOCATION
Amy E. Broeseker, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
SCRIPTURE READING
Kim S. Davey, Associate Professor, School of Public Health
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
Melondie R. Carter, Professor, Dean, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
ADDRESS
Kristen C. Johnston, Associate Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADUATES
Dana K. Basinger, Assistant Professor, Assistant Dean, Howard College of Arts and Sciences
REMARKS
Beck A. Taylor
*ALMA MATER
W. Lance Beaumont, Dean, School of the Arts
*BENEDICTION
Will M. Scogin, Assistant Professor, School of Health Professions
*RECESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “El Capitan with Imperial March”
John Phillip Sousa/arr. Jari Villanueva and John Williams/arr. Jayan Nandagopan
FACULTY MARSHALS
Kelly D. Atkins, Associate Professor, School of Health Professions
Elizabeth K. Aho, Clinical Supervisor/ Instructor, School of Health Professions
Cyndi G. Cortes, Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Tonya D. Shanahan, Associate Professor, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Kimberly W. Benner, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Bernadette D’Souza, Professor, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
David E. Robbins, Associate Professor, School of Public Health
Courtney N. Haun, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health
DEANS
Alan P. Jung, Dean, School of Health Professions
Melondie R. Carter, Dean, Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
Michael A. Crouch, Dean, McWhorter School of Pharmacy
Suresh T. Mathews, Interim Dean, School of Public Health
*The audience will please stand
School of Health Professions
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Laura Elizabeth Adams
Sydney Barkley Hill
Merrill Grace Belcher
Natalie Grace Budd
Payton Elizabeth Bullington
Rachel Grace Canup
Haleigh Nicole Collins
Karsten Mckenna Herron
Emma Elizabeth Hutsell
Abbey Elizabeth Ivester
Claire Elizabeth Kennedy
Kensley S. Ledford
Emma Sophia Lemstra
Macey Ann Lundstrom
Carrington Summer McCullough
Felicity Suzanna Rowe
Emily Grace Schlichter
Brooke LeAnna Shirley
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
Katie Reanne Allen
Thevalidityofahandheld dynamometerinassessingknee strengthinhealthyadults
Jenna Leigh Ayers
Assessingtherelationshipbetween physicalactivitylevelsandchronic paininmedicallyunderserved populations-apilotstudy
Stacey Vuittonet Bailey
Will Children with Disabilities Benefit fromVirtualRealitytoPromote PhysicalFitness?ASystematicReview
Rebekah Mei YueYi Battles
HowDoesPDFightClubImpactthe Dimensions Of Wellness Within the Parkinson’sPopulation?
Ashlyn Grace Blakely
Thevalidityofahandheld dynamometerinassessingknee strengthinhealthyadults
Morgan Lenox Boyd
Exploringperceivedchallengesand solutionsinruralAlabamaphysical therapy:providerperspectives
Harley Abigail Carson
Will Children with Disabilities Benefit fromVirtualRealitytoPromote PhysicalFitness?ASystematicReview
Pacey Mikaela Carson
Will Children with Disabilities Benefit fromVirtualRealitytoPromote PhysicalFitness?ASystematicReview
Annsley Elizabeth Cerovsky
TheEffectsofStrengthTrainingonthe BOT-2andQualityofLifeinIndividuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Lillian Martha Cook
Exploringperceivedchallengesand solutionsinruralAlabamaphysical therapy:providerperspectives
Ashleigh Michele Davis
CanHealthyAdultsAccurately EstimateVariousPercentagesOf TheirMaximalVoluntaryIsometric Contraction?
Lauren Renea Dennis
What interventions delivered postpartumreduceurinary incontinencecausedbypelvicfloor dysfunction?
Jada Faith Downer
AScopingReviewEvaluatingthe FrequencyandImportanceofFaith BeingAddressedbyaHealthcare Provider
Caroline Marie Duffee
HowDoesPDFightClubImpactthe Dimensions Of Wellness Within the Parkinson’sPopulation?
Nathan Wayne East
TheRelationshipBetweenPhysical FunctionandPsychologicalReadiness withReturntoSportPost-Anterior CruciateLigamentReconstruction
Grayson Patrick Evans EffectsofEmotionalLanguageon Strength
Karson Elizabeth Fallin
In Patients with a Soft Tissue NeoplasmoftheExtremities,Does LimbSalvageorAmputationProduce Better Outcomes?
Seth Kinsley Ford
CanHealthyAdultsAccurately EstimateVariousPercentagesOf TheirMaximalVoluntaryIsometric Contraction?
Farrah Eve Fowlkes
RelationshipofLowerExtremity InjuriesandPlayerLoadinFootball Players
Carlie M. Hay
AssessingtheHypoalgesicEffectsOf EmotionalLanguage
McKenzie Grace Higginbotham
TheEffectsofStrengthTrainingonthe BOT-2andQualityofLifeinIndividuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Juliana Rebecca Kunzman
What interventions delivered postpartumreduceurinary incontinencecausedbypelvicfloor dysfunction?
Cassidy Wilson Mahler
Thevalidityofahandheld dynamometerinassessingknee strengthinhealthyadults
Katelyn Elise McClure
TheEffectsofStrengthTrainingonthe BOT-2andQualityofLifeinIndividuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Elizabeth Alexandria Moorman
In Patients with a Soft Tissue NeoplasmoftheExtremities,Does LimbSalvageorAmputationProduce Better Outcomes?
Jaden Olivia Morace
In Patients with a Soft Tissue NeoplasmoftheExtremities,Does LimbSalvageorAmputationProduce Better Outcomes?
Hayden Isabella Neugent
AScopingReviewEvaluatingthe FrequencyandImportanceofFaith BeingAddressedbyaHealthcare Provider
Kolton Garrett Ray EffectsofEmotionalLanguageon Strength
Julia Myron Shoemake AssessingtheHypoalgesicEffectsOf EmotionalLanguage
Tyler E. Sullivan
Isabella Rose Venturino
Kayla Wiggins
Mackey Grace Williams
Jackson Leyden Sills
AssessingtheHypoalgesicEffectsOf EmotionalLanguage
Kara Dawn Smith
HowDoesPDFightClubImpactthe Dimensions Of Wellness Within the Parkinson’sPopulation?
Makenzie Ann Stine
Will Children with Disabilities Benefit fromVirtualRealitytoPromote PhysicalFitness?ASystematicReview
Mary Ruth Tucker
AScopingReviewEvaluatingthe FrequencyandImportanceofFaith BeingAddressedbyaHealthcare Provider
Julie Ann Tunstall
What interventions delivered postpartumreduceurinary incontinencecausedbypelvicfloor dysfunction?
Abigail Elaine Turnbow
AScopingReviewEvaluatingthe FrequencyandImportanceofFaith BeingAddressedbyaHealthcare Provider
Andrew Curry Whitehead EffectsofEmotionalLanguageon Strength
Jana Grace Wilson In Patients with a Soft Tissue NeoplasmoftheExtremities,Does LimbSalvageorAmputationProduce Better Outcomes?
Sarah Lawson Yelverton RelationshipofLowerExtremity InjuriesandPlayerLoadinFootball Players
Project titles provided by candidates
Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING - FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER (FNP)
Ashley Rose Cooley Chandler
David Patton Coon
Kimberly Melisa Darabaris
Hannah Jo Davis
Cassey Lee Deisley
Jennifer Danelle Duke
Chelsea Michelle Flinn
Evans Elizabeth Foster
Ogonna Ifeoma Ifeanyi
Laura Christian Johnson
Taisha Julia Morton
Meagan Fay Allison Terry
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – DUAL FNP & ENP*
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING – DUAL FNP & PMHNP**
Lauren Vick
Tami Ashton Weatherly
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE - ADMINISTRATION
Samantha Rose Berrien
TheImpactofaHealthandWellness WorkshoponAnxiety,Stress,and Mental Health in First-Semester NursingStudents
Eva H. Berry
RedefiningPostoperativePain ManagementinanERASPathwayin theCommunityHospitalSetting
Anita Catherine Murphy Boutwell MentalHealthAwareness:Identify, Understand,andRespond Marshanda Bailey Burrell EffectsofLeadershipDevelopment ProgramonNursingLeadersFosteredby ReflectionandMentoringFramework
Brittany McGhee Cole
NavigatingHealthcareAccess
Awareness for Native American Descendants in Rural Alabama
Candy Logan Dean HealthLiteracyTraininginHeartFailure Clinic Nurses
Imari Shynise Horton ImprovingExclusiveBreastfeeding RatesUsingRole-PlayinaSuburban Hospital
Angela Dawn Hyde
OptimizingHeartFailureManagement: AnInterdisciplinaryApproachto ReducingReadmissions
Mark Anthony Joly DevelopingandValidatingLocal Guidelines for Tranexamic Acid Use in SpineProcedures
Austin Jenkins Mabry DevelopmentofaSubstanceAbuse ScreeningTooltoEnhanceControlled Substance Outcomes in the Adult Population
Keri Diane Moon
OptimizingHeartFailureManagement: AnInterdisciplinaryApproachto ReducingReadmissions
Julie Fay Nevins ReducingSepsis-Related RehospitalizationinHomeHealthCare
Dympna O'Carroll
EvaluatingtheEffectivenessofthe m-ROMPISScaleinPreventing PressureInjuriesinIntubatedICU Patients:AClinicalInterventionStudy
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE - ADVANCED PRACTICE
Tamekia Bougard
ReducingHospitalReadmissionRates in Patients With Chronic Obstructive PulmonaryDisease:Implementationof aPost-DischargeBundle
Whitney Anne Cannon
AProtocol-DrivenApproachtoPediatric SedationintheEmergencyDepartment
Amy Nicole Collins
ImplementingaDepressionand AnxietyProtocolinPainManagement: AQualityImprovementProject
Deneidra Monshe Dailey
DevelopingaComprehensive Healthcare Transition Plan for AdolescentswithTurnerSyndrome
Jessica Leigh Hester
ImplementingaDepressionand AnxietyProtocolinPainManagement: AQualityImprovementProject
Dawn Marie Price
DevelopingandValidatingLocal Guidelines for Tranexamic Acid Use in SpineProcedures
Derek Leslie Price
DevelopingandValidatingLocal Guidelines for Tranexamic Acid Use in SpineProcedures
Mary Crosby Rysewyk EnhancingNursingRetention: ImplementingTargetedInterventions BasedonNursingAttritionSurvey Insights
Taleka Perry
ImprovingCompassionFatiguein EmergencyDepartmentNursingStaff with Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Susan Marie Resnick
EvaluatingtheEffectivenessofthe m-ROMPISScaleinPreventing PressureInjuriesinIntubatedICU Patients:AClinicalInterventionStudy
Hilary Spadoni
OptimizingHeartFailureManagement: AnInterdisciplinaryApproachto ReducingReadmissions
William Tyler Trotter
DiscernedNursing:TheImpactof ReducingNewGraduateNursing Turnover on Fall Rates
Lynn J. Sexton
InterventionsforOptimizing CompletionofAdvancedDirectives inMarginalizedPatientsinaFederally QualifiedHealthCenterwithMultiple Providers
*Emergency Nurse Practitioner
**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Project titles provided by candidates
Melissa A Gooden
Nicholas Kerry Woodward
Morrisa Marshay Jones
CANDIDATES
FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE - ADVANCED PRACTICE - ENP*
Lacy Nichol McKinley
EvaluatingtheEffectofMindful MeditationonBurnoutamong Advanced Practice Clinicians in the EmergencyDepartment
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE - ADVANCED PRACTICE - PMHNP**
Mackenzie Faith Davis
ReducingCaregiverAccommodations inPediatricEatingDisordersThrough Psychoeducation
Salisia Shunta Valentine
ImplementingPHQ-9Depression ScreeningforAdolescentsinthe AmbulatoryCareSetting
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE - NURSE ANESTHESIA
Niki Taylor Alexander
EphedrineorPhenylephrinefor ParturientSpinal-InducedHypotension
Joshua Todd Austin
DexmedetomidineasanEpidural AdjuvantintheObstetricSetting
Kathryn Johnson Bekken
PreservingQuadricepsFunctionin Athletes after ACL Reconstruction
Madeline Casey Brandon
The Use of Dexmedetomidine for EmergenceAgitationinAdultPatients
Brandon Boyd Caldwell
PerioperativeUtilityoftheSuperN02VA DeviceforAirwayObstruction
Hannah Elizabeth Capps
VasopressinasaCatecholamineSparingMechanism
Jessica Compton Chisenhall
PostoperativePainManagementand BreastSurgery
Jeniece LaTrell Cromartie BestPracticeforPerioperativeAirway ManagementofLudwig’sAngina
Madeline Lysbeth DeBuys
SodiumBicarbonateImplications
DuringCoronaryArteryBypass Grafting
Tatum Balko Edlin
OndansetronforPropofolInjectionPain
Erin Elise Halstead
BIS-Guided Anesthesia to Blunt Oculocardiac Reflex
Alyson Mason Holditch
PerioperativeEchocardiographyinthe ManagementofVenousAirEmbolism
Payton Elizabeth Hudson
Benefits of Intracuff Lidocaine in EmergenceCoughPrevention
Anna Catherine Kraus
Ketamine:PainManagementEfficacy inAdolescentSpinalFusionSurgery
Joshua Alexander McCool
IdentificationandManagementof DifficultAirways
Rebecca Leech Moreland
PerioperativeMethadoneforMajor SpineSurgery
Haley Harrison Nguyen
The Effect of Botulinum Toxin A on NeuromuscularMonitoring
Jada Alexius Parish
DecreasingtheIncidenceofResidual Neuromuscular Blockade
Ian R. Perkins
AlleviationofTourniquetPainin
OrthopedicSurgery
Cristina Basulescu Pfister
RAASInhibitor-InducedRefractory HypotensioninAnesthetizedPatients
Grace Prinsell Radford
PreoperativeSedationforthePediatric Patient with Autism
Hollie Marie Roberts
TheImpactofCannabinoidson AnesthesiaManagement
Cassidy Raye Romans
MultimodalAnalgesiainObese PatientsUndergoingBariatricSurgery
Ashton Nicole Rae Rowsey
PreoperativeNon-pharmacological AnxiolysisforPediatricPatients
Jordan Breann Somers
MaintainingAirwayPatencyin
PatientswithObstructiveSleepApnea
Peyton Clark Thetford
AirwayManagementfor Esophagogastroduodenoscopywith Hemorrhage
Jamie Holmes Tinsley
Radiation:Risk,ExposureandEfficacy of Protective Measures
Anthony M. Tortomase
PerioperativePharmacogenomicUtility and Personalized Anesthesia
Alexandra Robinson Vinson
DexmedetomidineasanAdjunct TherapyforLaborAnalgesia
Amanda Bowersox Wood General Anesthesia with Adductor CanalBlockforKneeArthroscopy
Martina Mims Wright
ExploringAnalgesicAdmixturesina BierBlockTechnique
*Emergency Nurse Practitioner
**Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Project titles provided by candidates
McWhorter School of Pharmacy
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF PHARMACY
Courtney Monique Barnes
TheEfficacyofVariousInterventions in the Reduction of Mental Health Stigma:ALiteratureReview
Anna Catherine Battles
TheUseofNirsevimabforPreventing RSV-RelatedHospitalizationsin Infants: A Literature Review
Josie Bennett Bensko
TheImpactofPatientEducationon Adherence and Success Rates of AntidepressantMedications
Britany Michelle Bermúdez-Pabón EfficacyofKetamineintheTreatment ofRefractoryandSuper-Refractory StatusEpilepticus:ALiteratureReview
Aprar Khadir Bilbeisi
Pharmacogenetic-GuidedVersus TraditionalClinicalDosingofWarfarin: A Literature Review
Kaylan Simone Brown
The Pharmacist’s Role in the HealthcareTeamofPatientsBattling Substance Use Disorders: A Literature Review
Faylee Nichole Cassady
TheImpactofCommunity Pharmacists'MedicationReconciliation onHospitalReadmissionRates:A SystematicLiteratureReview
Olivia Chambers
NeurologicalEffectsofGLP-1'son WeightLossandPsychologicalFood BehaviorsintheObesePopulation
Darby Rainey Coker
EvaluatingTrendsinSuicideDeaths byDrugPoisoninginU.S.Childrenand Adolescents(Ages5-19)in2002-2022 usingCentersforDiseaseControland Prevention Data
Abigail Rene Collins‡
SystemicLiteratureReviewAnalyzing DepressionandAnxietyinPharmacy Students
Yasmin Samaia Cottingham‡
The Use of Levetiracetam for Neonatal Abstinence Seizures: A Literature Review
Jonathan D. Cunningham
AnAnalysisofInformationBeing DistributedonRedditRegarding Apretude
Chandler Shannon Cupp
AssessingthePreclinicalEfficacy ofaSubsetofNBD1-Targeting InvestigationalF508delCFTR Correctors
Chloe Anne Danford‡
RespiratorySyncytialVirusand VaccineEfficacyinOlderAdults
Sarah Elizabeth Davis‡
BridgingGaps,OptimizingCare: AStandardized,Interdisciplinary ApproachtoTransitionsofCare(ToC) RoundstoImprovetheQualityand SafetyofPatientCare
Amanda Paige Dunlap‡ EvaluationofUrinaryTractInfectionsat anAmbulatoryCareClinicThroughout theImplementationofanAntibiotic StewardshipProgram
Ligia Elena Feliciano Delgado DiaBuddySuperhero:AnEducational AppforKidswithType1Diabetes
Susanna Joy Fowler
Sulopenem:EvaluatingtheSafety andEfficacyofaNovelAntibioticfor UncomplicatedUrinaryTractInfections
Alana Joiner Freeman
DescriptiveStudyofTenfoldDosing ErrorsinInfantsReportedtoPoison Centers in the United States
Alexus Gaddis
EfficacyandSafetyofZuranolone intheTreatmentofPostpartum Depression
AnnMarie Michele Garcia
GeneTherapyinEpilepsy:Preclinical Advances,EmergingApproaches,and ClinicalPerspectives
Kaitlin Elizabeth Garrison‡ AComparativeReviewofLong-Acting InjectablePaliperidonePalmitatevs. OralAntipsychotics
Katlyn Marie Graves‡ PharmacologicManagement ofKratom:AddressingToxicity, WithdrawalandDependence
Yunus Jabir Hampton EnhancingMedicationAdherence forDiabeticPatientsFastingDuring Ramadan: A Narrative Review
William Lee Hannah ASystematicLiteratureReviewof theUseofGLP-1AgonistsinThe TreatmentofObesityinAdolescent Patients
Justin ReShad Haywood‡ EvaluatingtheAccuracyofAIin Pharmacy:AChartReview
Yiying He
EarlyNorepinephrineInitiationin SepticShockDecreasesShort-term Mortality:ALiteratureReview
Brianna Hicks
EvaluatingtheEfficacyofPrazosinin AlleviatingPTSD-RelatedNightmares inVeterans:ASystematicLiterature Review
Johnny Hoang
PharmacyStudentExplorestheUse ofDopamineAgonistinRestlessLeg Syndrome:ALiteratureReview
Eusebio Rafael Iglesias
Pharmacist-led Interventions and theirImpactonCancerPatients' HealthOutcomesinJapan:ASystemic Literature Review
Anisha Patrice Jackson NaturalProduct1,2,3,4,6-Penta-OGalloyl-ß-D-GlucoseModulates InflammatoryResponsesInLPSActivatedDendriticCells:Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease
Ezaldean Alaa Kahil‡ InvestigatingtheTherapeuticPotential of1,2,3,4,6Penta-O-Galloyl-ß-DGlucoseinAmelioratingBehavioral DeficitsandModulatingLifespanin aTransgenicModelofAlzheimer’s Disease
Jacob Thomas Knight PharmacyStudentMentalHealth ChangesAcrossCurriculums
Joshua William Kota EvaluationofTransferringPatient Immunization Profiles Between Southeastern States
Loc Duy Le TherapeuticPotentialof GLP-1ReceptorAgonistsin NeurodegenerativeDiseases?
AnLi Jori Link
A Literature Review of the Association ofDepressionDiagnosisor AntidepressantUseinPatientson HormonalContraceptioncomparedto Nonusers
Kenneth Javier Machado Figueroa AScopingReviewoftheEffectiveness ofHealthLiteracyInterventions onVaccineUptakeinHispanic Populations
Kerra Paige Means Risk vs. Benefits of Placenta ConsumptioninPostpartumWomen
Aaron Benjamin Moore PharmacologicalMechanismsand ClinicalImplicationsofCobenfy (xanomeline-trospium)inthe TreatmentofSchizophrenia
Fayth Gabrielle Morris‡ ASystematicReviewofCostEffectiveness Studies on Continuous GlucoseMonitors(CGMs)inType1 andType2Diabetes
Jaylee Sarahi Munoz Juarbe TargetingAmyloid-Beta:Lecanemab’s ImpactonEarlyAlzheimer’s Progression
Sydney B. Murphy‡
The Effective Use of Over-The-Counter Medications for the Prevention of UrinaryTractInfectionsinWomen:A Literature Review
Allysa Marie Nance ExploringPotentialSynergiesinthe Treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors : A Literature Review
Lyne Nguyen AssessingtheOutcomesofthe ImplementationofLipidScreenings DuringPharmacist-LedMedicare AnnualWellnessVisits(MAWVs) for Statin Treated Patients: A RetrospectiveChartReview
Courtney Bruce Nix
OptimizationandValidationofan HPLCMethodfortheSeparationof Caffeine,Theobromine,Theophylline, andParaxanthinebyReversed-Phase LiquidChromatography
Taylor Ray Paris
AssessingtheImpactofNaloxone
AdministrationTraininginTransitional LivingFacilities
Kourtnee' Alexandrea Phillips‡ Neuromodulation Devices for Prevention and Acute Treatment of MigraineandHeadacheDisorders:A SystemicReview
Joseph M. Pittman
AnalyzingaSubsetofSmallMolecule ModulatorsoftheCysticFibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator
Charles Mackness Pitts
EvaluatingtheUsageandTitration ofGlucagon-LikePeptide-1Receptor AgonistsinPatientswithUncontrolled Type2DiabetesMellitus
Kaitlin Plunkett
Adverse Mental Health Outcomes ofelexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftorin PediatricPatientswithCysticFibrosis: ARetrospectiveChartReview
Taylor Grace Romine‡ InterdisciplinaryMedicationDiversion, Prevention,Compliance,andEducation foraMulti-HospitalSystem.
Mary Elizabeth Ronne
UseofGlucagon-LikePeptideReceptor AgonistsintheTreatmentofPolycystic OvarySyndrome:ASystematic Literature Review
Roxanna Roque-Melendez Is Nirsevimab Administration Better ThanMaternalRSVpreFVaccineat PreventingRespiratory SyncytialVirus (RSV)AssociatedLowerRespiratory TractInfections(LRTIs)inHealthy InfantsAged<12months?:A SystematicLiteratureReview
Micah Anthony Rowe PharmacogenomicTestingPriorto AntidepressantInitiationforAnxiety andDepression:ALiteratureReview
Emma Grace Russell‡ ImpactofPrenatalCannabisExposure onChildhoodCognition:ALiterature Review
Whitney Nicole Seals‡
PreventingthePreventable:Addressing Medication-Related Risks in Falls Management
Wendy Lizeth Serrano
PharmacyStudents'Self-Perceived Knowledge,Skills,andAttitudes Toward Suicide Prevention: A LongitudinalSurveyAnalysis
Cindy MaKaylee Shelton
Empower-Her:EducatingYoung Women on the HPV Vaccine for a Healthier Future
Lauren Nicole Shouse
EnhancingCellularImmunity:TheRole ofSpirulinainModulatingImmune Responses
Jordan Michael Skiera‡
RegionalComparisonbetweenOpioidRelatedDeathsandLegalInterventions in the United States from 2005-2021
Jamie Paige Stagg‡
GLP-1Medications-ACatalystfor ChangeinHealth,Economy,and Society:ALiteratureReview
Brandon Thomas Terpo
TheRoleofThird-GenerationTyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Pediatric Chronic MyelogenousLeukemia:ALiterature Review
Alyssa Maria Thompson‡ SotagliflozinfortheManagementof Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: A Literature Review
Cartasia Arnae Tyus
The Prevalence of Cannabis and AlcoholUseAmongVeteranswith PTSDComparedtothosewithout PTSD: A Literature Review
Kimberly Michelle Uribe ASystemicLiteratureReviewofthe DifferentStrategiesForImproving MedicationAdherence toPsychotropic MedicationsamongLatinos
Glorian Caroline Vaughn‡ Genetic Mutations and Their Role in IncreasingtheHeartFailureRiskof African American Adults
Tanairis Vega Nazario
SafetyofmRNAVaccinesinPatients withHematopoieticStemCell Transplantation:ALiteratureReview
Yolianice Velez Mendez PrevalenceofAnxietyandDepression AmongPharmacyStudents:Analyzing Assessment Tools and Measurement Scales: A Literature Review
Adrian Alejandro Velez Domenech OptimizingAnesthesia:ADrug UtilizationReviewofSugammadexfor Neuromuscular Block Reversal
Elizabeth McKenzie Williams‡ Direct-to-ConsumerAdvertisingof PrescriptionDrugs:Evaluationof EffectsonConsumerKnowledgeand Behavior
Tekia Elise Wilmer‡ LiteratureReviewofthePharmacologic ManagementandNutritional ChallengesinSickleCellDisease
Cierra Jaylah Wilson AnalyzingtheInfluenceof PharmaceuticalMarketingon PrescribingPatterns:ASystematic Literature Review
Joshua Ray Wilson‡ Design,Development,andValidationof aPharmacogenomicsClinicalDecision SupportMobileApplication
Avery Trystan Zapp‡ TheImpactofCurcumin SupplementationonMetabolic SyndromeMarkersinWomen DiagnosedwithPCOS:ALiterature Review
‡Receiving two degrees
Project titles provided by candidates
School of Public Health
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION
AnaKate Xian Andrasko
Jennie Katharine Boyd Swetz
Sarah Elizabeth Davis‡
Taylor Grace Romine‡
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Abigail Rene Collins‡
Yasmin Samaia Cottingham‡
Chloe Anne Danford‡
Amanda Paige Dunlap‡
Kaitlin Elizabeth Garrison‡
Katlyn Marie Graves‡
Nora M. Kassis
Fayth Gabrielle Morris‡
Whitney Nicole Seals‡
Anna Brett Hyde Williamson
Sydney B. Murphy‡
Kourtnee' Alexandrea Phillips‡
Emma Grace Russell‡
Mohkam Singh
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NUTRITION
‡
Avery Trystan Zapp‡
Parth Thakkar
Glorian Caroline Vaughn‡
Chelsey Vincent
Tekia Elise Wilmer‡
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATICS AND ANALYTICS
‡
Alaa Kahil‡
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
Haley Michael Anderson
Kimberly Deloris Anderson
Cassidy June Armstrong
Tabitha Charlotte Boatwright
Elizabeth Lorraine Borcherding
Anya Olivia Bornemann
Peyton Elizabeth Buzzell
Sterling Anna Cannady
‡
Jasmine Nicole Catchings
Madison Elizabeth Curren
Ivy Grace Fellers
Adlie Claire Green
Laila Isabel Hernandez
Giann Hoosier
Caroline Connell Jansen
Jordyn A. Keesing
CANDIDATES FOR DOCTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Jairus Ballard
ExploringtheMentalHealth ConsequencesofGunViolencein African American Communities in Louisiana:APublicHealthApproach
Michael Joseph Basso
ComparativeAnalysisofPublicvs. PrivateSectorHiringPracticesin PublicHealth:InsightsforModernizing RecruitmentStrategies
Ashley Alicia Hohenkirk Rollins
TheHealthcareSystem'sResponse toHumanTrafficking:ASystematic Review
Paris Natasha Johnson
ExaminingthePublicHealth ImplicationsofXylazineUse:A ComprehensiveAnalysis
Shamarra Jaqua Jones
Barriers to Childcare Access as a Social Determinant of Health in East Wake County,NC,andtheInfluenceon PolicyDecision-Making
Kenneth Preston Lowery ComplexAnalysisofPositive OutcomesforHepatitisCinIndividuals WhoareIntravenousDrugUsers:A SystematicReview
Eva Grace Labine
Caroline Garner Luck
Rebekah Anne Marsh
Monique Loviel McCray
Nicolasa Lucille Mickey
Lauren Elizabeth Nott
Robert Alexander Rait
Allison Barbara Raymond
Emma Kathryn Stoebner
Reagan Kenington Story
Ashby Taylor Webber
Alyssa Grace Williams
Ouida Louise Wright
Arielle Adams Octave BarrierstoHealthcare:TheImpactof Intimate Partner Violence on Mental HealthandHIVTreatmentAmong African American Women in the DeepSouth
Felecia Yvette Salary InvestigatingtheEffectiveness of Multilevel Telemedicine and CommunityHealthWorker(CHW) InterventionsinEnhancingHealthcare AccessibilityandUtilizationinRural Communities
Kayla Marie Torres
EvaluatingtheImpactofCommunity HealthWorker(CHW)Engagementon MaternalandInfantHealthDisparities amongNon-HispanicBlack(NHB) Women in Alabama
‡Receiving two degrees Project titles provided by candidates
Justin ReShad Haywood
Ezaldean
Joshua Ray Wilson
Alyssa Maria Thompson
ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT
Cumberland School of Law
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 5 p.m.
Pete Hanna Center
MACE BEARER
William G. Ross, Albert P. Brewer Professor of Law and Ethics
PRESIDING
Beck A. Taylor, President
PRELUDE
Cathedral Brass, “O God Our Help In Ages Past” by Isaac Watts/William Croft/arr. Dan Boone. ASCAP
....................................................................................
*PROCESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
WELCOME
Beck A. Taylor
INVOCATION
Edward C. Martin, Professor of Law, Director of Law School Technology
CHARGE AND INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER
R. Blake Hudson, Professor of Law, Dean
ADDRESS
Karon O. Bowdre, JD ’80, Senior Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Alabama, Chair, Samford University Board of Trustees
PRESENTATION OF DEGREES
Marci S. Johns, Senior Associate Provost
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Beck A. Taylor
ANNOUNCEMENT OF GRADUATES
Jill E. Evans, Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
REMARKS
William R. Philpot, Class President
CLOSING REMARKS
Beck A. Taylor
*ALMA MATER
Kristin Kenning, Professor, School of the Arts
*BENEDICTION
Chinelo E. Dike-Minor, Associate Professor of Law ....................................................................................
*RECESSIONAL
Cathedral Brass, “El Capitan with Imperial March”
John Phillip Sousa/arr. Jari Villanueva and John Williams/arr. Jayan Nandagopan
HOODERS
Ramona C. Albin, Associate Professor of Law
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Professor of Law, Director of Legal Research & Writing
FACULTY MARSHALLS
Rachel S. Martin, Director of Clinics, Externships and Public Service
Timothy J. McFarlin, Associate Professor of Law
Kerry P. McInerney, Director of Graduate Programs and International Programs
Maryam T. Stevenson, Assistant Professor of Law
DEAN
R. Blake Hudson, Dean, Cumberland School of Law
*The audience will please stand
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF LAWS
Lauren Nicole Alexander‡
Madelyn C. Brocato‡
Suleida Esther Brown‡
Jason Rolland Griess
Macey Rae Jones‡
LaTracyenne Kennisha Kennie-Gibbs
Sonia Lazaro‡
James Kelly Allgood Miller‡
CANDIDATES FOR MASTER OF STUDIES IN LAW
Vivian Rosetta Cunningham
Lee Marcelle Hardin
Selena Michelle Healey Kyteria Elise-Haynes Holmes
CANDIDATES FOR JURIS DOCTOR
Heather N. Adams
Omega Lynn Adams
Maha Ahmed
Savannah Rebecca Lynn Aldridge
Lauren Nicole Alexander‡
Payton Elizabeth Alongi
Joshua A. Andrews
Anyston MacKenzie Belt
Brian Conrad Belveal
Jamal Patrick Benson
Mary Gabrielle Benson
Ameleigh B. Bippen
Maddison Taylor Booth
Kaitlyn Amelia Boswell
Rachel Shumaker Bragg
Anabel Marie Braziel
Audrey Kaitlyn Bright
Madelyn C. Brocato‡
Sophia Grace Brough
Suleida Esther Brown‡
Emma Camille Bunyard
Haleigh Breanne Burrows
Kathryn Elizabeth Campbell
Wilbur Randolph Charles
Madison Elizabeth Clark
Joneth Elisha Cleveland
Drake Thomas Conway
Dylan Cole Cooper
Blake Remington Cordova
Henry Claiborne Crommelin Jr.
Lauren Keeton Cross
Cade R. Crow
Matthew Carter Curl
Samuel David Dantone
Carson Reid Darby
Collin Davidson
Stephen Wyatt Davidson
Hunter G. Davis
Lillian Claire Dickinson
Mitchell Jacob Dolen
Myra Rivers Dorey
Grant T. Eison
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Fowler
Kaylee Brooke Franks
Nicole Elizabeth Fried
Madison Taylor Garner
Hollis McKelvey Garrard
Synclair B. Goyer‡
Alexander Theodore Gulas
Victoria Consuelo Gurol
Alexa Victoria Gutierrez
Kayla Marie Haller
William Stewart Hammons III
Lucas A. Harris-Miller
Caleb David Haught‡
Tonya LaRae Heathington
Ali Reza Heyat
Wyatt C. Huggins
Dorris Edwin Jernigan III
Samuel H. Johnson
Macey Rae Jones‡
Jasleen Kaur Judge
William P. Kirkpatrick
Evan Garrett Klugh
John Yun Koo
Zachary S. Kriner
William F. Landsea
Leslie Ann LaTurno
Cambridge Sierra Layfield
Sonia Lazaro‡
Bethany Mae Logan
Anna Grace Lonergan
Allie Morgan Lott
Rylan Brandon Lusk
Richmond Benjamin Maddox
Keneshia Janae Mahan
Randall Mixon
Amelia Grace Smith‡
Jeffrey Torres
Zedekiah Darnell Toy‡
Naomi Wandia McCoy
Jordan Michael Skiera
Brynn T. Martin
Jordan A. Martin
Morgan Alexandra Martin
Catherine Marie Maurin
Samantha Ann Mendoza
James Kelly Allgood Miller‡
Joseph Brady Milligan
Zane L. Mitchell
Stephanie Noemi Monterroso
Freddrick Malik Moore
Sydney Lind Moore
Rexton Jeffrey Morris
Scarlett Savanna Grace Morris
John L. Neese
Sydney M Nester
Ryan O'Halloran
Elizabeth Jane Packer
Ann Graham Parker II
Jasmine Jade Paynter
Katherine-Miles Missouri Peek
Anna Grace Phillips‡
William R. Philpot
Brian P. Powell
Jacob L. Powell
Zoe Annabelle Ras
Riley Elizabeth Reynolds
Nathaniel James Robertson
Harriet Swann Shelly
Amelia Grace Smith‡
Christina M. Smith
Elizabeth Brumley Smith
Isabella Christine Smith
Mckenzy Cullen Smith
Conner Gorman Sorrells
Justin Frederick St. Amour
Katherine Marie Starkey
Brianne Celeste Stephens
Victoria Stapleton Stocks
McKenzie Lee Wilson‡
Madelyn L. Street
Sarah Grace Strength
Kyle Swearengen
William Alton Taylor II
Reese Hastings Thompson
Stephen Roy Todd
Zedekiah D. Toy‡
Caroline Chapman Trippeer
Loden Brock Trulove
Henry Viña
Grayson Clay Walden
Merry Allyson Walker
Tevin Darryl Wallace
Hannah Grace Walters
Tayler Alexandria Walton
Danielle Welsh
John Mitchell West
Jalen Avery Williams
Karolyn La'Nee Williams
Lauren Paige Williams
Allison Paige Willis
McKenzie Lee Wilson‡
Hannah Wood
William Bryant Yeiser‡
Cole G. Zirbel
‡Receiving two degrees
