Wiley College 133rd Commencement Booklet - Spring 2022

Wiley College

133 COMMENCEMENT rd

SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022 | 8:00 A.M. DR. HERMAN J. FELTON, JR., J.D., PH.D. 17TH PRESIDENT & CEO, WILEY COLLEGE ATTORNEY BILLY R. CASEY CHAIRMAN, WILEY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES DR. HOWARD O. GIBSON, PH.D. VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS & STRATEGIC RETENTION

2022 SPRING COMMENCEMENT CONTENTS Commencement Etiquette | 3 Wiley College History, Mission and Vision | 4 The President's Message| 5 Commencement Speaker | 6 Order of Commencement Exercises | 8-9 Candidates for Degrees | 10-11 Symbols of Authority | 12 Academic Regalia | 13 Wiley College Board of Trustees and President's Executive Cabinet | 14 The Academic Procession | 15 Heritage Anthem | 16 "Oh, Wiley Dear" | 17

Wiley College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Wiley College | 2

COMMENCEMENT ETIQUETTE Commencement is a significant and solemn event, recognizing years of study and sacrifice. Out of respect for the ceremony, other families present and to preserve the dignity of the commencement exercises, please:

SILENCE ALL DEVICES

HOLD ALL APPLAUSE UNTIL PROMPTED NO AIR HORNS OR NOISEMAKERS PLEASE AVOID WALKING DURING THE CEREMONY & PLEASE REMAIN SEATED UNTIL THE END OF THE CEREMONY PLEASE DO NOT APPROACH THE STAGE, TAKE ALL PICTURES WITH YOUR GRADUATE AFTER THE CEREMONY

Wiley College | 3

Wiley College HISTORY

In 1873, the Freedman’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church founded Wiley College near Marshall, Texas, to allow Negro youth the opportunity to pursue higher learning in the arts, sciences, and other professions. Named in honor of Bishop Isaac William Wiley, an outstanding minister, medical missionary, and educator, Wiley College was founded during turbulent times for Blacks in America.

As the nation’s first HBCU west of the Mississippi River, Wiley College has been home to great alumni such as Mr. James Farmer, Mr. Heman Sweatt, and Ms. Opal Lee. The College is currently organized into two degree-granting divisions: the School of Business and Social Science and the School of Education and Sciences. The latter division, although not degree-granting, is responsible for the College’s general education and interdisciplinary studies.

There is an unyielding conviction among the faculty and administration today that learning occurs best in an academically challenging and supportive environment and embraces the principles of academic freedom and shared governance. Overall, Wiley College remains a viable force in the academic community. The institution continues to be a leader in innovation. It was the first “Thinkpad College” west of the Mississippi River. This initiative allowed all students to use a laptop for their daily classwork. For almost 150 years, Wiley College has offered educational opportunities to the citizens of Texas, the nation, and the world. The Wiley College spirit remains vibrant in the face of remarkable social change, global terrorism, economic strife, and adversity.

The beacon of light that is Wiley College will shine forth unsullied for generations to come. The insightful vision of years past that made Wiley College a preeminent Black college in the south is alive and well.

MISSION STATEMENT

Wiley College is a premier liberal arts institution, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership. (Approved by the Wiley College Board of Trustees November 15, 2021.)

VISION STATEMENT

Wiley College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college serving as a beacon of light inspiring individuals to serve as catalysts of social change in their community and professions.

The President's Message Dear Wiley College Graduates:

Congratulations on this life-changing accomplishment! Your dedication and hard work have made this moment happen. As you prepare to move into the next part of your journey, we are reminded of how exceptional you really are and how much you will contribute to the world. You are the best and the brightest, and you are now entering the next level as a Wiley College graduate.

Wiley College graduates can be found all over the world and have been outstanding contributors to their fields, and you will soon make your mark. You have entrusted us with your education, and for that, we are grateful that you have allowed us to pour into you and share our wisdom and knowledge. Today is the culmination of your efforts, a celebration of your academic success.

We wish you continued success and are proud of you! We acknowledge all the people in your lives who have helped to make this moment possible. You embody the excellence of Wiley College and all that it has to offer. Go Forth Inspired!

Inspirata Procedunt,

Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO Wiley College

133rd COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Wiley College Board of Trustees and Bishop Donte' L. Hickman is a native of Baltimore, Maryland. He is a graduate of Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, Garrett-Evangelical Seminary at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. On October 1, 2002, Dr. Donte' L. Hickman became the fourth Pastor of the Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD. Under his leadership, Southern Baptist Church has grown to over 4000 members in three locations and five worship services every Sunday morning.

With a mantra of "Restoring People As We Rebuild Properties," Pastor Hickman is leading the East Baltimore Revitalization Project with the development of affordable housing, mixed-use property development, and community health services. One of the recent developments was the Mary Harvin Senior Housing and Transformation Center, a 16 million dollar, 61 unit senior housing facility with a community services center nearing completion when it was burned down during the riots in April 2015 but fully rebuilt in April 2016. As a community leader and entrepreneur, Reverend Hickman was appointed by the honorable Mayor Martin O'Malley to serve as one of the Housing Commissioners for the Housing Authority Board of Baltimore City.

Bishop Donte’ L. Hickman

Lead Pastor of Southern Baptist Church

In 2012 the Governor appointed Pastor Hickman to the Maryland Port Authority Commission. Reverend Hickman has also recently written two books entitled, The Power of Being Underestimated: Allowing the Negatives to Work For Your Good and Through the Fire: The Tenacity To Rise From The Ashes. On July 10, 2018, in Greensboro, North Carolina, Pastor Hickman was consecrated at the Global United Fellowship by Presiding Prelate Neil C. Ellis, Bishop J. Delano Ellis, and Bishop Kenneth Ulmer as a Bishop in the Lord's Church. He serves in the Global United Fellowship as the Bishop of Pastors. Dr. Donté L. Hickman is married to Danielle Chere' Curtis, and they are the proud parents of two sons, Donte' Lamont Hickman, Jr. and Dawson Luke Hickman.

WILEY COLLEGE | 2022 SPRING

ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 8:00 A.M. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College Presiding Officer

The Processional....................................."Trio From Pomp and Circumstance, NO.1" ................................ -Edward Elgar (Audience Please Stand) The Call to Order...................................................................................................................................Kiflu Berhani, Ph.D. Mace Bearer and Faculty Marshal The Presentation of Colors ............................................................................................Marshall High School Color Guard The National Anthem......................................"The Star-Spangled Banner".............................................Frances Scott Key (Audience Remains Standing) The Welcome.....................................................................................................................Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College The Invocation.............................................................................................................................................Dr. James Batten Member, Wiley College Board of Trustees The Heritage Anthem.......................................“Lift Every Voice and Sing”..................................... J. Rosamond Johnson James Weldon Johnson (Audience Please Stand) The Greetings............................................................................................................................. Attorney Billy R. Casey '72 Chairman, Wiley College Board of Trustees The Introduction of Valedictorian................................................................................................ Howard O. Gibson, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Retention The Valedictorian Address............................................................................................................................Ladajah Braziel Class of 2022 Valedictorian The Introduction of Speaker............................................................................................. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College The Musical Selection................................"Be Still And Know: Psalms 46:10".......................Stacey V. Gibbs, Composer The Commencement Address..........................................................................................Bishop Donte' L. Hickman, Sr. '94 Member, Wiley College Board of Trustees The Presentation of Exemplary Faculty Award................................................................ Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College The Presentation of Candidates for Degrees................................................................................ Howard O. Gibson, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Retention Dr. Stephanie Cox - Dean, School of Business and Social Sciences Dr. JoAnn Scales - Dean, School of Education and Sciences The Conferring of Associate & Baccalaureate Degrees................................................... Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College

Wiley College | 8

WILEY COLLEGE | 2022 SPRING

ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES 8:00 A.M. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College Presiding Officer

The Charge to the Class of 2022...................................................................................................Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College The Induction of Wiley College Graduates into the National Alumni Association.......................................Angela Fitzpatrick '99 Vice President, Wiley College National Alumni Association, Inc.

Induction Oath for Graduates As an alumnus (a), I do solemnly swear to uphold the legacy of Wiley College. Imbued by the spirit of the College's mission to serve the needs of students of diverse backgrounds, I will endeavor to earn my own place among alumni who have brought recognition and honor to this institution.

I do solemnly swear to commit myself to the highest standards of service to humanity wherever my life touches that of others.

I further swear to provide moral, intellectual and generous financial support; and I will encourage others to attend my alma mater.

I do solemnly pledge my commitment to Wiley College and to the foundation on which she stands with steadfast love and purpose true, with glorious deeds to do, for God, school, and community.

The Alma Mater............................................................ “Oh, Wiley Dear”............................................. arr. William Henry Smith (Audience Please Stand) The Closing Remarks ..................................................................................................................Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. 17th President & CEO, Wiley College The Benediction......................................................................................................................................................Dr. James Batten

The Retiring of Colors...............................................................................................................Marshall High School Color Guard (Audience Please Stand) The Recessional........................................"Trio From Pomp and Circumstance, NO.1" ...........................................Edward Elgar (Please remain standing until the end of the recessional)

Wiley College | 9

WILEY COLLEGE | 2022 SPRING

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES School of Business and Social Sciences Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

School of Education and Sciences Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies

Isis Burley Robert Carter* Esiyah Dixon-Waheed Carmen Garcia* Dominique Payton Parris Rawls*** Setorra Sheppard Mariah Simpson Shavontae Thomas Tyler Tookes Gabrielle Young

General Studies Concentration

Dallas, TX Cottonport, LA Camden, NJ Sacramento, CA Waskom, TX Conway, AR Shreveport, LA Memphis, TN Irving, TX Desoto, TX Bossier City, LA

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration Keith Adams Shandranella Baker +++ Tomeka Channel* Kitna Coleman +++ Nitasha Gibson ++ Latarsha Johnson+++ Elisya Manning +++ Zorria Neal Courtney Smith Stephanie Vosley++++ Antwoine White++++

Little Rock, AR Keithville, LA Port Arthur, TX Overton, TX Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Bossier City, LA Shreveport, LA Henderson, TX Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA

Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications Trinity Butler* Darrius Greene

Wichita, KS Lindenwold, NJ

Bachelor of Arts in Religion Larry Boyd ++

Missouri City, TX Arlington, TX Carthage, TX Shreveport, LA Marshall, TX Shreveport, LA Kissimmee, FL Beaumont, TX Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Loris, SC Stockton, CA Phlugerville, TX Baton Rouge, LA Texas City, TX Houston, TX Shreveport, LA Dallas, TX Baton Rouge, LA Mission, TX Shreveport, LA Opelousas, LA Shreveport, LA Cottonport, LA Shreveport, LA Houston, TX Houston, TX Dubberly, LA Tyler, TX Baton Rouge, LA

Bachelor of Science in Biology Marshall, TX

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Darian Smith Jannelle Spells*

Laquita Alford Lashethia Bouligny Adjalon Bowers Adazhawa Clark Jonathan Crain Joy Curry Kimar Edwards Devin Ellis Paula Ellison Yasmine Francis+++ Ikela Green Karlayija Hardiamon Timothy Holland Jeffery Jones Ahmad Josey Justin Knight-Richardson Arlana Lewis Bryan McLamore Joseph Millet Jennifer Moncada Kennedy Nicholson Shamani Rideau Dynasty Roberson Clydie Rone ++ LaDeja Shelley Tatiyana Smith Ke’Airra Sutton+++ Kayla Thomas++ Qumesha Wilhite Edwin Young

Houston, TX Vista, CA

^Double Major ++Fall Graduate +Summer Graduate *Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude +++Summer 2021 ++++ Scored Above National Norm on ETS Major Field Test

Charlesetta Arnold De’Michael Coleman Darin Fleming++ Alliyah Holland Tiyanna Johnson Timmie Russell LaTanya Winward

Manor, TX Dallas, TX Beaumont, TX Shreveport, LA Conroe, TX Missouri City, TX Wilmington, DE

Wiley College | 10

WILEY COLLEGE | 2022 SPRING

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES School of Business and Social Sciences Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting Concentration Ladajah Braziel**++ John-Brian Tyler*

Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA

Computer Information Systems Concentration Lynwood Adams Trayon Hunter^

Fresno, TX Gary, IN

Management Concentration Jamir Cheek Janerio Dewey++ Albert Green ++ Trayon Hunter^ Steven McLelland Cameron Resby Aryana Richardson Kay’Lin Robinson John Shafer Jacob Shaw Roman Sorrell Kane Starkey++

Amy Walker Demarlon White Chadd Williams Tarsha Williams Chlo’e Wimberly Stephanie Young

Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Vivian, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Henry Bates Kory Chenier* Gregory Coleman Nathan Pullig Franklin Smith

Homer, LA Lake Providence, LA Shreveport, LA Cottonport, LA Cottonport, LA

Brooklyn, NY Cottonport, LA Cottonport, LA Gary, IN Homer, LA Houston, TX Tallahassee, FL Dallas, TX Cottonport, LA Cottonport, LA Beaumont, TX Homer, LA

Organizational Management Concentration Christopher Bowman Kiauwanna Davis+++ Latavia Dawson** Meredith Dickens Shanice Dixon ** Dean Jaipersad Keisha Law* Marion Markray** LaShannon Montgomery Greg Oliver Devetra Savore Marshanda Shaw+++ Nikeba Shanta Sheppard Commanisha Smith Delois Smith Moesha Smith Rayuna Smith Kimberlyn Strickland

Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Tampa, FL Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Hosston,LA Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA Marshall, TX Fort Worth, TX Shreveport, LA Shreveport, LA

^Double Major ++Fall Graduate +Summer Graduate *Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude ***Summa Cum Laude +++Summer 2021 ++++ Scored Above National Norm on ETS Major Field Test

Wiley College | 11

SYMBOLS OF AUTHORITY THE MACE Dating back to medieval times, when it was used as a weapon, the mace is now a recognized symbol of authority. Traditionally, colleges and universities use the mace to depict the institution's mission.

The mace is carried in all formal academic processions that include the president of the institution. The creation of the Wiley College Mace was commissioned in 1994 and was the gift of the Board of Trustees.

This gift honored Dr. Joseph I. Johnson for his years of advocacy and generous support of the College and his long and faithful tenure as a trustee.

THE COLLEGE MEDALLION The College Medallion is a three-and-a-half-inch replica of the College's seal. It displays three significant elements in its design: the commitment to academic excellence, community service, and research. The medallion is worn as part of the official dress of the President of Wiley College at formal academic functions.

COMMENCEMENT The term Commencement derives from a practice in the Medieval University where it was customary for a candidate for an academic degree to present a public lecture or disputation to the faculty and other scholars gathered to hear it. If the disputation was successfully defended and accepted, the candidate was admitted to the degree with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities hereunto appertaining. The first public lecture or disputation was originally called an "Inception." It signified the beginning of the Commencement of the scholar's academic career in the degree to which he had been admitted. The ceremony surrounding this inception or "graduation" has subsequently come to be called Commencement. Today, Wiley College celebrates its 133rd Commencement.

Wiley College | 12

ACADEMIC REGALIA The distinctive dress associated with academic processions and convocations dates from the Middle Ages, when long-sleeved hooded gowns were necessary for warmth in the unheated stone colleges. Most of the scholars were clerics in holy orders, and they wore cloaks to which were attached hoods that could be pulled up to cover their tonsured heads. Over the centuries, much diversity occurred in academic costumes. To bring some order to this diversity, in 1894 in the United States, the Intercollegiate Commission met in New York and agreed on a code of academic degree that has become the standard for most colleges and universities.

According to the academic degree code, both the styling and color of the regalia have significance. The design of the gown indicates the degree. The bachelor’s gown is simple, with a full sleeve. The master’s gown is much like the bachelor’s gown, except for the long sleeves, which hang loose. The doctor’s gown is fuller and more elaborate. It has velvet edging and three velvet stripes on the full sleeves. Usually, the color of the gown is black. Hoods, worn over the gowns, are similar for all degrees, although differing slightly in length. The candidates for the bachelor’s degree usually do not wear the hood. The hood has a velvet edging which indicates the area of the degree, and the inside or lining of the hood is satin in the colors of the college or university granting the degree. A partial list of the degree colors to be found on the edge of the hood or the trimming on the doctor’s gown is below. The usual cap, proper for all degrees, is the black mortarboard, although some colleges use the beret. Tassels, usually black, are worn over the left front quarter of the cap for a degree holder and on the right for a candidate for a degree. Holders of the doctorate may wear tassels of gold thread. Holders may also wear tassels in the colors of the college or university granting the degree.

DEGREE COLORS Agriculture...............................Maize Music...........................................Pink Arts, Letters, Humanities......... White Medicine....................................Green Business Administration........... Drab Oratory Speech.................Silver Gray Dentistry.................................... Lilac Philosophy..........................Dark Blue Economics.............................. Copper Physical Education.......... Sage Green Education.......................... Light Blue Public Administration...Peacock Blue

Engineering........................... Orange Public Health..........................Salmon Fine Arts, Architecture............Brown Science.......................Golden Yellow Forestry................................... Russet Social Science..........................Cream Journalism........................... Crimson Social Services..........................Citron Laws........................................ Purple Theology/Divinity....................Scarlet Library Science....................... Lemon Veterinary Science......................Gray

GONFALONS The colorful banners on the stage are gonfalons. Gonfalons are used throughout higher education on special occasions like graduation. The colors of the College, purple and white, are joined together in a pattern common to all of the banners. The additional color that borders each banner represents the academic divisions here at Wiley College. Beige represents the Division of Business and Technology. Light blue signifies the Division of Education. The golden yellow represents the Division of Sciences and cream, the Division of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Wiley College | 13

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Attorney Billy R. Casey Chairman Mr. Jerry Cargill Vice-Chairman Dr. Walter L. Sutton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. Vice-Chairman Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. Wiley College President & CEO Dr. Felecia D. Jett Secretary Mr. Calvin Stamps Treasurer

First Category Rev. Karen Jones Superintendent North District

Second Category

Mr. Nolan Anderson National Alumni Association

Bishop Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr.

Dr. Lonzetta Smith-Allen National Alumni Association

Dr. Nathaniel Parker

Bishop Scott J. Jones Texas Annual Conference

Dr. Herman Lavon Totten

Rev. Vincent Harris Texas Annual Conference Dr. Grace L. Butler Texas Annual Conference

Mrs. Claudia S. Rimes Member-at-Large

Judge Richard Anderson Dr. James Batten Mrs. Gloria D. Larry Mr. John Frank Strauss Rev. B.T. Williamson Trustees Emeriti Dr. Robert McGee Mr. Warren Scott Mr. John Walker

Mr. Richard Foppé Hodge, Sr. Member-at-Large

PRESIDENT'S EXECUTIVE CABINET Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. Wiley College President & CEO Dr. Tashia Bradley Chief Operating Officer Vice President for Administration and Strategic Retention George A. Stiell Sr. Vice President for Business, Finance, and Strategic Retention Dr. Howard O. Gibson Vice President for Academic Affairs and Strategic Retention Dr. W. Anthony Neal Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Strategic Retention Dr. Danielle Sims Brooks Vice President for Student Development and Enrollment Management and Strategic Retention Mrs. Cassandra Johnson Special Assistant to the President

Wiley College | 14

Honor and Awards GRADUATION WITH ACADEMIC DISTINCTION Summa Cum Laude (wearing three cords) Graduates with an overall average of 3.90 - 4.00 Magna Cum Laude (wearing two gold cords) Graduates with an overall average of 3.70 - 3.89 Cum Laude (wearing one gold cord) Graduates with an overall average of 3.50 - 3.69

The Academic Procession Grand Marshal Wiley College 17th President & CEO Commencement Speaker Wiley College Chairman of Board of Trustees Wiley College Board of Trustees Members

Kiflu Berhani, Ph.D. Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D. Bishop Donte L. Hickman Attorney Billy R. Casey

National Alumni Association Vice President

Angela Fitzpactrick

Vice-President of Academic Affairs and Strategic Retention The President's Executive Cabinet

Howard O. Gibson, Ph.D.

Dean of Business and Social Sciences Dean of Education and Sciences

Stephanie Cox, Ph.D. JoAnn Scales, Ph.D.

Valedictorian

Ms. Ladajah Braziel

The College Registrar Director of Library Services Assistant Dean School of Business and Social Sciences

Ms. Gloria Mitchell Martha Lopez Coleman, Ed.D. Dr. Devissi Muhammad

The Faculty Marshal Faculty Staff

Ms. Rita Thomas

The Student Marshal Class of 2022

Dr. Khaled Al-Agha

Wiley College | 15

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" Lift Every Voice And Sing, till earth and Heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of liberty; Let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod, bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered; Out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou Who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou Who hast by Thy might, led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee.

Lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee.

Shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, True to our God, true to our native land.

"Oh, Wiley Dear" Oh, Wiley dear, ever we’ll sing thy praise; With love and rapture our voices we’ll raise.

Our hearts are all swelling with joy sublime; We’ll cherish thee till the end of time.

We’ll cherish thee till the end of time.

Oh Lord, we pray, may our dear Wiley stand; A beacon light shining o’er our dear land.

And may her sons, with steadfast purpose true; Go Forth Inspired glorious deeds to do.

Go Forth Inspired glorious deeds to do.

Written By: William Henry Smith