Dec. 11, 2015
For Immediate Release

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, told 228 undergraduate and graduate students in two commencement ceremonies Friday, Dec. 11 in Ransdell Chapel to live by fellowship, leadership and scholarship - words on the university seal.

Terry Harris, a mass communication/public relations major, acknowledges a friend along the Senior Walk. He is from Gaithersburg, Md. (Campbellsville University Photo by Kasey Ricketts)

In his charge to the graduates, Carter reminded the graduates to thank those who have helped them on their journey, go forth and reach across ethnic, racial, religious and cultural barriers and live in harmony among all people.

Lauren Workman of Nicholasville, Ky., gives a thumbs-up as she and Shane Woodson of Campbellsville, Ky., participate in the traditional Senior Walk. Dr. Jason Garrett, far left, associate professor of communication and chair of the faculty forum, was one of numerous professors who walked with the students. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joshua Williams)

He told the students to be Christian servant leaders and to take people further than they ever thought they could go. He urged the graduates to never stop learning.

Carter said a Christian university has a distinctive role to play in today's world by teaching God's word.

During the 2 p.m. ceremony, Russ Mobley of Campbellsville, Ky., who served Campbellsville University from 1971 to 2005 as a drama professor and who directed more than 100 theater productions at Campbellsville University, was presented an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Anna Mary Byrdwell, a 1960 Campbellsville University graduate of Louisville, Ky., who serves on the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, was presented an honorary doctorate of public service during the 4 p.m. ceremony.

Russ Mobley, second from left, receives an honorary doctorate of humane letters, at Campbellsville University's commencement. He taught drama at CU from 1971 until 2005, from Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University; left, Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Joseph L. Owens, a 1977 graduate of Campbellsville University who is beginning his fifth term as chair of the CU Board of Trustees. (Campbellsville University Photo by Drew Tucker)

Co-valedictorians of the class were Grace Elizabeth Arnold, an early childhood education major from Jeffersonville, Ind., who received a bachelor of science degree; Shelby Lee Hicks, an accounting and Spanish major from Cunningham, Ky., who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree; and Rachel Elizabeth Veatch, a biology major from Bowling Green, Ky., who was awarded a bachelor of science degree in biology.

Salutatorian was Cody Nolan Steiner, a business information technology major from Lebanon, Ohio, who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree.

Mikayla Smith of Mason City, Iowa, a mass communication major, waits her turn to receive her bachelor of science degree. (Campbellsville University Photo by Kasey Ricketts)

In the 2 p.m. ceremony, Shane Woodson, who received a bachelor of science in business administration degree, spoke in answer to Carter's charge and urged his fellow classmates to follow the Campbellsville University seal and make the world a better place. “The world needs us,” he said. “Become a part of something bigger than yourself.”

Tiffani Ellington, who received an associate degree in nursing and who is from Boaz, Ky., gave the response to the charge in the 4 p.m. ceremony. “CU is about changing lives,” she said.

“CU is about preparing Christian servant leaders. CU is about growing up and making a difference. CU is about finding your calling and pushing harder and further to reach your goals. CU is about being the best you can possibly be.”

Paula Smith, director of alumni relations, welcomed the graduates into the CU Alumni Association which has over 12,000 graduates.

She charged the graduates to complete three tasks: to display their diploma; help recruit students and help continue a trend of record-setting; and make a gift in support of the university.

“As a graduate,” she said, “you represent that which is good and great about the university.Yourpast accomplishments, your future achievements, the way in which you live, and the values by which you live will reflect upon the educational values of Campbellsville University.”

The graduates receiving degrees are as follows: 18 associate degrees in nursing; two associate of science; four bachelor of arts; 82 bachelor of science; 10 bachelor of social work; 31 bachelor of science in business administration; 13 bachelor of science in nursing; three teacher leader master of arts in education; two master of arts in organizational leadership; four master of arts in special education; six master of arts in school improvement;

Sharon Fragier, left, and Tamara Thompson, both of Louisville, received teacher leader master of arts in education degrees. (Campbellsville University Photo by Kristin Davis)

One master of arts in sport management; nine teacher leader master of arts in special education; seven master of business administration; three master in marriage and family therapy; one master of music in performance; 19 master of social work; one master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages; 11 master of theology; and one master in management and leadership.

Degrees are conferred upon completion of all academic requirements.

Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, presented the graduates. Dr. Joseph L. Owens, chair of the CU Board of Trustees, gave the invocation at both ceremonies.

Dr. Wesley Roberts, professor of music, played the organ, and Dr. Anne McNamara, assistant professor of music, was the trumpeter.

Dr. Mark Bradley, professor of music, led the congregational music.

Dr. Jason Garrett, associate professor of communication, chair of faculty forum, gave the benediction at the 2 p.m. ceremony, and Dr. Anna Mary Byrdwell delivered the 4 p.m. benediction.

Anna Mary Byrdwell, of Louisville, second from left, a 1960 graduate of Campbellsville University who serves on the Board of Trustees, receives an honorary doctorate of public service, from Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University; left, Dr. Donna Hedgepath, vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Joseph L. Owens, a 1977 graduate of Campbellsville University who is beginning his fifth term as chair of the CU Board of Trustees. (Campbellsville University Photo by Joan C. McKinney)

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,500 students offering over 80 programs of study including24 master's degrees, seven postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information iscampbellsville.edu.