Southern Arkansas University honored 172 graduates with undergraduate and graduate degrees at its Summer Commencement ceremonies on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8, 2020. Following are the local students earning degrees:
• ShaTina Hunter from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Associate of Science degree in Chemistry through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Petr Kandidatov from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Warren Basinger from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing through the David F. Rankin College of Business.
• Roxanne Elizabeth Atkins from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Andrew Hunter Baggett from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training through the College of Education.
• Carrie E. Christenson from Taylor, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Arica Lashay Clayton from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Shanara Ka’daysha Ellis from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Ethan Ty Lane from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security Privacy through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Simone Ragine Martin from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Perrin Calhoun Partee from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Daniel Boone Campbell from Magnolia, AR, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Julie C. Feemster from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Timothy Franks from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Sara Morgan from Waldo, AR, graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Chloe Elizabeth Phillips from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Jevaree Prevo from Waldo, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Dennis Ray Young, Sr. from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Bachelor of University Studies degree in University Studies through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Natalie Reeves from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in Teacher Education through the College of Education.
• Amanda LeeAnn Baker from Emerson, AR, graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree in Business Administration through the David F. Rankin College of Business.
• John Wilson Impson from Stephens, AR, graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree in Supply Chain Management through the David F. Rankin College of Business.
• Ja’Corey Porchia from Stephens, AR, graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree in Business Administration through the David F. Rankin College of Business.
• Deidra Robinelle Curry from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education through the College of Education.
• Shanice Sha’la Easter from Stephens, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education through the College of Education.
• Valerie Kaye Gillaspy from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education through the College of Education.
• Katy Rebekah Hicks from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Education degree in Library Media through the College of Education.
• Miguel Johnson III from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Kinder Saige Patton from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Daniel Lane Wood from Waldo, AR, graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Administration through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts.
• Kayla Jordan Skelton from Emerson, AR, graduated with a Master of Science degree in Agriculture through the College of Science and Engineering.
• Jalen J. Turner from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology through the College of Education.
• Khadejah A. Willis from Magnolia, AR, graduated with a Master of Science degree in Kinesiology through the College of Education.
A total of 172 SAU graduates received degrees this summer. Of those, 109 candidates graduated from the School of Graduate Studies and 63 undergraduate candidates were recognized from SAU’s four academic colleges.
Commencement ceremonies looked slightly different this summer, as SAU adapted to the changes that COVID-19 brought not only to the SAU community, but the entire globe. As a result, all six commencement ceremonies were held at Wilkins Football Stadium on campus. In addition, a number of spring graduates who received their degrees in May 2020 also chose to walk in the summer commencement ceremonies, due to the spring commencement ceremonies being canceled.
Southern Arkansas University has embraced its culture of caring for students, faculty, and staff for more than a century, dating back to the earliest years of the institution. The university is dedicated to student achievement and success, both in classes and online. With traditional and unique academic degree programs ranked nationally for quality and affordability, SAU offers the complete college experience to prepare students for success in the workforce.
To learn more about Southern Arkansas University, visit web.SAUmag.edu.