Mercer 2009 Commencement Program

M E R C E R U N I V E R S I T Y

C O M M E N C E M E N T

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College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of

business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College

of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW

| College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift

College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional

studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of

mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool

of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts

| Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs

| sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of

Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and

health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James

and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of

musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson

sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist

College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of

laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering |

tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional













Me s s a g e f r o M t h e Pr e s i d e n t

May 2009

Dear Mercer Graduate:

On behalf of the entire Mercer University community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to you on the occasion of your graduation. You have achieved one of the most significant goals of your life, and you have added immeasurably to the intellectual and spiritual foundation on which you will stand in the years ahead. You may be receiving your first Mercer degree this spring. Or, perhaps your accomplishment represents your second or even third degree from the University. Whichever it may be, you share a common bond with all of the graduates today of having made real what was once an aspiration. As a graduate, you are entitled to feel a strong sense of fulfillment as you reflect on your hard work and personal commitment. With each passing year, you will find that memories of your Mercer experiences will grow to mean more to you. As you reflect on the friendships, the learning experiences, the joys and the frustrations of the time you have spent at Mercer, you increasingly will come to realize that the University is a part of your life forever. Commencement is a rewarding time for the faculty and staff as students move beyond the University to continue along their life’s path. The measure of a university is not the accolades accumulated from popular college guides and national rankings. The true measure is the transformation our students experience that prepares them to be intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate leaders who are committed to making a positive difference in their community and the world. We encourage you to stay in touch with the University in the years ahead. We are grateful that you chose to pursue your educational goals here and that you always will be a part of Mercer University.

Sincerely yours,

William D. UnderwoodPresident

Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t y co M M e n c e M e n t s

Approximately 1,700 students will participate in Mercer University’s spring commencements. To make graduation a special day for these students and their families, Mercer University will conduct nine ceremonies in May.

Each ceremony will be unique and will reflect the schools and colleges represented.

college of PharMacy and health sciencesSpeaker: Dr. Peter H. Vlasses

Executive Director, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy EducationSaturday, May 9, 9 a.m.

Sheffield Student Center | Cecil B. Day Campus, Atlanta

georgia BaPtist college of nUrsingSpeaker: Dr. William L. Self

Senior Pastor, Johns Creek Baptist Church | Alpharetta, GeorgiaSaturday, May 9, 12 noon


school of MedicineSpeaker: James A. Hotz, M.D.

Clinical Services Director, Albany Area Primary Care, Inc. | Albany, Georgia Saturday, May 9, 5 p.m.

University Center | Macon

Macon coMMenceMent College of Liberal Arts | Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics School of Engineering | Tift College of Education | Townsend School of Music

Speaker: The Honorable Sonny Perdue Governor, State of Georgia

Saturday, May 16, 9:30 a.m.University Center | Macon

college of continUing and Professional stUdies (Macon, Eastman, Henry County, Douglas County and Atlanta Regional Academic Centers)

Speaker: Margaret KoepkeCoordinator, Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program | Institute of Higher Education, University of Georgia

Saturday, May 16, 2:30 p.m.University Center | Macon

Walter f. george school of laWSpeaker: The Honorable Edward H. Johnson

Presiding Judge, Court of Appeals of Georgia Saturday, May 16, 6 p.m.

University Center | Macon

JaMes and carolyn Mcafee school of theologySpeaker: David A. Hudson, CLA ’68

Partner, Hull, Towill, Norman, Barrett & Salley | Augusta, GeorgiaSaturday, May 23, 11:30 a.m.


tift college of edUcationSpeaker: Kelly C. Henson

Executive Secretary, Professional Standards Commission (PSC)Saturday, May 23, 2:30 p.m.


eUgene W. stetson school of BUsiness and econoMicsSpeaker: John A. Allison

Chairman, BB&T CorporationSaturday, May 23, 5:30 p.m.


ta B l e o f co n t e n t s

co M M e n c e M e n t ce r e M o n i e s o f Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t y

University honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

college of PharMacy and health sciences coMMenceMent – atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

georgia BaPtist college of nUrsing coMMenceMent – atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

school of Medicine coMMenceMent – Macon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

college of liBeral arts, eUgene W. stetson school of BUsiness and econoMics,

school of engineering, tift college of edUcation, toWnsend school of MUsic coMMenceMent – Macon . . . . 23

college of continUing and Professional stUdies coMMenceMent – Macon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Walter f. george school of laW coMMenceMent – Macon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

JaMes and carolyn Mcafee school of theology coMMenceMent – atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

tift college of edUcation coMMenceMent – atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

eUgene W. stetson school of BUsiness and econoMics coMMenceMent – atlanta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

eMBleMs (Mace and seal) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

acadeMic regalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Medallion of Phi KaPPa Phi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

alMa Mater (Macon and atlanta) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Mercer University Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

officers, deans and Board of trUstees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

schools, colleges and other entities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Un i v e r s i t y ho n o r s4

I n March 1999, Judge Griffin B. Bell was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in Trusteeship by the Association of Governing Boards and Universities. The longtime Mercer Trustee was one of two national honorees selected from the 50,000 board members who volunteer their time to higher education. For this noteworthy accomplishment, Judge Bell was

presented a crystal Steuben sculpture and a framed certificate. The University, in Judge Bell’s honor, was presented a $10,000 unrestricted cash award. At its April 2000 meeting, the Mercer Board of Trustees voted to use the award to establish the Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service. This award, along with a replica of the Steuben that was given to Judge Bell, is presented annually to deserving graduating students from among Mercer’s 11 schools and colleges.

the honoraBle griffin B. Bell

Originally from Americus, Georgia, Griffin B. Bell graduated cum laude from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law with an LL.B. degree in 1948. He practiced law in Savannah, Georgia, and Rome, Georgia, before joining the law firm of King & Spalding in Atlanta as a partner in 1953. In 1959, while a senior partner at King & Spalding, Judge Bell was appointed Chief of Staff by Georgia Governor Ernest Vandiver. In 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy appointed him as a judge of the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. After 15 years of service on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Judge Bell returned to King & Spalding. He resigned from the firm to become the 72nd Attorney General of the United States on January 26, 1977, following his nomination by U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

He served as U.S. Attorney General until August 16, 1979, when he returned to King & Spalding, serving as chair of its Policy Committee. An active counselor and adviser to leaders in Congress, the U.S. Attorney General’s office and U.S. presidents, Judge Bell’s influence is wide reaching. He is truly recognized as one of the country’s great Americans.

gr i f f i n B. Be l l aWa r d f o r co M M U n i t y se rv i c e


2009 gr i f f i n B. Be l l aWa r d re c i P i e n t

shannon loUise MoonGeorgia Baptist College of Nursing

Shannon Louise Moon truly exemplifies the meaning of community service as evidenced by her dedication to improving the lives of others. She served as a community ministry leader for the Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM) organization for 2006-2007. She served as president of the BCM for a two-year term (2007-2009). Active engagement in improving health care for others led Moon to volunteer and organize teams to collect surplus medical supplies for the Medshare International organization to ship to countries in need. Further demonstrating commitment to community service is Moon’s participation in a medical mission trip to Moldova in May 2006. On this trip, she and several peers and faculty established clinics in multiple villages and participated in community outreach.

Moon has been actively engaged in many other activities and organizations. In her first year in the College of Nursing, she served as class representative to the Georgia Baptist Association of Nursing Students. With this organization, she was actively involved in providing Thanksgiving meals for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Moon is an outstanding student leader. She served on the Honor Council, the Student Ambassadors and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in recognition of her excellence in academics. Moon promoted participation of other nursing students in the Habitat for Humanity project. She organized pharmacy and nursing students in socializing with citizens of the Veranda Memorial Care facility. Active engagement in other mission activities is evidenced by her appointment as a missionary to Tahoe City, Calif., as part of the summer missions work with children. She collected gifts and organized a baby shower for the Crisis Pregnancy Resource Center. Additionally, she has worked with Safe-house Ministries where she helped prepare and serve meals for the homeless and underserved in Atlanta and also provided health care. Moon is an exceptional scholar. She was valedictorian of her high school class, is a Piedmont Nursing Scholar and is on the President’s and Dean’s List.

2008Grant Michael Jenson

Walter F. George School of Law

2007Chpryelle Carr

School of Medicine

Steuart Hutchings BotchfordCollege of Liberal Arts

2006 Hollie Benet Preston

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

2005John Michael Carroll

College of Liberal Arts

Dennis DrummondTift College of Education

2004Amanda Elaine Meloun


Leah Marie PhancoCollege of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

2003Caroline Gary


2002Rachel Gunter ShapardMcAfee School of Theology

2001Stephanie Anne Shelton


2000Virginia Campbell Leslie

School of Medicine

Pa s t aWa r d re c i P i e n t s


Wa l l a c e od e l l dUva l l ex c e l l e n c e i n le a d e r s h i P aWa r d

John christoPher elderStetson School of Business and Economics

John Christopher Elder has provided leadership as a student at Mercer in a wide variety of organizations. Elder is social chair for Kappa Sigma, president of Mercer Ambassadors, vice president of the Mercer Debate Team, and serves on the orientation leadership team for Peer Advisors. He is active in SGA, chairing the Macon Connections Committee, serving as liaison to the College Hill Corridor Commission, and serving as the Macon Chamber of Commerce college representative. He also is a member of the Mercer Singers, serves as a Judicial officer and is on the Student Admissions Team. In addition to his considerable leadership contributions, he has also consistently demonstrated a willingness and desire to engage in activities to promote social welfare within the community. He has participated in a two-week mission trip to Germany to teach English in the classroom as well as perform

a musical. Closer to home, Elder played a vital role in organizing the Paint the Town Orange campaign on behalf of the Macon Chamber of Commerce to help improve Mercer students’ image of the city of Macon.

Samson Julius AlvaSharjah, United Arab Emirates

Stephanie ArdRichmond Hill, Georgia

William ArnoldMacon, Georgia

Julia BowenWarner Robins, Georgia

Megan BoydTullahoma, Tennessee

Michael BryanConyers, Georgia

Kala CartwrightMilan, Georgia

James Derek CookHomerville, Georgia

Blair CoxThomaston, Georgia

Daniel CragerGarden City, Georgia

Ben Drew Cravey, IIIHawkinsville, Georgia

Rhett FraserTifton, Georgia

Crystal GarmonToccoa, Georgia

Tiffany GibsonConyers, Georgia

Stacey Irene HarwellValdosta, Georgia

Jimmy Thomas HowellJesup, Georgia

Andy LaneNewnan, Georgia

Adam NealWinter Park, Florida

Frank NelsonHarlem, Georgia

Pamela PopwellEvans, Georgia

Emily SalmanMarietta, Georgia

Amber SandlinBrinson, Georgia

Larissa SpellScreven, Georgia

Eric TrivettLawrenceville, Georgia

Jamanda TurnerDecatur, Georgia

Jamila WidemanRiverdale, Georgia

Becky WilcoxFort Valley, Georgia

Megin Lea WilliamsMartinez, Georgia

Gary WoodMacon, Georgia


The Wallace Odell DuVall Excellence in Leadership Award at Mercer University recognizes the outstanding leadership of a graduating senior from one of the University’s undergraduate schools and colleges who has been accepted into an accredited graduate program. For award consideration, students must be recommended by a faculty or staff member and nominated by their respective dean. Eligible candidates must have demonstrated the abilities to motivate and inspire the confidence and trust of others, while possessing vision, intelligence, integrity and common sense, and having a good academic record. The selected recipient receives a financial award. Wallace Odell DuVall (1901-1993) was an Atlanta attorney who spent most of his career in the banking industry. He served as secretary and attorney of the Atlanta Building and Loan Association, which later became Georgia Federal Savings and Loan Association, of which Mr. DuVall became chairman of the Board of Directors and chairman of the Executive Committee. A generous benefactor and longtime friend of Mercer University, he was a founding trustee of Atlanta Baptist College, which merged with Mercer in 1972 and became the University’s Atlanta campus. He served three terms on Mercer’s Board of Trustees, 1972-77, 1978-83 and 1985-90. The Dean’s Suite at the Law School is named for him as well as an academic building on the Atlanta Campus, where his portrait hangs.


th e Ja M e s t. Mcaf e e, Jr . en d oW e d vi s i o n a n d le a d e r s h i P sc h o l a r s h i P fU n d

chris l. KiKerStetson School of Business and Economics

Chris Kiker has made a lasting impact as a leader and scholar as a student at Mercer University. Kiker, a member of the Mercer varsity intercollegiate tennis team for two years, is a pre-med, business management major from Bremen, Georgia. He has been involved in several student organizations including Pi Kappa Phi, Student Government Association and, this past year, as a Mercer Ambassador. He was elected an SGA senator his freshman year and re-elected the next three years, earned the Spright-Dowell Freshman Leadership Award and served on the Order of Omega, Phi Eta Sigma. This summer, he will join other Mercer students who will travel to China as one of the Mercer on Mission teams. Kiker is considering entering the Mercer School of Medicine while already being accepted into the Master of Public Health program.

2008Bailey Edwards Nelson

Susan Elizabeth Yarbrough

2006 Rebekah Carol Duke

James “Jaime” Christopher Geiger, Jr.


The James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship Fund recognizes outstanding leadership abilities of a junior, a senior or a graduate student in the College of Liberal Arts; Stetson School of Business and Economics; Tift College of Education; School of Engineering; Townsend School of Music; College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Georgia Baptist College of Nursing; School of Medicine or McAfee School of Theology. Scholarship candidates are nominated by the Dean of their school or college. James T. McAfee, Jr. (1939-2004) provided strong leadership to Mercer University as chairman and as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was a generous benefactor of the University, and Mercer’s School of Theology in Atlanta is named for him and his wife, Carolyn, who currently serves on the University’s Board of Trustees. A nationally recognized leader in the health care industry, he served as chairman of Hallmark Systems, Inc., an Atlanta-based health care ownership and management firm. He also was chairman of the board of Baptists Today. He was a graduate of Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and Georgia State University in Atlanta. He received honorary doctorates from Union in 1990 and Mercer in 1999. The James T. McAfee, Jr. Endowed Vision and Leadership Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by his wife and his son, J. Thomas McAfee, III, a graduate of Mercer’s Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.


lo U i e d. ne W t o n ge n e r a l ex c e l l e n c e Me d a l

The Louie D. Newton General Excellence Medal is presented to the graduating student who best exemplifies scholastic achievement, personal integrity and character, service to the campus community and a commitment to spiritual values. The award is named in honor of Dr. Newton, Mercer alumnus, former Mercer professor, Christian journalist, distinguished pastor and renowned denominational leader.

Billie BarKer PritchardCollege of Liberal Arts

Billie Pritchard’s intelligence, curiosity, work ethic, leadership abilities and high ethical standards make her a deserving recipient of the 2009 Louie D. Newton Award. As a leader in the classroom, she has the ability to integrate insights she has derived from her study into her literary criticism. One professor observed that “she has performed at a level which has rarely been my pleasure to observe.” Outside the classroom, Pritchard has two other distinctive qualities of character. First, she does not rely upon her native gifts to carry her through to success. She is highly motivated and that desire to succeed translates into work that consistently represents sustained effort over extended periods of time. Second, she is a person who combines superior academic accomplishment with a well-rounded extra-curricular life in both academic honor groups and service organizations. Holder of the prestigious

Penfield Scholarship for four years, she will ornament her Mercer degree with Latin Honors summa cum laude, a certificate as an Honors Program graduate and departmental honors in both political science and English. She is current president of three organizations: Sigma Tau Delta, Pi Sigma Alpha and the Mercer Embassy. She has engaged in activities ranging from tutoring in various settings to serving as an associate justice of the Honor Council to acting with various local companies. She also participated in a Mercer On Mission trip to South Africa.

al g e r n o n sy d n e y sU l l i va n aWa r d

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is presented to the graduating student who best exemplifies excellence in character, leadership, service to the community, and commitment to spiritual values. This award was established by The New York Southern Society in 1925, and at Mercer University in 1926, in memory of Mr. Sullivan, a great humanitarian and philanthropist.

sarah eMily hedgisCollege of Liberal Arts

Sarah Hedgis has multiple strengths, including a piercing intellect and remarkable work and study skills. She possesses the courage of her convictions, but without appearing to be domineering, intolerant or smug, is a rare example of thoughtfulness and compassion when dealing with a variety of people, and has impeccable character. Hedgis has been active with SGA, where she is a member of the executive board and corresponding secretary. She also serves as a justice on the Judicial Board. In addition to serving as a Mercer Ambassador, she is active in her sorority and has served two terms as president of Theta Alpha Kappa (TAK). She has been recognized by an array of honor societies and fraternities, including TAK, ODK, Phi Kappa Phi and the Order of Omega. Hedgis was recipient of the 2008-2009 Adiel Sherwood Award as the outstanding senior in the Christianity Department. She has been

chosen to accept a Woodruff Fellow position as an entering student at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The Woodruff Fellow Award is one of the most prestigious awards offered by a university or college.


ho n o r a ry de g r e e s

John a. allisonDoctor of Commerce

John A. Allison retired as the chief operating officer of BB&T Corporation on Dec. 31, 2008, but will continue to serve as chairman of the BB&T Corporation Board of Directors until Dec. 31, 2009. Allison had served as BB&T’s CEO since 1989. Allison, a 60-year-old Charlotte, N.C., native, has presided over BB&T’s storied transformation into the 14th largest – and one of the highest performing – financial services companies in the nation with $136.5 billion in assets. After joining BB&T and completing its Leadership Development Program, he served as the program’s manager for two years before being named regional loan administrator in 1973. Allison joined BB&T’s executive management team in 1980, the same year he was promoted to Business Loan

Administration manager. A year later, he was named manager of the BB&T Banking Group. In 1987, Allison became president, a position he held until succeeding the late Vincent Lowe as chairman and CEO on July 11, 1989.

sonny PerdUeDoctor of Laws

Sonny Perdue was sworn in as Georgia’s 81st governor on Jan. 13, 2003. During Perdue’s first term, Georgia created more than 200,000 new jobs and posted the highest graduation rate and SAT scores in state history. After a first term marked by numerous accomplishments, Gov. Perdue won re-election by an overwhelming margin in November 2006. As Georgia’s governor, Perdue has led the state based on his life experiences prior to entering public service. Perdue was born Dec. 20, 1946, in Perry to a lifelong farmer and a classroom teacher. He graduated from Warner Robins High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. Following his service as a captain in the United States Air Force, Perdue became a successful small business owner, concentrating in agribusiness and transportation.

Today, those businesses have grown to include several locations across the Southeast.

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Peter h. vlassesDoctor of Science

Peter Vlassses, executive director of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia) and served a residency in hospital pharmacy at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. His professional experience includes service as a clinical faculty member at Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He has practiced community pharmacy and served as a practitioner-educator in the critical care, nursing home and ambulatory care environments. He has served as research associate professor of Medicine and Pharmacology, Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia and director, Clinical Research & Investigator

Services, University HealthSystem Consortium, Oak Brook, Ill.


JUanita Jordan

Juanita Jordan had the opportunity to be associated with Peyton Anderson, owner and publisher of the Macon Telegraph and News, for 22 years. When Anderson died, the bulk of his fortune was left to form the Peyton Anderson Foundation. Jordan was named director of the Foundation. She currently serves as executive director and trustee of the Foundation. Through the Foundation, Anderson’s money continues to be spent in Macon, thereby improving the lives of all the citizens of middle Georgia. Jordan is an active leader in many civic and leadership endeavors in Macon, the Middle Georgia community and the Southeast. She brought the vision to found NewTown Macon, an organization which seeks to develop and improve Macon’s downtown business district. She is founder/convener of the Macon Council of Foundations and a founding board member of the Community Foundation of

Central Georgia, Education First and the Center for Racial Understanding. She is a current board member of the Georgia Cities Foundation and the Museum of Aviation. She served as a member of the Mercer University Board of Trustees from 2000-2005 and is a past board member of the Georgia Humanities Council, Southeastern Council of Foundations, GELI (Georgia Early Learning Initiatives), the Center for Racial Understanding, City Club, Wachovia Bank, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Opera House.

al g e r n o n sy d n e y sU l l i va n no n-st U d e n t aWa r d

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Non-Student Award recognizes accomplishments in an effort to inspire others to develop similar philosophies in human relationships as an effort, ultimately, to raise the standard of life within the community. The recipient will have demonstrated the close association between the development of a fine character and of a successful business career. Honoring one who works toward building a fine character while achieving material success in life is an encouragement to the University students to endeavour to develop their own character.

1927 – Albert Newman1929 – William Heard Kilpatrick1930 – Thomas Edward Ryals1932 – James W. Merritt1933 – William G. Lee1934 – A. C. Baker1935 – Fred R. Martin1936 – Columbus Roberts1937 – Edward S. Shorter1938 – Julian M. Harrison1939 – Kerr Boyce Tupper1940 – Harry DeWitt Chapman1941 – Hamilton Holt1942 – John E. White1943 – George W. McCommon1944 – Thomas C. Kendrick

1945 – Hubert A. Barge1946 – Warren A. Coleman1947 – Charles L. Bowden1948 – T. Baldwin Martin1949 – J. Gorham Garrison1950 – Nancy Ethel Adams1951 – John Hayes Anderson1952 – Aurelia Heath Phillips1953 – Lewis Burgess Wilson1954 – Jacob Milton Heard Robert Otis Jones1955 – Charles Owen Smith Hoy Taylor1956 – Edwin S. Davis1957 – John C. Warr1958 – Hugh Hinton Hill

1959 – T. Hamp McGiboney1960 – Spright Dowell Irvine S. Ingram1961 – J. Warren Timmerman1962 – Hugh C. Carney1963 – James W. Waters1964 – A. Emmett Barnes, III1965 – J. Val Sheridan1966 – Peyton T. Anderson1967 – John Vernon Skinner 1968 – William A. Fickling1969 – Benjamin F. Merritt, Jr.1970 – Albert P. Reichert1971 – William C. Turpin1972 – William Earl Lewis1973 – Charles H. Jones

1974 – Beverly W. Forester1975 – Myer O. Sigal1976 – Buckner F. Melton1977 – C. Albert Struby1978 – William P. Simmons1979 – Albert H. Sanders, Jr.1980 – John J. McKay, Jr.1981 – Lamar R. Plunkett1984 – William L. Burge1985 – Edward C. Harris1986 – William S. Hutchings1987 – Frank C. Pinkston1988 – Melvin I. Kruger1989 – Richard B. Ray1993 – William O. Faulkner, Jr.2008 – Beverly Knight Olson


co l l e g e o f Ph a r M a c y a n d he a lt h sc i e n c e sC

co M M e n c e M e n t

co l l e g e o f Ph a r M a c y a n d he a lt h sc i e n c e sSheffield Student Center, Cecil B. Day Campus | Saturday, May 9, 2009 | 9 a.m.

Presiding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William David UnderwoodThe President of the University

Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert William ParrisUniversity Organist

Academic Procession* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert William Parris

Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Vance SwindleSenior Vice President for University Advancement and Senior Vice President – Atlanta

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University

Greetings from the College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hewitt William Matthews, BSPHM ’68Dean, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and

Vice President for the Health Sciences

Introduction of Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wallace L. DanielProvost

University Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University

Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter H. VlassesExecutive Director, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Hewitt William Matthews

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityDoctor of Pharmacy | Doctor of Philosophy

Awarding of Diplomas and Presentation of Hoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Hewitt William MatthewsCandace Wilt Barnett, Senior Associate Dean

James Walter Bartling, BSPHM ’76, PharmD ’77, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Admissions

The Pharmacist’s Oath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James Walter BartlingReader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Herbert W. Hatton, BSPHM ’67President, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Alumni Association

Alma Mater* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Ragan DealMcAfee School of Theology

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Vance Swindle

Academic Recession** . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert William Parris

* The audience is requested to rise.** The audience is requested to remain in place until the completion of the academic recession.

co M M e n c e M e n t Pa rt i c i Pa n t s

University Marshal

Richard Allen Jackson, BSPHM ’69Professor

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

facUlty Marshals

Lisa Lundquist Clinical Assistant Professor

Pharmacy Practice

Pamela Moye Clinical Assistant Professor

Pharmacy Practice

hooders

Nader H. MoniriAssistant Professor

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Stanley Harris Pollock, BSPHM ’68Professor

Pharmaceutical Sciences

co l l e g e o f Ph a r M a c y a n d he a lt h sc i e n c e s12

ca n d i d at e s f o r de g r e e s

Doctor of Pharmacy

Liju Valayanattu Abraham§

Summa Cum LaudeChattanooga, Tennessee

Ronald Varnarch Acoff, Jr.§

Cum LaudeAtlanta, Georgia

Oluwayemisi O. AdeyefaHampton, Georgia

Anita Michelle AikenFt Lauderdale, Florida

Ruaa Nabil Al-Baldawi†§

Summa Cum LaudeAtlanta, Georgia

Kimberly Michelle AllenHahira, Georgia

Mollie Starkie Allen§

Magna Cum LaudeWarner Robins, Georgia

William Rogers AndersenCum LaudeConyers, Georgia

Laura Megan AndersonFort Oglethorpe, Georgia

Dayana Kamil AtallahStatesboro, Georgia

Nadeje Jane AurubinMiami, Florida

Amanda Michelle BatesCanton, Georgia

Jessica Rachael Beal§

Magna Cum LaudeMerritt Island, Florida

Jill Elizabeth Bennett§

Magna Cum LaudeJacksonville, Florida

Lauren Ward BessFlowery Branch, Georgia

Kelly Michelle BlanchfieldConyers, Georgia

Ebony Nicole BlueEast Dublin, Georgia

Cynthia Ann BowersCum LaudeClemson, South Carolina

Katie Elizabeth Bozeman§

Magna Cum LaudeMadison, Georgia

Sophia Cheung BraunDuluth, Georgia

Monikka Elana Brown§

Summa Cum LaudeSwainsboro, Georgia

Timothy John Burns, IIWest Palm Beach, Florida

Jennifer Leigh CanipeMorristown, Tennessee

Tanea Lee-Shantelle ChaneØ

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Melissa Martin Chesson†§

Summa Cum LaudeWoodstock, Georgia

Billy-Clyde ChildressGreenville, Kentucky

Michael R Clark, Jr.§

Magna Cum LaudeWarner Robins, Georgia

Jenna Catherine Cleaveland†§

Summa Cum LaudeLaGrange, Georgia

Ryan Manning ClementsSt Marys, Georgia

Crystal Leigh Cooper†Ø§

Summa Cum LaudeChatsworth, Georgia

Z. Shaden Dadashnejad§

Magna Cum LaudeAlpharetta, Georgia

Jennifer Lotufo DeJamesMagna Cum LaudeDallas, Georgia

Daniel Patrick DiazHollywood, Florida

Diana Zoila DiazCum LaudeRoswell, Georgia

Tina Marie DiTizioMt. Airy, Maryland

Brittany Katherine Dixon§

Magna Cum LaudeLeesburg, Georgia

Cortney Leigh DonovanBoca Raton, Florida

Amber Sandlin Draper†§

Summa Cum LaudeBainbridge, Georgia

Patrick Marsh DurhamSouth Pittsburg, Tennessee

Lauren Kate FernaldCum LaudeSt Petersburg, Florida

sPecial aWards

reUBen c. hood aWard

The Reuben C. Hood Award is the highest scholastic award offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and is given in honor of a founder and longtime Dean of the College.

Jenna Catherine Cleaveland

Lilian Ndehi

Elyn Choa Tan

aWard for excellence in research

Ravi Palaniappan, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences

distingUished alUMni aWard

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest award presented to an alumnus who has achieved recognition for academic, scientific or leadership contributions in science, business, public service or otherwise, and who has shown exemplary support and service to the community and to the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Daniel Buffington, Pharm.D. ’87, M.B.A. ’95President and CEO, Clinical Pharmacology Services, Inc.

distingUished edUcator aWard

Leisa Marshall, Pharm.D.Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice


Peter h. vlassesCommencement Speaker

Peter Vlasses received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia) and served a residency in hospital pharmacy at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. His professional experience includes service as a clinical faculty member at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. He has practiced community pharmacy and served as a practitioner-educator in the critical care, nursing home and ambulatory care environments. He has served as research associate professor of medicine and pharmacology at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and as director of clinical research and investigator services at the University HealthSystem Consortium in Oak Brook, Ill.

In 2000, the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists honored Dr. Vlasses as the presenter of the Sr. M. Gonzales Duffy Lecture. Vlasses was recently elected to the National Academies of Practice in Pharmacy.

Tara Christina FisherCochran, Georgia

Adrienne Qiyam FitzpatrickLithonia, Georgia

Dana Marie FloresCum LaudeLawrenceville, Georgia

Joaquin Phillippe GarciaPensacola, Florida

Mondonna Ghazi§

Magna Cum LaudeSavannah, Georgia

Tiffany Shanate GibsonConyers, Georgia

Bryan Joseph GoodmanDuluth, Georgia

Jonathan Marc GordonAiken, South Carolina

Kari Beth GrierBuena Vista, Georgia

Katharine R. HallDeBary, Florida

Whitney Deal HauserCum LaudeDalton, Georgia

Hannah Elizabeth HeadKathleen, Georgia

Mary Ann HendyDuluth, Georgia

Beth Kathleen HiettKingston Springs, Tennessee

Laura Kumari HillCum LaudeAtlanta, Georgia

Carly M. HingsonMcDonough, Georgia

Rebecca L. Hoelker-TranØ

St Louis, Missouri

Cortney Marie HollandCum LaudeFranklin, North Carolina

Lynn Edwards HunterCentre, Alabama

Matthew DeWitt HurdLawrenceville, Georgia

Jade HuynhRiverdale, Georgia

Nneka Anuli IzunduNnewi, Nigeria

Tobin P. JacobAtlanta, Georgia

Karen Cheree JacobsEuharlee, Georgia

Rhondolyn Nicole JonesMagna Cum LaudeWinterville, Georgia

Brian Lydell KeysAngleton, Texas

Matthew Anderson KigerPfafftown, North Carolina

Cimeon Israel KoebelØMcDonough, Georgia

Dana Nicole LacyCum LaudeKodak, Tennessee

Keeyeon Lee Jin§

Summa Cum LaudeSeoul, Korea

Brian Russell LewisCum LaudeGrand Ridge, Florida

Jessica Layne LittlejohnAmericus, Georgia

Joy Henning LocklearCum LaudeSmyrna, Georgia

Ashley Sherwood LondonLilburn, Georgia

Setor E. LotsuSugar Land, Texas

Hannah Rachel Luck†§

Summa Cum LaudeBurns, Tennessee

Andrea Courtney MaxfieldCum LaudeFayetteville, Georgia

Ginny Stone MaxonBelvidere, Tennessee

Kristen Cole McCarthyCum LaudeMims, Florida

Dominic Yante McCormickCum LaudeSnellville, Georgia

Amy Alread McCready§

Magna Cum LaudeJohnson City, Tennessee

Cory Dewayne McDonald§

Summa Cum LaudeCarthage, Tennessee

Sheldon Washington McDonaldAtlanta, Georgia

Diane Elizabeth McNeilWoodstock, Georgia

Bhavi MehtaLawrenceville, Georgia

Fabian Rafael Mejias§

Cum LaudeMarietta, Georgia

Paul David MichelettoMarietta, Georgia

Karen Francesca Miller†§

Summa Cum LaudeMarietta, Georgia

Joshua Bennett MorganAtlanta, Georgia

Karrie Jean MosbyPeachtree City, Georgia

Dana Michelle MullisBainbridge, Georgia

Lilian N. Ndehi†p

Summa Cum LaudeNairobi, Kenya

Ashley Michelle Neu§

Magna Cum LaudeHouston, Texas

Michael Hai NguyenCum LaudeTampa, Florida

MyHang Thi NguyenCum LaudeForest Park, Georgia

Quynh P. Nguyen§

Magna Cum LaudeHochiminh City, Vietnam

Robert Evan NixNorcross, Georgia

Jennifer Lynn NormanWoodstock, Georgia

Amanda Leigh PageFayetteville, Georgia

Ashley Elizabeth ParkerNewton, Georgia

Paige Fuller ParsonsTucson, Arizona

Katie Ashok PatelPensacola, Florida

Khilna D. PatelStockbridge, Georgia

Pratik PatelJonesboro, Georgia

Sonal PatelDahlonega, Georgia

Jenna L. PattesonKnoxville, Tennessee

Clara Hoang PhamCum LaudeMacon, Georgia

Sarah Elise PhancoØ

Cum LaudePeachtree City, Georgia

Derek Michael Polly†§

Summa Cum LaudeCrossville, Tennessee

Devan Whitley PressleyCum LaudeFlowery Branch, Georgia

James Edward Prues, Jr.Lawrenceville, Georgia

Carolyn Elizabeth RagsdaleØ§

Magna Cum LaudeNorcross, Georgia

Lindsay Nicole RainesCum LaudeHixson, Tennessee

Thomas Scott Raiser, Jr.Chandler, Arizona

Kimberly Rae RichardsonCum LaudePigeon Forge, Tennessee

Tamara Tocco RigglemanAlpharetta, Georgia

Amanda Leigh Roland†§

Summa Cum LaudeSelmer, Tennesee

Amanda Leigh ScottCusseta, Georgia

David Michael ScottTiptonville, Tennessee

Laura Ashley ShermanCum LaudeFt. Lauderdale, Florida

Jaime Lynn SlapkusWest Deptford, New Jersey

Luke Allen SowardsCum LaudeKnoxville, Tennessee

Erin Melissa SpiveyCum LaudePowder Springs, Georgia

Jennifer Traylor SpryCum LaudeChattanooga, Tennessee

Kayla Sarmiento StrackTampa, Florida

Jonathan Arthur StylesNewport, Tennessee

Melisa Darlene SuttonOscoda, Michigan

Brian Joseph SwierczekLawrenceville, Georgia

Elyn Choa Tan†§

Summa Cum LaudeMenlo Park, California

Jeremiah Ezekiel TaylorJonesborough, Tennessee

Miheret TesfayeAddis Ababa, Ethiopia

Sy Quoc TranNorcross, Georgia

Ubong Asuguo UmorenOmaha, Nebraska

Richard Joseph Yonkofski Jr.Cum LaudeCumming, Georgia

Sheida Rose ZelayaCum LaudeMarietta, Georgia

Doctor of PhilosoPhy

Richard Tettey AddoKumasi, Ghana

Janet Mubo Akande-DokunEde, Nigeria

Pawan Kumar AngraAtlanta, Georgia

Nishil Natwarlal DesaiJohns Creek, Georgia

Dilip Damodarrao DevineniMumbai, India

Duc Phuc DoAtlanta, Georgia

Odilia Nwadiche OkoroukwuImo State, Nigeria

Alka Kaushal RanaAtlanta, Georgia

Rodney Chisanga Telefya SiwaleLusaka, Zambia

† Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Ø Phi Lambda Sigma National Leadership Society

§ Rho Chi Honor Society

University honors printed in the program and announced at the commencement ceremony are based on grades earned at the time of program publication. Please refer to the Mercer Bulletin for information on the calculation of University honors.

Participation in the graduation ceremony does not necessarily represent conferral of the degree. Degrees are awarded at the end of the term in which all requirements are met.



oat h o f t h e Ph a r M a c i s t

I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy.In fulfilling this vow: I WILL CONSIDER the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns. I WILL APPLY my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients. I WILL RESPECT and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me. I ACCEPT the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence. I WILL HOLD myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct. I WILL EMBRACE and advocate changes that improve patient care. I WILL UTILIzE my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public.

ge o r g i a Ba P t i s t co l l e g e o f nU r s i n gG

ge o r g i a Ba P t i s t co l l e g e o f nU r s i n g16


ge o r g i a Ba P t i s t co l l e g e o f nU r s i n gSheffield Student Center, Cecil B. Day Campus | Saturday, May 9, 2009 | 12 noon


Prelude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert William ParrisUniversity Organist

Academic Procession* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Robert William Parris

Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley Rogers Rawlins, RN ’69Professor Emerita

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The President of the University

Greetings from the College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Sweat Gunby, RN ’68Dean, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

Introduction of Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wallace L. DanielProvost

Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William L. SelfSenior Pastor, Johns Creek Baptist Church

Griffin B. Bell Award for Community Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityBachelor of Science in Nursing | Master of Science in Nursing

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Sweat GunbyElaine C. Grier, Assistant Professor, Reader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jo Scott-Petty ’76President, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Alumni Board

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley Rogers Rawlins




University Marshal

Richard Allen Jackson, BSPHM ’69Professor

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

facUlty Marshals

Helen Frishe Hodges Professor

Linda A. Streit Associate Dean for the Graduate Program

and Professor



Bachelor of science in nursing

Wilma Eliza George AbdullaGeorgetown, Guyana

Simone Marie AndersonGreenville, Mississippi

Candace Ilona BakayStone Mountain, Georgia

Amber Marie BalboaMarietta, Georgia

Sharmin Karim BardaiAtlanta, Georgia

Meghan Suzanne BernerCum LaudeTyrone, Georgia

Loretta Diana BigasLawrenceville, Georgia

Amelia Catherine BondsLawrenceville, Georgia

Dana Nicole BreedloveNewnan, Georgia

Camille Melinda BrownRiverdale, Georgia

Rebecca Ann BufordManila, Philippines

Niya Aisha Jonila ButlerAugusta, Georgia

Deia Otelia Chappell§

Winston, Georgia

Michelle M. ClarkQuitman, Georgia

Kimberley Yvette CooperLithonia, Georgia

Kipp Craft§

Atlanta, Georgia

Paula Jettle CunninghamJamaica

LaWonda Sherreall DanielCovington, Georgia

Amy Elizabeth DeLoachRex, Georgia

Nichole Blanton DennisDuluth, Georgia

Gina DobraszAtlanta, Georgia

Fazilat Barkat DossaniAtlanta, Georgia

Yehemy Yohana EstradaCum LaudeColombia

Elizabeth A. FisherAlpharetta, Georgia

Kiah Latasha GaitherStone Mountain, Georgia

Ulrike GorgensAtlanta, Georgia

Leydi Marcela GrajalesAtlanta, Georgia

Dawn Nicole Green§

Irvine, California

Brittney LaKeisha HanshawNorcross, Georgia

Isabella Rickey HarrisCorpus Christi, Texas

Barbara Judy Elaine HendersonPort Antonio, Jamaica

Laura Elizabeth HendryMarietta, Georgia

Lauren Sheree HopperBirmingham, Alabama

Linda Panter Hughes§

Summa Cum LaudeAlpharetta, Georgia

April Cherrelle JacksonTifton, Georgia

Kristin Licia Jackson§

Acworth, Georgia

Nveka Sabrina JacksonLithonia, Georgia

Elizabeth Kortu JallahCum LaudeLofa, Liberia

Leslie Marie JerkinsMacon, Georgia

Kiran Amit JiwaniAtlanta, Georgia

Carol Elly JoAtlanta, Georgia

Amber DeShawn JohnsonAustell, Georgia

Deanna Louise Johnson§

Snellville, Georgia

Asata Solomane Kamara§

Cum LaudeSaniquellie, Liberia

Sarah Nicole KempDacula, Georgia

Jeanne Stokes KezaMarietta, Georgia

Gina KimAlpharetta, Georgia

Midori Kitabayashi§

Summa Cum LaudeNorcross, Georgia

Julia Elizabeth KitchingsLilburn, Georgia

Jennifer Yumee KoDuluth, Georgia

Eunice Roseline KobooDecatur, Georgia

Ewa KozdebaPoznan, Poland

Natalie Brielle Lane§

Cum LaudeRockwall, Texas

Lauren Michelle LeBlanc§

Conyers, Georgia

Diana LeslieLawrenceville, Georgia

Marilee Knight Malcom§

Social Circle, Georgia

Tina Lyn Martin§

Cum LaudeLawrenceville, Georgia

Camille Nicole McDanielAtlanta, Georgia

Ryan Andrew McLainNewnan, Georgia

Jannah Curtis Melton†§

Calhoun, Georgia

Shannon Louise Moon†§

Magna Cum LaudeStockbridge, Georgia

sPecial aWards

davison-McKie-neWton aWard

Midori Kitabayashi (BSN)

Linda Panter Hughes (RN-BSN)

distingUished facUlty of the year

John G. Summerville, III (RN, MN)Assistant Professor

nUrsing stUdent of the year aWard

Shannon Louise Moon (BSN)

Jannah Curtis Melton (RN-BSN)

innovations in teaching aWardSponsored by the Vulcan Materials Company, Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges and Mercer University.

Ann C. Keeley, RN, MN Assistant Professor

Lana M. Chase, RN, MN Assistant Professor

WilliaM l. selfCommencement Speaker

William L. Self has pastored four churches in more than 50 years of ministry. Since 1992, he has served as senior pastor of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, which is a 118-year-old church that survived a relocation and name change. Within 15 years, four buildings with more than 200,000 square feet, including a 2,000-seat sanctuary with a Raffati pipe organ, were completed at a cost of $50 million. The church has experienced phenomenal growth in organization, finances and membership. This was also accompanied by a total reorganization of the church teaching program. Previously, he was pastor of Wieuca Road Baptist Church in Atlanta for 26 years. Self is a graduate of Stetson University, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, has an earned doctorate from Emory University (STD), and has been awarded four honorary degrees. He is the

recipient of the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Emory’s Candler School of Theology. He has also been honored with the William L. Self Preaching Lectureship, established at Mercer’s McAfee School of Theology in 1997.

Rebecca Elizabeth MurrayMarietta, Georgia

Nana NakasoneYokohama, Japan

Thandeka Thelma NtuliSouth Africa

Adwoa Nyarko§

Ghana

Megha Rajendrakumar PatelStone Mountain, Georgia

Stephanie Gresham Peoples†§

Lithia Springs, Georgia

Ashlei Elizabeth PerryEllijay, Georgia

Kelly Leigh PetersonHahira, Georgia

Jessica Elyse PossRome, Georgia

Sarah Ashley PursleySuwanee, Georgia

Tracy Nicole ReevesDuluth, Georgia

Shonda Elaine Rouse§

Abingdon, Virginia

LaShonda N. RuffinFlint, Michigan

Deyona Alesia ScottConyers, Georgia

Donald H. Shumate, Jr.Acworth, Georgia

Elizabeth Johanna SoderbergMarquette, Michigan

Meghan Ann SpallAtlanta, Georgia

Kimberly Brooke StanleyLawrenceville, Georgia

Jennifer Leigh Stokes§

Cum LaudeMansfield, Georgia

Caroline Thompson SuarezAtlanta, Georgia

Miriam Yuri SuhDacula, Georgia

Catherine Ann SzczepanskiPeachtree City, Georgia

Cara Flanagan TankersleySt. Simons Island, Georgia

Alicia Andrea Turner§

Cum LaudeConyers, Georgia

Ashley Megan Turner§

Dallas, Georgia

Courtney Van WinkleAtlanta, Georgia

Marin Grace VarugheseTucker, Georgia

Mary Jane Weinberger§

Alpharetta, Georgia

Natasha Michelle Williams§

Cum LaudePiscataway, New Jersey

Lauren Elizabeth WyattDublin, Georgia

Shig Si Kyong YiHonolulu, Hawaii

Todd William YostTucson, Arizona

master of science in nursing

Tamara Biggs Jarrett†§

Stockbridge, Georgia


§ Sigma Theta Tau International

Honor Society of Nursing



deceMBer 2008 sPecial aWards

davison-McKie-neWton aWard

Kristin Noelle Borgia (BSN)

Mercedes Eliza Moncada (RN-BSN)

nUrsing stUdent of the year aWard

Dawn Fletcher

Amanda Zerzan

Jacqueline Helene AgrowAtlanta, Georgia

Lori Gail AycoxCovington, Georgia

Rachel Whitney BakerLawrenceville , Georgia

Lindsay Leigh BarnetteSnellville, Georgia

Katherine Michelle BayletAtlanta, Georgia

Alissa Christine BirdCumming, Georgia

Kristin Noelle Borgia Marietta, Georgia

Brandie Wade BrandRoswell, Georgia

Casaundra Marie BuningAtlanta, Georgia

Meredith Blair CarterPowder Springs, Georgia

Sadie J. CharlesDecatur, Georgia

Brittany Nicole CoffinLoganville, Georgia

Ashley Dawn CondictAthens, Georgia

Sarah Josephine CookCanton, Georgia

Tracy Lynn CriderDallas, Georgia

Kathleen Elizabeth CrowMonticello, Georgia

Jessica Lyn CurryDuluth, Georgia

Jennifer Renee DahlstromMcDonough, Georgia

Kenneth C. DavisDunwoody, Georgia

Jody Lynn DolanStockbridge, Georgia

Jessica Butler DucoteKennesaw, Georgia

Katherine R. DuncanChamblee, Georgia

Sandra Lee FieldsFort Walton Beach, Florida

Dawn Lea FletcherMarietta, Georgia

Amy Caroline FrelicheMacon, Georgia

Ly Siv HengMarietta, Georgia

Darcell Ciara HillTaylorsville, Georgia

Melissa Gayle HuntonSmyrna, Georgia

Shantell JacksonMcDonough, Georgia

Glenda Jean-GilesBrooklyn, New York

Catherine Woodson JohnsonAtlanta, Georgia

Sarah Ellen KearneyAtlanta, Georgia

Deborah Ester KibwageEssex, England

Marilyn Anne KohlerDouglasville, Georgia

Nykia LaVahcea LindseyThomson, Georgia

Rumbidzai Hedwig MacharagaDublin, Georgia

Alana Day MaddoxBraselton, Georgia

Kareen Elaine MalcolmToronto, Ontario

Amber MankowskiDallas, Georgia

Ashley Jeanette McElhannonSnellville, Georgia

Latresha K. McRaeLithonia, Georgia

Patricio Javier MerinoQuito, Ecuador

Mercedes Eliza MoncadaLawrenceville, Georgia

Janisha Mai MoonAtlanta, Georgia

Lan Phuong NguyenTucker, Georgia

Lauren Elizabeth PfeiferPeachtree City, Georgia

Mimi Hoang PhanLawrenceville, Georgia

Kristin Ann RochfordStockbridge, Georgia

Echo Claire RoweStockbridge, Georgia

Tarria Williams SpraggBirmingham, Alabama

Bindumole SukumarLawrenceville, Georgia

Molly Elizabeth TashiroAtlanta, Georgia

Sabrina Shunta’ ThomasMacon, Georgia

Andrea Louise Steuer TothAthens, Georgia

Donna P. TuckerOnly, Virginia

Amanda Faye ZerzanSuwanee, Georgia

master of science in nursing

Jennifer Lauren TubreKennesaw, Georgia

Casaundra Faultry WyattMarietta, Georgia


deceMBer 2008 gradUates

sc h o o l o f Me d i c i n eS

sc h o o l o f Me d i c i n e20


sc h o o l o f Me d i c i n eUniversity Center, Macon Campus | Saturday, May 9, 2009 | 5 p.m.




Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan D. Justice, CLA ’83 & MD ’88President, School of Medicine Alumni Association


Greetings from the School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Frank Bina, III, MD, MPHDean, School of Medicine

Greetings from the Board of Governors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Rawlings, Jr.Chair, School of Medicine Board of Governors


Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James A. Hotz, MDClinical Services Director,

Albany Area Primary Care, Inc.

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Frank Bina, III

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityMaster of Family Therapy | Master of Public Health | Master of Science in Anesthesia | Doctor of Medicine

Awarding of Diplomas and Hooding of Medical Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Frank Bina, III

Medical Graduate’s Oath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Frank Bina, III

Alumni Welcome and Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alan D. Justice




University Marshal

John Marson DunawayProfessor


facUlty Marshal

Bruce Jeremy Innes, MD Professor of Surgery



master of family theraPy

Brittany AustinSan Francisco, California

Denice Crowe ClarkWarner Robins, Georgia

Sara Elizabeth DouglassSandersville, Georgia

Sharon Thomas FinneyLizella, Georgia

Misty GilbreathTennille, Georgia

Nancy Jo MassingilleWarner Robins, Georgia

Calvin Edward McCullarMacon, Georgia

Bryan McMullenMacon, Georgia

Kristen Ann MooreMacon, Georgia

Ashley MorganCordele, Georgia

Catharine DeLoach MortonMacon, Georgia

Rebecca WatsonMacon, Georgia

master of PuBlic health

Ruth Okiemute ArumalaSalisbury, Maryland

April S. BradyEastman, Georgia

Brittany Leshay ChaseBaton Rouge, LA

Cynthia Anita CorsinoColumbus, Georgia

David Kristopher DukesAtlanta, Georgia

Sima Ekhtiari Macon, Georgia

Marla E. HobbsSnellville, Georgia

Alysia O. JohnsonEllenwood, Georgia

Subrena D. JohnsonBainbridge, Georgia

Farah Namath KhanColumbus, Georgia

Octavia M. LawtonWarner Robins, Georgia

Erika Lopez-MorenoAlpharetta, Georgia

Londell O’neal McGlone Stockbridge, Georgia

Janice MompointAsheville, North Carolina

Paula Michelle MooreGraham, North Carolina

Tranh N. NguyenLawrenceville, Georgia

Andromeda J. OatisJackson, Mississippi

Chukwuemeka Emmanuel ObiekweLithonia, Georgia

Alessia M. PerryAugusta, Georgia

Alissa Maria PerryAugusta, Georgia

Andrea L. PyronConcord, Georgia

Kiyana S. Scott Stone Mountain, Georgia

JaMes a. hotzCommencement Speaker

James A. Hotz, M.D., a board-certified internist, began practicing medicine in one of the poorest and most medically underserved areas of the South. Volunteering to join the National Health Service Corp in the U.S. Public Health Service in 1978, he helped to form a community health center system (Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc.) in Southwest Georgia. This organization now operates eight clinical sites that provide primary health care for over 30,000 patients in Southwest Georgia. He earned a degree in chemistry from Cornell University in 1972, an M.D. from The Ohio State University in 1975, and a completed a residency in internal medicine at Emory University from 1975 through 1978. He is a member of the clinical faculty of the Mercer University School of Medicine and Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Hotz was named one of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential people in Georgia by Georgia Trend magazine. He has been the author of numerous scientific articles and has published a novel, Where Remedies Lie, about his experiences as a rural doctor. According to the author Neil Shuman, M.D., Hotz was an inspiration for the novel Doc Hollywood, which later was made into a movie starring Michael J. Fox.

arnold P. gold foUndation leonard toW hUManisM in Medicine aWards

A key component of medical education is the compassionate and humanistic care of patients. In support of that premise, the NBI Healthcare Foundation initiated the Humanism in Medicine Awards to recognize and honor graduating students and faculty members who have demonstrated the highest standard of compassion and sensitivity in their interactions with patients. Mercer University School of Medicine graduating students and the faculty have, respectively, chosen a faculty member and a student who embody empathic, sensitive and respectful behavior in providing patient care.

facUlty hUManisM in Medicine aWard

Thomas W. McKee, M.D.

stUdent leonard toW hUManisM in Medicine aWard

Jason Shane Tully

Teria D. TateRiverdale, Georgia

Ashley Nicole WhitakerAtlanta, Georgia

Nancy Carmen WilliamsHephzibah, Georgia

Siri WilsonLithonia, Georgia

Trina N. WrightLithonia, Georgia

master of science in anesthesia

Molly Jean AndrewsBarnesville, Georgia

Lauren Lynn BlondStockbridge, Georgia

Karen DurbinColumbus, Georgia

Jessica M. GilbertMacon, Georgia

Richard MaitzCumming, Georgia

Charles MiddletonFayetteville, Georgia

Natasha A. ParkerMacon, Georgia

Carmen PottsByron, Georgia

Donna Marie Sieber Macon, Georgia

Amy Smith McDonough, Georgia

Doctor of meDicine

Matthew Ryan BartonGainesville, Georgia

Zoeb BootwalaDecatur, Georgia

Nicole T. BrileyCadwell, Georgia

Joseph Brett BryantMarietta, Georgia

Kala Katryna CartwrightMilan, Georgia

Alexa YoonJung ChaiDecatur, Georgia

Jennifer Marie DavisWashington, Georgia

Amanda Mashae EvansKennesaw, Georgia

Raina Morgan Clemmons FerenchickDallas, Georgia

Jennifer Heer FordAtlanta, Georgia

Heather Blythe FriedmanColumbus, Georgia

Ankur GoelValdosta, Georgia

Matthew Charles GoldenSnellville, Georgia

Maria Mischelle GorokhovAtlanta, Georgia

Meghann Virginia GossettAthens, Georgia

Bradley Adam HobbsMilledgeville, Georgia

George Pittman HotzAlbany, Georgia

Nasira HussainDuluth, Georgia

Saima Nazily HussainDuluth, Georgia

Jared Michael IntaphanMacon, Georgia

Jack Heyward Johnson, Jr.Savannah, Georgia

Daniel Adam JonesStatesboro, Georgia

Paul Robert JonesHahira, Georgia

Geri Ellen JusticeMoultrie, Georgia

Charles Harry KempCamilla, Georgia

Tricia Daniels Lee Savannah, Georgia

Robert Lloyd LottOakwood, Georgia

Christina Rose LurieWadley, Georgia

Jane Inhulsen MaddoxMontezuma, Georgia

Brooke Newman MaryakAugusta, Georgia

Ricky Justin McCulloughStatesboro, Georgia

William Henry McRae, IIIMcRae, Georgia

Nicholas Lynch MisuliaLumpkin, Georgia

Audra Lynn MorabitoLawrenceville, Georgia

Baron Thaxton MullisRabun Gap, Georgia

Amanda NewtonMineral Bluff, Georgia

Sarah Elizabeth OddsenAtlanta, Georgia

Timothy Justin OsborneVidalia, Georgia

Charles Andrew OuztsMacon, Georgia

Neal P. PassanteSavannah, Georgia

Misty Denise PooleVidalia, Georgia

Rachel Lauren PopeMarietta, Georgia

Anna Hendrix PowellLexington, Georgia

Thomas Christopher RiddellAtlanta, Georgia

Samuel Perry Robinson Augusta, Georgia

Melissa Lee RosaBonaire, Georgia

Solomon Wesley RossTifton, Georgia

Jonathan William RutledgeMarietta, Georgia

Beverly Barksdale Sanders, IIIMacon, Georgia

Marissa Reiter ShamsAtlanta, Georgia

Jared Brittain ShellByron, Georgia

Carrie Rebecca SidwellJonesboro, Georgia

Matthew B. SingerSavannah, Georgia

Claire Lise’ SlocumbMacon, Georgia

Brandon Alan SmithChatsworth, Georgia

Clyde James Smith, IIIJesup, Georgia

Steven Schaeffer SpiresAlpharetta, Georgia

Thomas Emmett Street Valdosta, Georgia Benjamin Stuart Thomas Valdosta, Georgia Jason Shane Tully Fayetteville, Georgia Narayana Chenulu Varahabhatla Decatur, Georgia

Stephen Michael Wilhelm Statesboro, Georgia Michael Neil Woodall Columbus, Georgia

Joshua Calvin Yelverton Blakely, Georgia



Me d i c a l gr a d U at e’s oat h

AT THE TIME OF BEING ADMITTED AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;I WILL GIVE to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity;THE HEALTH OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;I WILL RESPECT the secrets which are confided in me, even after the patient has died;I WILL MAINTAIN by all means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession;MY COLLEAGUES will be my brothers and sisters;I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life from its beginning, even under threat, and I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely and upon my honor.

— The Declaration of Geneva (World Medical Association, 1948, 1968, 1983)


Ma c o n co M M e n c e M e n t

co l l e g e o f li B e r a l art s

eU g e n e W. st e t s o n sc h o o l o f BU s i n e s s a n d ec o n o M i c s

sc h o o l o f e n g i n e e r i n g

ti f t co l l e g e o f ed U c at i o n

toW n s e n d sc h o o l o f MU s i c

M

Ma c o n co M M e n c e M e n t24

Ma c o n co M M e n c e M e n tUniversity Center, Macon Campus | Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 9:30 a.m.




Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Craig WilliamsonPastor, First Baptist Church, Manchester, Georgia


Special Music, “The Lord Is My Light” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Brooke Quarles, Class of 2009 Frances Allitsen (1848-1912) Accompanied by Robert William Parris

Introduction of the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wallace L. DanielProvost

Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Honorable Sonny PerdueGovernor, State of Georgia

University Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University

Student Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Douglas R. PearsonVice President and Dean of Students

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University

College of Liberal Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Richard Carter FallisBachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Science

Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim Dean William Stewart Mounts, Jr.Bachelor of Business Administration | Master of Business Administration

School of Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim Dean Michael S. LeonardBachelor of Science | Bachelor of Science in Engineering | Master of Science | Master of Science in Engineering

Tift College of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Carl Richard MartrayBachelor of Science in Education | Master of Education

Townsend School of Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean John H. DicksonBachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Music | Bachelor of Music Education | Master of Music

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edward J. WeintrautAssociate Dean, College of Liberal Arts, Reader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Vance SwindleSenior Vice President for University Advancement and Senior Vice President – Atlanta

Alma Mater* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanley Leroy Roberts, BA ’80

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eva Elizabeth WaltonClass of 2009


* The audience is requested to rise. ** The audience is requested to remain in place until the completion of the academic recession.


sPecial aWards

college of liBeral arts

sPencer B. King distingUished Professor aWard

This award commemorates the career of Spencer B. King, Jr., (1904-1977), a distinguished Southern historian and beloved teacher in the College of Liberal Arts for more than 30 years. The award is presented annually to a faculty member who embodies high standards of scholarship and teaching.

Linda Hensel, PhDAssociate Professor of Biology

school of engineering

teacher of the year aWard

Ha Van Vo, PhDAssistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering

eugene W. stetson school of Business anD economics

distingUished facUlty aWard

D. Dwight McIntyre, PhDAssistant Professor of Accounting

tift college of eDucation

cathryn fUtral excellence in teaching aWard

This award commemorates the career of Cathryn Futral, a beloved faculty member at Tift College and Mercer University, who exemplified excellence in teaching for more than 40 years.

Albert A. Stramiello, PhDProfessor of Education

toWnsenD school of music


Stanley L. Roberts, PhDAssociate Dean and

Arthur Lowndes Rich Professor of Choral Conducting

sonny PerdUeCommencement Speaker

Sonny Perdue was sworn in as Georgia’s 81st governor on Jan. 13, 2003. During Perdue’s first term, Georgia created more than 200,000 new jobs and posted the highest graduation rate and SAT scores in state history. After a first term marked by numerous accomplishments, Gov. Perdue won re-election by an overwhelming margin in November 2006. As Georgia’s governor, Perdue has led the state based on his life experiences prior to entering public service. Perdue was born Dec. 20, 1946, in Perry to a lifelong farmer and a classroom teacher. He graduated from Warner Robins High School and earned a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 from the University of Georgia. He successfully ran for the Georgia State Senate in 1990. Perdue spent the next 11 years representing

his Middle Georgia district in the General Assembly. As a state senator, Perdue was recognized as a leading authority on numerous issues including agriculture, transportation, education, emerging technologies and economic development.

Phot

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facUlty Marshals

Thomas J. GlennonProfessor, College of Liberal Arts

D. David McIntyre Assistant Professor,

Stetson School of Business and Economics

Marjorie T. DavisProfessor and Chair, School of Engineering

Albert A. StramielloProfessor, Tift College of Education

Douglas Martin HillProfessor, Townsend School of Music

Susan G. BroomeAssociate Professor,

Division of Library Services

stUdent Marshals

John Gignilliat Buckner

Kasey Jay Robinson

University Marshal

John Marson DunawayProfessor, College of Liberal Arts


college of liBeral arts

Bachelor of arts

Kacee Marie Abel Brunswick, Georgia

Rebecca Suzanne Alt Savannah, Georgia

Eleta Donelan AndrewsMagna Cum Laude Thomaston, Georgia

Jessica Sarah Andrews†

Summa Cum Laude Lilburn, Georgia

Daniel Gabriel AprilSumma Cum Laude Fort Collins, Colorado

Frank B. Arden Savannah, Georgia

Megan Elizabeth ArmstrongCum Laude Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Veronda Shakira Baker Saint Mary’s, Georgia

Phillip William BanzeMagna Cum Laude Ringgold, Georgia

Katherine Glenn BarberMagna Cum Laude Newnan, Georgia

Samuel R. Bazemore Flint, Michigan

Samantha C. Beck†

Summa Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Sarah Christine Becker Nashville, Tennessee

Krista Marie Bellefeuil* Cum Laude Fayetteville, Georgia

Chelsea Elizabeth Biggs Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Andrew James BodineMagna Cum Laude Jasper, Georgia

Jamie Lynn Booth Jacksonville, Florida

Texiera Kendall Bostic Lawrenceville, Georgia

Justin Watts Boyette Pensacola, Florida

Tanzania Cierra Brown Rex, Georgia

John Gignilliat Buckner Junction City, Georgia

Tomash Kajetan Bukowiecki Los Angeles, California

Benjamin Charles Burch Spring City, Tennessee

Donna Rebecca Capps Douglas, Georgia

Corey Milton Carpenter, Jr.†*

Summa Cum Laude Metter, Georgia

Leah Anne Casler Monticello, Georgia

Preston Maxwell Caudill Malabar, Florida

Ashley Erin Caughman Fayetteville, Georgia

Jessica Nicole CavinSumma Cum Laude Richmond Hill, Georgia

Donald Chambliss, Jr. Macon, Georgia

Bethany Leigh Cheek Hiram, Georgia

Dominique Marie Chism Lancaster, Texas

Christopher Holmes Clark Hawkinsville, Georgia

Jillian Diane Clark†*

Summa Cum LaudeSuwanee, Georgia

Nicholaus Daniel Clinite Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Alexander Eugene Blaine Cooper Waycross, Georgia

Jennifer Cooper Missouri City, Texas

Lanta Lee CooperCum Laude Carrollton, Georgia

Patrick Russell Cooper Perry, Georgia

Laurie Michelle CopelandCum Laude Evans, Georgia

Courtney Leigh Craig Edmonds, Washington

Charles Michael Crain Birmingham, Alabama

Jonathan Grady Crosby Macon, Georgia

Stacey Amanda Curl Dallas, Georgia

Amy Elizabeth Curtis Magna Cum Laude Evans, Georgia

Alaina Marie D’AmatoCum Laude Peachtree City, Georgia

Kaylie Anne DamenSumma Cum Laude Augusta, Georgia

Christopher Paul Daniels Madison, Mississippi

Dorothy Claire Dannenberg* Summa Cum Laude Perry, Georgia

Lauryn Roslyn Coley DantMagna Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Heather Elizabeth Davis Macon, Georgia

John Christopher DavisCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Daniel Burke Day Tybee Island, Georgia

Chelsa LaPaige Deanes Memphis, Tennessee

Laura Megan Dingley†*

Summa Cum Laude Woodstock, Georgia

Natasha Doh Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Samuel Lee Dolan Saint Johnsville, New York

Jane Catherine DonnellyCum Laude Moultrie, Georgia

Nicholas Brock Dugger Chapel Hill, Tennessee

Joseph M. Dunaway Macon, Georgia

Elizabeth Ashley Dunwody Macon, Georgia

Tamara Chanell Durr Adel, Georgia

Nathan Henry EdmondsonCum Laude Augusta, Georgia

Kathryn Amanda Ferris Woodstock, Georgia

Mary Elizabeth Fertig Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Brandon Alan Flint Charlotte, North Carolina

James Jeffrey Fry Perry, Georgia

Erin Ashley Garner* Magna Cum Laude Toccoa, Georgia

Christine Michelle Gendreau Rex, Georgia

Shiler Bushane Gilbert Macon, Georgia

Caitlin E. Glennon Macon, Georgia

Bethany Marie Graham*Magna Cum Laude Peachtree City, Georgia

Charles Scott Edwards Greenberg Orlando, Florida

Courtney Drew Hall Summa Cum Laude Taylorsville, Kentucky

Stephen Thomas Hammond Moreland, Georgia

Michael Gerard Hancock, Jr. Jonesboro, Georgia

Kenneth Roland Hannahs Braselton, Georgia

Whitney Kenai HardenCum Laude Boston, Georgia

Ashley Ruth Harper Macon, Georgia

Tess Caroline Harper Macon, Georgia

Sarah Emily Hedgis†

Summa Cum Laude Rome, Georgia

Calvin Henry Orlando, Florida

Chesli Kathrine Herin Lizella, Georgia

Wendi Nicole Hicks Moultrie, Georgia

John Kevin Hoezler, Jr. Wellington, Florida

Bryson Birdsong Holloway Magna Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Brandon Taylor Hughes Warner Robins, Georgia

Chelsea Jewel Hughes Columbus, Georgia

Emma Elizabeth Hughes Summa Cum Laude Orlando, Florida

Katheryn Elizabeth Hurst McDonough, Georgia

Thao Xuan Huynh Savannah, Georgia

Micheal Ralph Jamison, Jr. Marietta, Georgia

Kelly Anne Jansen Woodlyn, Pennsylvania

Elizabeth Ryan Varian Jasperse Jasper, Georgia

Heather Raina Johnson Senoia, Georgia

Jacqueline Skyler JohnsonCum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Jessica Nicole Johnson†

Summa Cum Laude Gray, Georgia

Shannon Elizabeth JohnsonCum Laude Lewisville, Texas

Ian Andrew Jump Macon, Georgia

Joshua McClure Kay Dallas, Texas

Michael Edward Lancette Decatur, Georgia

Nicole Monique Leonard Gretna, Louisiana

Megan Lynn Lewis Pace, Florida

LaDonna Michelle Long Columbus, Georgia

Thomas Byron Love Thomaston, Georgia

Mychele Marie Mahabir Saint Mary’s, Georgia

Ayanna N. Martin Atlanta, Georgia

Amy Elizabeth Mason* Cum Laude Lawrenceville, Georgia

Michelle T. McBee Bolingbroke, Georgia

Meredith Kate McCormick Cum Laude Fayetteville, Georgia

Lindsay Erin McGinnis Earlysville, Virginia

Tiffany Marie McIntoshCum Laude Savannah, Georgia

William Christopher McMullen Cartersville, Georgia

Kaitlyn Anne McNair Martinez, Georgia

Emily Joyce MeadowsCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Erin Nichole Micacchione Carrollton, Georgia

Bobby Lee Miles Albany, Georgia

Cedric Andre Miller, Jr. Gray, Georgia

Antoine Jamell Mincy Douglasville, Georgia

Meghan Katherine Mitchell Cum Laude Temple Terrace, Florida

Thaddaeus Andrew Money Monroe, Georgia

Nicole Marie MooreCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Shamroze Barkat Moosa Lawrenceville, Georgia

Leah Francis Moran Villages, Florida

Elizabeth Grey Morrison†

Summa Cum Laude Bridgeport, West Virginia

Katherine Elizabeth MudrakCum Laude Augusta, Georgia

Lindsey Rae Norton Evans, Georgia

Lauren Louise O’Byrne Augusta, Georgia

John Richard Olive Columbus, Georgia

Hiromi Onabe Fukuoka City, Japan

Jennifer Leigh Osborne Gainesville, Georgia

Nadia Suzanne Osman Savannah, Georgia

John Antonio Pascarella* Summa Cum Laude Centerville, Georgia

Binal Dahyabhai Patel Warner Robins, Georgia

Sana Patel Tucker, Georgia

Danielle Nadia Paul Jonesboro, Georgia

Shari Toshea Perkins Cumming, Georgia

Lyndsey Kealoha PhillipsCum Laude Fairburn, Georgia

Stephanie Nicole Phillips Soperton, Georgia

Emily Augusta Piscitello Magna Cum Laude Palatka, Florida

Rachel Maria Powell Houston, Texas

Billie Barker Pritchard†*

Summa Cum LaudeByron, Georgia

Jessica Robin Rickman Macon, Georgia

Abigail Louise RoachSumma Cum Laude Canton, Georgia

Kasey Jay Robinson†

Magna Cum Laude Newnan, Georgia

Richard Scott Robinson Nashville, Georgia

Chereese Bedingfield RoweSumma Cum Laude Cadwell, Georgia

Sara Katherine Ruffin Augusta, Georgia

Callie Elizabeth Russell Conyers, Georgia

Kyle Franklin Sears†*

Summa Cum Laude Gray, Georgia

Cristin Adrian Seymour Freeport, Bahamas

Samuel N. Sholander Fairfax, Virginia

Tasherra Cashaun Sidney Griffin, Georgia

Jessica Elizabeth SkinnerCum Laude Peachtree City, Georgia

Nicole Charisse Small Fayetteville, Georgia

Andrew Hackett Smith Rome, Georgia

Logan Danielle Smith* Melbourne, Florida

Claire Alice Steinbeck Fort Myers, Florida

Anna Lee Stephens Martinez, Georgia

Sarah Marie Stoops Summa Cum Laude Roswell, Georgia

Ryan Patrick Stuart Sugar Hill, Georgia

Lindsay Ann Talamantes Burbank, California

Matthew Lloyd Talmage†

Summa Cum Laude Byron, Georgia

Erin Lee Theobald Tallahassee, Florida

Whitney Allen Thompson Tifton, Georgia

Emilie Suzanne Thornhill Saint Mary’s, Georgia

Mary Angelle Hammock Tracey Conyers, Georgia

Dinh TranMagna Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Amanda Lynn TremainMagna Cum Laude Marietta, Georgia

Benjamin Wynn Trice Thomaston, Georgia

Pia J. Trivedi Cum Laude Marietta, Georgia

Molly Owen Trover Social Circle, Georgia

Ian Phillip Van Sice Cum Laude Eastman, Georgia

Eva Elizabeth Walton Magna Cum Laude Cornelia, Georgia

Shirley Weaver Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

James Harry White, III Ball Ground, Georgia

Ashley Nicole WidderCum Laude Bremen, Indiana

Alice Rebekah Wiley Cum Laude Hamilton, Georgia

Ashley Danielle Wilkerson Baxley, Georgia

John Whitney Williamson Cum Laude Manchester, Georgia

Anna Leigh Williford Lake Wylie, South Carolina

Justin Todd Wright Macon, Georgia

Bachelor of science

Anthony Paul ArenaCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Whitney Denise Bembry Hawkinsville, Georgia

Julia Irene Bennett Guyton, Georgia

Lindsey Elaine Bigham Martinez, Georgia

Laura Ashley BoothSumma Cum Laude Newnan, Georgia

Julie Nguyen BuiCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Emilie Katherine Bullard Gordon, Georgia

Katherine Ann Burgan Macon, Georgia

Umair Ali Chaudhry Thomaston, Georgia

Richard Tyler Cowart Savannah, Georgia

Robert Lee Crawford, Jr. Conyers, Georgia

Heather Elizabeth Cross Roswell, Georgia

Nancy Marie Daley Fayetteville, Georgia

Megan Elyse delaRosa Macon, Georgia

Zackery Will Dentmon†

Summa Cum Laude Cedartown, Georgia

Aditi Desai Orlando, Florida

Allison Renee Doerr Jacksonville, Florida

Daniel Len Edmonston Summa Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Mariee Q. Elliot Columbus, Georgia

Cabot Lerue Fairchild Estill Springs, Tennessee



Alexander Michael Ford Hoover, Alabama

Evelyn Gray Funderburk Byron, Georgia

Jennifer Marie Gentry Thomaston, Georgia

Ryan Joshua GoldenSumma Cum Laude Dublin, Georgia

Lauren Lea GreenwaySumma Cum Laude Gray, Georgia

Chloe’ Frances Hancock Hamilton, Georgia

Jameson Charles Harrell Magna Cum Laude Thomasville, Georgia

Mahsa HeydariNashville, Tennessee

Victoria Lynn Hulett Fitzgerald, Georgia

DeShawn Kareem Industrious Hiram, Georgia

Aleysia JonesCum Laude Decatur, Georgia

DeAnna Desiree’ Jones Decatur, Georgia

William Brandon Knight Savannah, Georgia

Stephanie Abigail Lewis* Cum Laude Savannah, Georgia

Craig C. Lott Thomson, Georgia

Erin Shenee’ Maclin Memphis, Tennessee

Kamela Viduya Manantan Cum Laude Valdosta, Georgia

Rucsandra Raluca Marica Warner Robins, Georgia

Heather Lynn Matuszek Jensen Beach, Florida

Jessica Kalin McCaig Jupiter, Florida

Megan Ann McCoy Newnan, Georgia

Cedric Andre Miller, Jr. Gray, Georgia

Amber Jonte’ Murphy Reynolds, Georgia

Thu Thao Thi Nguyen High Point, North Carolina

Daniel Thomas Noler†

Magna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Ashley Jana Marie Padgett Rockmart, Georgia

Jancy Allison ParkersonMagna Cum Laude Eastman, Georgia

Krishna Mahesh Patel Forsyth, Georgia

Mehul Gaurang Patel McRae, Georgia

Punam Hemant Patel Suwanee, Georgia

Danielle Elizabeth Pelton Chattanooga, Tennessee

Barry Lamar Pierce Townsend, Georgia

Kelly Elizabeth PipkinSumma Cum Laude Jonesboro, Georgia

Bernardo Alfredo Rogel Lawrenceville, Georgia

Jamie Kathleen Rogers LaGrange, Georgia

Joshua M. Shepard Forsyth, Georgia

Shalonda Latrice ShermanMagna Cum Laude Lincolnton, Georgia

Ashley Lynn Simeone Saint Mary’s, Georgia

Earl Stewart, Jr. Cum Laude Augusta, Georgia

Ryan Patrick Stuart Sugar Hill, Georgia

Benjamin James Taylor Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Melinda Christine Thomas Magna Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Christopher Philip Varghese Lawrenceville, Georgia

Leon Ray White, Jr. Hinesville, Georgia

Jessica Lauren Wiles Chickamauga, Georgia

eUgene W. stetson school of BUsiness and econoMics

Bachelor of Business aDministration

Alan B. Adams Lawrenceville, Georgia

Kimberly Major Adams Lizella, Georgia

Danielle Lauren Alderman Thomasville, Georgia

Husam A. Ali Savannah, Georgia

Melanie Nicole Amerson Griffin, Georgia

Ashley Elizabeth Anderson Manteca, California

Jessica Sarah Andrews†

Summa Cum Laude Lilburn, Georgia

Peter Alan Baldschun Chattanooga, Tennessee

Melinda Kelley Banks Cum Laude Tyrone, Georgia

Lauren Whitney Alligood BarnettMagna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

J. Nicole Bennett Macon, Georgia

Daniel D. Billings Rexville, New York

David Frederick Bird, III Niceville, Florida

Michael David Birdsong Gordon, Georgia

Ryan Gordon Blackburn Augusta, Georgia

Andrew Blake Blair Canton, Georgia

Kristin Renea Bowles Magna Cum Laude Wadley, Georgia

Olivier Bernard Brutus Coral Springs, Florida

Kevin Andrew Burran Brooks, Georgia

Phillip Antonio Calderon Miami, Florida

Amanda Blythe Cannady†

Summa Cum Laude Byron, Georgia

Kristie Marie Caraway Summa Cum Laude Kingston, Georgia

Brittany Denise Carruolo Magna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Jenny Suzanne Carter Cum Laude Newnan, Georgia

Meghan Loy Castaldo Atlanta, Georgia

Hina Ashesh Chokshi Magna Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Whitney Allyn Cini Columbus, Georgia

Irys Margaret Citko Corpus Christi, Texas

Cheetara Nicole Cobb Valdosta, Georgia

Moises Miguel Colon Midland, Georgia

Melissa A. Coone Cartersville, Georgia

Jennifer Cooper Missouri City, Texas

Matthew S. Crawford Waycross, Georgia

Shelby Joelle Danner†*

Summa Cum Laude Buford, Georgia

Florrie Jacinta Darby Charleston, South Carolina

Allison Louise Davis†

Magna Cum Laude Tallahassee, Florida

John Christopher DavisCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Whitney Ann Davis†

Cum Laude Milledgeville, Georgia

Jared Landry Dobbins Donalsonville, Georgia

Stephen Darrell Dominy Martinez, Georgia

Channing Jamez Duhart Macon, Georgia

Amy Nichole Dunn Ozark, Alabama

Ashley Renee Dyer Warner Robins, Georgia

Steven Michael Dyer Warner Robins, Georgia

John Christopher Elder Magna Cum Laude Columbus, Georgia

Michael Steven Ellis Statesville, North Carolina

Nathan C. Ellyson Fayetteville, Georgia

Brett A. Fennell Cartersville, Georgia

Russell William Funck Tallahassee, Florida

Adrienne Jewell GibsonCum Laude Waycross, Georgia

Jennifer Lucy Ginn Sandersville, Georgia

Elysia Lyzette Gonzalez Richmond Hill, Georgia

Clinton Wayne Green Peachtree City, Georgia

Charles Scott Edwards Greenberg Orlando, Florida

Charles Lathrop Guyer, IV Athens, Georgia

Courtney Drew Hall*Summa Cum Laude Taylorsville, Kentucky

Phillip Andrew Hebert Macon, Georgia

Hannah Eliza HenryMagna Cum Laude Oxford, Georgia

Mathew M. Hipol Jacksonville, North Carolina

Russell Lawrence Hofstetter Columbus, Georgia

Elizabeth Lynn Hon†

Magna Cum Laude Signal Mountain, Tennessee

Dafynei Erriane Hunt Hermitage, Tennessee

Brandi Nicole Ingersoll Columbus, Georgia

Daketa Marie Jackson Macon, Georgia

Andrew Hamilton Jones Dallas, Texas

Judith Ann Jones Cum Laude Brunswick, Georgia

Anand Karal Kalliat Norcross, Georgia

Charles Alexander Kemp, II Tifton, Georgia

Moeen Samir Khateeb Adairsville, Georgia

Christopher Lee Kiker Bremen, Georgia

Andrew Jordan Lambert Macon, Georgia

Corey Steven Lamping Grayson, Georgia

Jerry Jerome Latimer, Jr. Decatur, Georgia

TaShera DeBryan Lewis Eastman, Georgia

Roy Miller Lilly, III Thomasville, Georgia

Mia A. Maharaj Cum Laude Eastman, Georgia

Darra Raquel Manns Riverdale, Georgia

Heather Joyce MantingCum Laude Lilburn, Georgia

Zachary Christopher Mericle Saint Simons Island, Georgia

Chapman P. Mitchell Cum Laude Alpharetta, Georgia

Bryan Lovelle Moore Marietta, Georgia

Jennifer Kelly Neet Cum Laude Naples, Florida

Daniel Scott Niswonger Prospect, Kentucky

Daniel Bolade Ogunmade Glasgow, United Kingdom

Nedra L. Pierce Dublin, Georgia

Richard Joseph Pipe, III Palm Harbor, Florida

Benjamin Knox Powell Jacksonville, Florida

Ashleigh Anne Provost Macon, Georgia

Chritopher Allen Pugh Perry, Georgia

Kendra Latrice Raines Thomaston, Georgia

Steven Meldrim Rosenbloom, Jr. Atlantic Beach, Florida

Colin Thomas Ruble Ashburnham, Massachusetts

Lori Su-Lin SandersSumma Cum Laude Byron, Georgia

Charles Daniel D. Schenck, II Cocoa, Florida

Melissa Claire Schuermann Cum Laude Suwanee, Georgia

Carrie Dené Self Leeds, Alabama

Andrew Hunter Sexton Tallahassee, Florida

Samuel N. Sholander Fairfax, Virginia

Benjamin Aaron Sidey Dillard, Georgia

Joanne Rachel SmithCum Laude Peachtree City, Georgia

Christa Marie Snodgrass Cum Laude Gainesville, Florida

Rachel Alice SpencerCum Laude Conyers, Georgia

Paul John SpiraCum Laude Calhoun, Georgia

Andrew Westly Stockman Peachtree City, Georgia

Benjamin Wynn Trice Thomaston, Georgia

Mary Claire Tucker New Orleans, Louisiana

Eddi Fili Udvadia Magna Cum Laude Savannah, Georgia

Jordan Hamilton Wallace Smyrna, Georgia

Clayton Damond Ware Macon, Georgia

Kyle Andrew Warise Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Heather Ann Whitaker†

Summa Cum Laude Canton, Georgia

Robin Walstein Wilcher Warner Robins, Georgia

Lindsey Nicole Wilckens Peachtree City, Georgia

Jordan L. Wilks Brooklyn, New York

Justin David Wimpee College Station, Texas

Rachel Erin Woods Nashville, Tennessee

Susan Louise Wright†

Summa Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

master of Business aDministration

Christopher Michael Adams Geneva, Ohio

Christopher James Baksa Aurora, Colorado

Cynthia T. Beauvais Savannah, Georgia

Andrea Bedell-Lanier Savannah, Georgia

Kelley Elizabeth Bretscher Alta Loma, California

Shelly Kaye Brimmeier Pooler, Georgia

Cassandra Fashay Burch Pooler, Georgia

Amanda Leigh Cosson Havana, Florida

Ashley Ogletree Craft Savannah, Georgia

Adam N. Crews Savannah, Georgia

Reema Singh Crosby Savannah, Georgia

Scott Frederick Dadson Beaufort, South Carolina

Mark James Dufrain Rincon, Georgia

William Andrew Elrod†

Rockmart, Georgia

Phillip Austin Eubanks Alpharetta, Georgia

Jamie L. Frazier-Held Savannah, Georgia

Natalie Gerber Macon, Georgia

Heather Elaine Gordon Savannah, Georgia

Thomas John Greiner Bluffton, South Carolina

David Alexander Indech Norcross, Georgia

Wallace Gene Isom Savannah, Georgia

Shannon Patrick McRobb Bluffton, South Carolina

Jason Anderson Meade Savannah, Georgia

Amber Aiken Pelot Buford, Georgia

Jacob Woodard Poole Fort Valley, Georgia

Melanie Morelli Powers Pooler, Georgia

Renee D. Robare Savannah, Georgia

Joseph Russell Ross, Jr. Savannah, Georgia

Kristin Nicole Talamantes Burbank, California

Norman B. Thomson, III Savannah, Georgia

Blake Howard Tompkins Macon, Georgia

Benjamin Wendell Towns McRae, Georgia

Robert Michael Vieito Fort Lee, New Jersey

Andrew Kurt Watson Tybee Island, Georgia

Martha Boutin White Savannah, Georgia

Marshall Patton Wilkerson Savannah, Georgia

Craig Hanks Willis Savannah, Georgia

Miranda Caroline Wright Gainesville, Georgia

Mark Eugene Yanachik Savannah, Georgia



school of engineering

Bachelor of science

Erica Alexandra Eaton Virginia Beach, Virginia

Tristan James Fry Dallas, Texas

Eric James Hudnall Macon, Georgia

Taylor David Perrin Cum Laude Tallahassee, Florida

Stephanie L. Webb Brooks, Georgia

Heather Ann Whitaker†

Summa Cum Laude Canton, Georgia

Bachelor of science in engineering

Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Milledgeville, Georgia

Michael P. Armstrong Cum Laude Evans, Georgia

Crystal Deanna Bass Milledgeville, Georgia

Willie David Beavers, III Ellenwood, Georgia

Karen Lee BellmanMagna Cum Laude Jacksonville, Alabama

Stephen Mensa Bonsu Grayson, Georgia

Ronald E. Brazas Barnesville, Georgia

Robert Logan Brumfield Milledgeville, Georgia

Robert Bruce Bundrick†

Kathleen, Georgia

Brandon James Cavendish Round Rock, Texas

Mitchell Elton Cliett Augusta, Georgia

James Daniel Eidson Cum Laude Tifton, Georgia

Tyler Andrew Evors Cum Laude Blackshear, Georgia

Roland Everett Fall Summa Cum Laude Perry, Georgia

Jeremy Deladem Fiawoyife Villa Rica, Georgia

Michael W. Foss Magna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Israel Leigh Gibson Rome, Georgia

Alejandro Jose Gonzalez Rome, Georgia

Nicholas Colby Hatcher Hayneville, Georgia

Luis Javier Hernandez Houston, Texas

Elizabeth Marie Hyde Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Michael Darnell Johnson Marietta, Georgia

Dana Lynn Jones Duluth, Georgia

Shelly Elizabeth Jones Atlanta, Georgia

James William Klingler Summa Cum Laude Jesup, Georgia

Joseph Paul Kuhn Warner Robins, Georgia

David S. Lipham Carrollton, Georgia

Michael Jacob Lunday* Magna Cum Laude Mountain Home, Arkansas

Karl Heath Martin Magna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Bryan Scott Meeks Juliette, Georgia

Jennifer Hoang Nguyen Magna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Patrick Victor Phaneuf Quebec, Canada

Thomas Patrick RuoCum Laude Ellicott City, Maryland

Ashkan Serat Macon, Georgia

Bryan Solomon Summa Cum Laude Carbondale, Illinois

Imshaan Salim Somani Byron, Georgia

David Conrad Tribble Macon, Georgia

Robert Samuel VinesCum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Matthew Phillip Vogel Marietta, Georgia

Lyndsey Marie Winslette Warner Robins, Georgia

John Kenneth Wooden Douglasville, Georgia

Hiywot Zerihun Yilma Atlanta, Georgia

master of science

Kendra Nicole Carter Tampa, Florida

Dubravka Davy Ontario, Canada

Daniel Morgan Faulk Jeffersonville, Georgia

Janette Lynch Fribourg, Switzerland

Daniel Mitchell Portwood Sterling, Virginia

Christina Louise Valecillos Orlando, Florida

master of science in engineering

Tariku W. Demas Byron, Georgia

James Daniel Eidson Tifton, Georgia

Brian Eric Fleming Bonaire, Georgia

Cody Lee Flores Warner Robins, Georgia

Marcio Henrique Forleo Orlando, Florida

Michael W. Foss Warner Robins, Georgia

Laurence William Frissell, Jr. Snellville, Georgia

Paul Andrew Jones Columbia, South Carolina

Man Quang Le Gainesville, Georgia

Jason Lo Warner Robins, Georgia

Adam Wayne McGee Bonaire, Georgia

Christopher Cory McKay Warner Robins, Georgia

Mark Jason McKay Hinesville, Georgia

Matthew Bryan Moorman Warner Robins, Georgia

Rafael E. Nevarez Macon, Georgia

David Joseph Newell Spartanburg, South Carolina

Thuan Nguyen Ngo Lilburn, Georgia

Brian L. Nix Perry, Georgia

Vibhuti Vishal Oza Fullerton, California

Rachana Kiritkumar Patel Macon, Georgia

Manuel Rangel Plant City, Florida

Jonathan Charles Reeves Rock Hill, South Carolina

Phillip Reid Rowan, Jr. Memphis, Tennessee

Christopher Dixon Smith Warner Robins, Georgia

Luke Patterson Smithers Kathleen, Georgia

Imshaan Salim Somani Byron, Georgia

Vidhi S. Trivedi Vadodara, India

Natalie Suzanne Tucker Macon, Georgia

Shawn Edward Wall Cochran, Georgia

Michael L. Webber Warner Robins, Georgia

Jonathan Andrew Whitten Newnan, Georgia

tift college of edUcation

Bachelor of sciencein eDucation

Shellie Renee Adams McRae, Georgia

Wendy W. Baggett Glenwood, Georgia

Kelli Nicole BanisterSumma Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Jamie Leigh BrittonMagna Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Monica Lynn BrownCum Laude McRae, Georgia

Tracie Canady◊

East Dublin, Georgia

Kelly Rae Cox†

Summa Cum Laude Jonesboro, Georgia

Shekita Lenette Daniels Eatonton, Georgia

Stacey Bryan DeLoachSumma Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Christine Melanie Deal†

Magna Cum Laude Dublin, Georgia

Karen Jane Dorris Nashville, Tennessee

Amy Bennett Dunlap Dublin, Georgia

Kimberly M. Faircloth Dublin, Georgia

Tiffany Brooke GillespieCum Laude Kennesaw, Georgia

Jacquelyn Elaine Gladin Macon, Georgia

Sandra Denise Godfrey Duxbury, Massachusetts

Merritt Elizabeth Goodman†

Summa Cum Laude Brentwood, Tennessee

Alisha Witherell Gordon†

Cum Laude Gray, Georgia

Vivica Lynn Gray Macon, Georgia

Ryan Diane Hammer Cum Laude Butler, Georgia

Sabrina Ann HarrelsonSumma Cum Laude Jacksonville, Georgia

Judy Reynolds Harvey Magna Cum Laude Dublin, Georgia

Kimberly Michelle Hobbs Magna Cum Laude Dexter, Georgia

Helen Christina Hodges†

Cum Laude East Dublin, Georgia

TyRon Marquis Holmes Decatur, Georgia

Latonja Evette Hudson Macon, Georgia

Ashley LaRee Jones Summa Cum Laude Milan, Georgia

Joseph Mitchell Lawhorn Dexter, Georgia

Bobbie Jo Lowery Magna Cum Laude Milan, Georgia

Laura A. Maher Tybee Island, Georgia

Kimberly Joy Mashburn Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Christi L. McDaniel Macon, Georgia

Amy Renee Oliver Dublin, Georgia

Roopal Dhirajlal Pattni Marietta, Georgia

Brandy M. Pittman Eastman, Georgia

Brandi Lynn Purser†

Summa Cum Laude East Dublin, Georgia

April Lorraine Randall Fort Valley, Georgia

Valerie Anne Reed Macon, Georgia

Cassandra Elvira Spoon Magna Cum Laude Scotland, Georgia

Crystal Beth Stevens Cum Laude Cochran, Georgia

Shonda Yvette StewartCum Laude Albany, Georgia

Hali Madison ThomasMagna Cum Laude Norman, Oklahoma

Tonya Moore Tripp Cochran, Georgia

Opal Taylor Walker Macon, Georgia

Marcia Janelle Watson Macon, Georgia

Mallory J. White Eastman, Georgia

Suellen Jean Wright†

Magna Cum Laude Dublin, Georgia

Susan Elizabeth Yarbrough†*

Summa Cum Laude Waycross, Georgia

master of eDucation

Janette Michelle Deeb Carter Macon, Georgia

Daniel John Gibbs Middleburg, Florida

Amanda Jessica Hartman Jenkinsburg, Georgia

Leah Gail Kritsas Belleair, Florida

Jessica Raya Richardson Rome, Georgia

Crystal Wright Sanders Gray, Georgia

Elaina Aileen Taylor Twinsburg, Ohio

toWnsend school of MUsic

Bachelor of arts

William R. BishopCum Laude Savannah, Georgia

Lindsey Nicole Boutwell Warner Robins, Georgia

David Carson Britt Savannah, Georgia

Shelby Joelle Danner†

Summa Cum Laude Buford, Georgia

Cassidy Johnston Grunninger Cum Laude Jacksonville, Florida

Kaitlin Elizabeth Schlosser Ellijay, Georgia

Bachelor of music

Julie Ann Collins Magna Cum Laude Marietta, Georgia

Mitchell Lane Gardner Savannah, Georgia

Stuart Davis Kent, Jr.Summa Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Mary Alsabrooks Quarles Augusta, Georgia

Robert James Wuagneux Athens, Georgia

Bachelor of music eDucation

Haley Caroline Orr Magna Cum Laude Conyers, Georgia

master of music

Angela Renee Crosby Waycross, Georgia

Lauren Elizabeth Holliday Macon, Georgia

Stephen P. Hoy Warner Robins, Georgia

Clarissa J. Kosmak-Jones Gray, Tennessee

Samuel James Miller Brunswick, Georgia

Brandon Marshall Pafford Blakely, Georgia

Chao-Wen Ting Taipei, Taiwan

Katherine Lea Anne Watson†

Macon, Georgia

† Honor Society of

Phi Kappa Phi

* University honors for students completing all requirements of Mercer’s Honors Program

◊ Awarded Posthumously

Women wearing the bronze medallion on a blue and gold ribbon are Tift College Scholars of Mercer University. They represent the perpetuation of the spirit, heritage, and ideals of Tift College through Mercer University. The Tift College Scholars Program is an outgrowth of the commitment made by Mercer University to maintain the Tift College legacy following the merger of Tift College with the University in 1986.



co l l e g e o f co n t i n U i n g a n d Pr o f e s s i o n a l st U d i e sC

co l l e g e o f co n t i n U i n g a n d Pr o f e s s i o n a l st U d i e s30


co l l e g e o f co n t i n U i n g a n d Pr o f e s s i o n a l st U d i e s

at l a n ta, do U g l a s co U n t y, ea s t M a n, he n ry co U n t y a n d Ma c o n re g i o n a l ac a d e M i c ce n t e r s

University Center, Macon Campus | Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 2:30 p.m.




Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Colin HarrisProfessor of Religious Studies, College of Continuing and Professional Studies


Special Music “The Lord is My Light” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Louise Malone Frances Allitsen (1848-1912) Professor of Music, Townsend School of Music


Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marguerite KoepkeProfessor Emerita, Coordinator, Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program, University of Georgia

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priscilla Ruth DanheiserDean, College of Continuing and Professional Studies

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityBachelor of Applied Science | Bachelor of Liberal Studies | Bachelor of Science in Social Science

Bachelor of Science in Information Systems | Master of Science in Community Counseling | Master of Science in Public Safety Leadership

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Priscilla Ruth DanheiserLaurie Lynn Lankin

Associate Professor of Human Services, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, Reader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Wayne Van Asselberg, ’02Vice President, College of Continuing and Professional Studies Alumni Association

Alma Mater* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martha Louise Malone

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn Paul MindingallVice Provost and University Registrar




University Marshal



facUlty Marshals

Fred Wayne Bongiovanni Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies

stUdent Marshals

Terri Lee DeFoorBryan Scott Wilson



Bachelor of aPPlieD science

Najah Fahmi Abukhdeir Marietta, Georgia

Aisha Simmons AlstonCum Laude Ellenwood, Georgia

Tymeshia Leshell Bassett Winston, Georgia

Steven Thelenius Beasley† Carrollton, Georgia

Sheila Mitchum Billingslea Atlanta, Georgia

Bernessa Renee Bronner Atlanta, Georgia

Dolores S. Chastain Loganville, Georgia

Regina Brown Daniely Warner Robins, Georgia

Byran D. Davis Washington, District of Columbia

Olurotimi Emmanuel Duduyemi Lilburn, Georgia

Flora Susan Fairley Atlanta, Georgia

Amanda Williams Flesher Peachtree City, Georgia

Terri L. Garnsey Powder Springs, Georgia

Linda Hinton Gastauer Douglasville, Georgia

Amy Goggins Barnesville, Georgia

Linda E. Goodman† Marietta, Georgia

Michael Earl Graham Kennesaw, Georgia

Maria C. Ham¥

Magna Cum Laude Jackson, Georgia

Tasha A. Hardegree McDonough, Georgia

Laura Ann HeardMagna Cum Laude Fairburn, Georgia

Jacqueline K. Johnson McDonough, Georgia

Monica Lynn Lawson Hampton, Georgia

Robin Lynnette McAdams Covington, Georgia

ZizaNena L. McMillan Stockbridge, Georgia

Blaine Noel McRae McDonough, Georgia

Sherrod Brent Meredith†

Summa Cum Laude Jackson, Georgia

Elizabeth Burns Ogletree Flovilla, Georgia

Anessa W. Owens Jonesboro, Georgia

Angela Maria Owens McDonough, Georgia

Scott Ray Purdy†

Summa Cum Laude Locust Grove, Georgia

Carolyn Sandra Pusey-Wade Powder Springs, Georgia

Virginia Candance Rainwater†

Summa Cum Laude Lithia Springs, Georgia

Nicole S. Raynor Powder Springs, Georgia

Monica Shelise Reese Pensacola, Florida

Derrick Russell Marietta, Georgia

Elizabeth Sears Slocumb Griffin, Georgia

Jennifer Lynn SmithMagna Cum Laude Milner, Georgia

Marcus Aldwight Taylor Locust Grove, Georgia

Florence J. Tipton† McDonough, Georgia

Robert Benjamin Tomasello McDonough, Georgia

Richard Allen Walker Locust Grove, Georgia

Simone P. Wilson Decatur, Georgia

Stephanie Woerfel Summa Cum Laude Fayetteville, Georgia

Bachelor of liBeral stuDies

Shirley A. Bettis Columbus, Georgia

Suzanne Valerie-Dale Cassel Atlanta, Georgia

Terri Lee DeFoor†¥

Summa Cum Laude Warner Robins, Georgia

Ronald Joseph Delice Stone Mountain, Georgia

Kassandra Duenas Rex, Georgia

Chelsea Lee Folds†¥

Magna Cum Laude Jonesboro, Georgia

Anna Marie Goodman-Williams Atlanta, Georgia

Brittney Lynn Grant Warner Robins, Georgia

John Gregory Hobbs¥ Jackson, Georgia

Cynthia Ruth Jacobs¥

Thomaston, Georgia

Farris Frances Lewis Lake Spivey, Georgia

David Marlin McConnell Atlanta, Georgia

Vickie Elaine McCoy Dallas, Georgia

Stephanie J. McKleroy Magna Cum Laude Gray, Georgia

Salinda A. Pond Mote Cum Laude Bremen, Georgia

Cheryl Reyna Nguyen Lakewood, California

Jackie S. Ray Decatur, Georgia

Kevin Alexander Reid Macon, Georgia

Tiereniqua V. Robinson Atlanta, Georgia

Tonya Maria Smarr Douglasville, Georgia

Latasha Sherri Stewart Jonesboro, Georgia

Chanda LaFeda Tennie Atlanta, Georgia

Dionne LaTrese Turner Jacksonville, Florida

Kevin W. Weinsheimer¥ Summa Cum LaudeKennesaw, Georgia

Becky Bennett Whitener Powder Springs, Georgia

Bryan Scott Wilson¥ Summa Cum LaudeStockbridge, Georgia

MargUerite KoePKeCommencement Speaker

Marguerite Koepke serves as coordinator for the Governor’s Teaching Fellows Program in the University of Georgia’s Institute of Higher Education, which focuses on faculty development and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She is a long-time advocate and promoter of excellence in teaching, appropriate uses of instructional technologies and supporter of enrichment and renewal for college professors. Koepke is professor emerita of the College of Environment and Design, where she received numerous teaching awards recognizing her excellence in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in landscape architecture design. Her broad and varied work experience includes private practice engagements with design and engineering firms in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kansas City, Missouri, and Aspen, Colorado, and

special planning and natural resource management projects with the National Park Service in St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bureau of Land Management in Rawlins, Wyoming, in the public sector.

sPecial aWards

outstanDing unDergraDuate stuDent

Terri Lee DeFoor

outstanDing graDuate stuDent

Cody Joshua Sanders

aWarD for excellence in teaching

Karen O’Neill Lacey, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of English,Department of Liberal Studies


Bachelor of science in social science

Karen Maxine Aaron Macon, Georgia

Jennifer Williams Adams†¥

McRae, Georgia

Marytherese O. Agwara Marietta, Georgia

Brenda V. Anderson Decatur, Georgia

Anene Areh¥

McDonough, Georgia

MaDonna Lynette Baker Macon, Georgia

Charrell Lanise Banks Atlanta, Georgia

Kathryn LeShea Barnett Stockbridge, Georgia

Dwayne Maurice Bates Powder Springs, Georgia

Kim Renata Simmons Bates Powder Springs, Georgia

Chrisangles Polaci Battle Atlanta, Georgia

Cynthia Milligan Blankenship Decatur, Georgia

Aldrika Patrice Boyle Powder Springs, Georgia

Junya Chavae Bridges Stone Mountain, Georgia

Aleathea Ann Brown Chicago, Illinois

Joshua Levi Brown Concord, Georgia

Donald Eugene BruceCum Laude Kennesaw, Georgia

Justin Kana BuckleyCum Laude Macon, Georgia

Jamilah Burney Austell, Georgia

Elizabeth Butler McDonough, Georgia

Cindy A. Caffee Jonesboro, Georgia

Charles Randall ChaffinCum Laude Hampton, Georgia

Sabrina Michelle Chambers Decatur, Georgia

Vickie Elaine Collins Decatur, Georgia

Jodie Elizabeth Copeland McDonough, Georgia

Janet Horne Crocker¥

Macon, Georgia

Bethany Michelle Croft Locust Grove, Georgia

Nancy Elizabeth Crosby Lizella, Georgia

Sandra Yvette Dardy Conyers, Georgia

Cynthia Ann Davenport Jonesboro, Georgia

LaTonia P. Davidson Jonesboro, Georgia

Shanetta Nicole Davis Macon, Georgia

Marie Olga Delille Powder Springs, Georgia

Tonja Tamekia Demmons Dublin, Georgia

Genevieve Anne Dix Stone Mountain, Georgia

Dora La’Kisha Dixon Macon, Georgia

Sabiana Berthe Dubois Marietta, Georgia

Geebly Cecelia Elliott-Sungbeh Lawrenceville, Georgia

Niya Monique Flint Magna Cum Laude Eastman, Georgia

Larry Foreman¥

Dublin, Georgia

Cherese Gaddy McDonough, Georgia

Betty Jean George Macon, Georgia

Cazwaina E. Goggins Palmetto, Georgia

Tammy R. Grant¥

Atlanta, Georgia

Anita I. Hale Atlanta, Georgia

Chimia Yochic Hill-Burton Chattanooga, Georgia

Phyllis Knowles Hines Decatur, Georgia

Jessica M. Holcomb Augusta, Georgia

Sophia Lorraine Holder Douglasville, Georgia

Michael W. Howell Cum Laude Hiram, Georgia

Harrell Bart Hulsey¥

Loganville, Georgia

Angela Marie HurstMagna Cum Laude Lithia Springs, Georgia

Christena Lynn Hurst¥ Summa Cum LaudeDouglasville, Georgia

Robin Rene’ Jackson Macon, Georgia

Zaccheus Nata’ Jackson-Stegall¥ Cum LaudeDouglas, Georgia

Abby Gayle Johnson¥

Milan, Georgia

Annie Kate Johnson Morrow, Georgia

Beverly Isabella Johnson Douglasville, Georgia

Sandra Johnson Decatur, Georgia

Tamara Jane Johnson Pontiac, Michigan

Cynthia R. Johnson-Miller Hiram, Georgia

Lolar Woods Key Decatur, Georgia

Delsonia Vernice Lane Hiram, Georgia

Zemma D. Lawson Atlanta, Georgia

Sharon Michelle Little Macon, Georgia

Samantha Ann Manzanarez Covington, Georgia

Lisa Michelle Martin Lithia Springs, Georgia

Melanie Ann Mathews Locust Grove, Georgia

Tony Allen Mathis Hiram, Georgia

Harry C. McCann, Jr. Summa Cum Laude Loganville, Georgia

J. Willestine McFadden McDonough, Georgia

Karen Marie MiddletonCum Laude Eatonton, Georgia

Leslie Denise MillerCum Laude Lithia Springs, Georgia

Tresa Deshawn Moore-Johnson Covington, Georgia

Patricia Ann Nelson Hawkinsville, Georgia

Goldie Maria Odum Dublin, Georgia

LaWanda E. Owens Stockbridge, Georgia

Christy Alisa Palmer Hampton, Georgia

Wila Denise Parham Lithonia, Georgia

Josetta Patterson-Smith Villa Rica, Georgia

Laura Marie Pearson Rockmart, Georgia

Chastity Patrice Gordon Pitts Chauncey, Georgia

Sabrina Ann Pitts Zebulon, Georgia

Clarissa Alexandra Poole-Parks Macon, Georgia

Reginald Poplus New Orleans, Louisiana

Sharima Latrice Price Thomaston, Georgia

Annie L. Reliford Macon, Georgia

Shelia Denice Parham Roberts Macon, Georgia

Diana Renee’ Rocchio† Warner Robins, Georgia

Adeola Abostede Rodriques Stone Mountain, Georgia

Dania Roker Lithia Springs, Georgia

Brenda Jean Ross Macon, Georgia

Chiejuan Tiana Royal Fredericksburg, Virginia

Geneva Scott Conyers, Georgia

Gwendolyn Moore Scrutchins Dublin, Georgia

Deidre Summer Sheffield¥

Rhine, Georgia

Angela C. Shumate Covington, Georgia

Bonita Stacy-Berry Skillman Stockbridge, Georgia

Kimberlee Diane Smallwood Magna Cum Laude Atlanta, Georgia

Vanessa Nicole Spencer Macon, Georgia

April LaShelle Spradlin Magna Cum Laude Griffin, Georgia

Yolanda Marie Staley Savannah, Georgia

Kimberly M. Tacuri College Park, Georgia

Rhonda Lavetta Terry Stockbridge, Georgia

Allegra Stewart Thomas Jackson, Georgia

Cynthia Gwenette Thomas East Dublin, Georgia

Deirdre Thomas-Watson Union City, Georgia

Audrey Celeste Thrash Forsyth, Georgia

Kaylee Rogula Tillman Cum Laude Locust Grove, Georgia

Carole King Tucker Atlanta, Georgia

Adrianne Mckay Tyrus Riverdale, Georgia

Lenore Lauderdale Vanderpool Jonesboro, Georgia

Nikita Michelle Walker Atlanta, Georgia

Ashley Nicole White Atlanta, Georgia

Yolanda White-Hammond Magna Cum Laude Macon, Georgia

Shukura Rukiya Wilford Atlanta, Georgia

Katrina Lefatta Williams Butler, Georgia

Toni Michelle Williams Lithia Springs, Georgia

Yvonsha Demone Williams Riverdale, Georgia

Carrie Mae Williams-Mack Macon, Georgia

Rose R. Wilson Union City, Georgia

L’Tesse Lavette Wise Cum Laude Griffin, Georgia

Bachelor of science in information systems

Christopher B. Anglin Lithonia, Georgia

Broderick Wayne Booker† Cum Laude Mound Bayou, Mississippi

Virginia Oliver Brock¥

Douglasville, Georgia

Victoria J. Clayton Tyrone, Georgia

Christopher Adam Gamez Covington, Georgia

Steven Jason Gober† Macon, Georgia

Jamillah W. Harris-Morrell Douglasville, Georgia

Xavier Darnell McGhee Atlanta, Georgia

Daniel Neptune Marietta, Georgia

Roderick Laron Rayner McDonough, Georgia

James Heflin Scott, Jr. Newnan, Georgia

Tonya R. Stegall¥

Cum LaudeDouglasville, Georgia

master of science in community counseling

Sumaira AkberΩChicago, Illinois

Andrew Hunter BeaversTucker, Georgia

Whitney Elaine BodaΩKennesaw, Georgia

Jennifer Blair BucklerAtlanta, Georgia

Kristi Kirby BurgessΩBoaz, Alabama

Rhonda Veisa CarsonSmyrna, Georgia

Yolanda Nicole FountainΩAtlanta, Georgia

Marcia Lynn GibbsΩConyers, Georgia

Carrie Brooke GibsonΩAtlanta, Georgia

Chantay Yolanda GolsonVilla Rica, Georgia

Linda Susan Heaviside†Ω

Atlanta, Georgia

Dawn Nicole HillΩCenterville, Ohio

Karmen Nicole HughesΩCollege Park, Georgia

Lauren Elizabeth HughesΩJonesboro, Georgia

Walter Robinson HughesΩSuwanee, Georgia

Kathryn Nicole Robertson HusemanΩSnellville, Georgia

Marquita Latrice JohnsonΩAtlanta, Georgia

Eriko KusakabeKanagawa, Japan

Leslie Danielle LenoirCincinnati, Ohio

Ashley Lynn OdomΩ

Robertsdale, Alabama

Dionne Shantel Patterson-SmithΩMemphis, Tennessee

Christie Anne PhillipsLithia Springs, Georgia

Anela Sanura RamlochanΩLengua Village, Trinidad and Tobago

Erin W. RobertsΩSuwanee, Georgia

Cody Joshua SandersΩDuncan, South Carolina

Jack E. Underwood, Jr.Tucker, Georgia

Molly Anne VaughanΩMarietta, Georgia

Adrienne Denise WhiteRichmond, Virginia

Laquita WilliamsΩAtlanta, Georgia

Tiffany Marche WrightΩSavannah, Georgia

master of science in PuBlic safety leaDershiP

Michael Anthony ByrdJonesboro, Georgia

Craig A. CazierMarietta, Georgia

Catherine J. FurreyLawrenceville, Georgia

Jata Serafina JohnsonAtlanta, Gerogia

Gretchen M. RichardsAtlanta, Georgia

Shanyka R. ScottWhite Plains, New York

Sharod A. ShahTerre Haute, Indiana

Glenda Diane ZacharyDecatur, Georgia


† Member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

¥ Member of the Honor Society of Alpha Sigma Lambda

Ω Member of the Honor Society of Chi Sigma Iota


Wa lt e r f. ge o r g e sc h o o l o f laWW


Wa lt e r f. ge o r g e sc h o o l o f laWUniversity Center, Macon Campus | Saturday, May 16, 2009 | 6:00 p.m.




Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renay Bloom Montreuil, JD ’01Member, School of Law Alumni Association


Greetings from the Law School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Daisy Hurst FloydDean, Walter F. George School of Law


Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Honorable Edward H. JohnsonPresiding Judge, Georgia Court of Appeals

Student Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Stewart DonovanAssistant Dean, Walter F. George School of Law

Special Recognitions George Waldo Woodruff Award of Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Daisy Hurst Floyd Distinguished Faculty Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Benjamin Bryant Editor in Chief, Mercer Law Review

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the University Juris Doctor | Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration Dean Daisy Hurst Floyd

Presentation of the Class of 2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phillip Austin EubanksPresident, Student Bar Association

Awarding of Diplomas and Hooding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityDean Daisy Hurst Floyd

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dennis C. Sanders, CLA ’69, JD ’72President, School of Law Alumni Association

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Renay Bloom Montreuil


* The audience is requested to rise. ** The audience is requested to remain in place until the completion of the academic recession.


University Marshal



facUlty Marshals

Anthony R. Baldwin Professor

Linda D. Jellum Associate Professor

hooders

David G. OedelProfessor

Michael D. SabbathProfessor

D. Christopher WellsAssociate Professor

James P. FleissnerProfessor

Ushers

Mercer Law Students

Wa lt e r f. ge o r g e sc h o o l o f laW34



Juris Doctor

Jonathan Stephen AdamsMurrayville, Georgia

Temisan AgbeyegbeRoswell, Georgia

Scott Eric AndersonElyria, Ohio

Noah Matthew ArensteinCincinnati, Ohio

Heather Michelle BargerHarriman, Tennessee

Jennifer Lynn BartowColumbus, Georgia

Christopher Adam BeecherGuyton, Georgia

Andrew BenbowWashington, District of Columbia

Peter Edwin BennionMacon, Georgia

Rebekah Susanne BetsillFayetteville, Georgia

Kathrina Monique BiassouAcworth, Georgia

David Andrew BikoffAtlanta, Georgia

Nicholas Conrad BisherCovington, Kentucky

Joshua Dean BlevinsValdosta, Georgia

Kristin Kole BloodworthFlowery Branch, Georgia

Robert Henry Bowers, IVAtlanta, Georgia

Jonathan Warren BrezelMarietta, Georgia

Andrea Janae BriggsMacon, Georgia

Andrene Karen BrownMount Vernon, New York

Adana Onyejekwe BrumfieldMarietta, Georgia

Elizabeth Marie BuchananMarietta, Georgia

Douglas W. Butler, Jr.Gainesville, Georgia

Sabrina ByrneMacon, Georgia

Adrienne Nicole CallowayColumbus, Georgia

William Edwin CarlanCanton, Georgia

Anne Counihan CarrollSavannah, Georgia

Lillian Angela ChangTamuning, Guam

Crystal Jean ClarkBoone, North Carolina

Tedra L. ClemonsAugusta, Georgia

Freda Bernette Coleman-JacksonShalimar, Florida

Timothy Jerome CollettiChicago, Illinois

Benjamin Terrell CoppageManor, Georgia

Amanda Leigh CossonHavana, Florida

Brian Andrew CraddockCharlottesville, Virginia

David Matthew CurcioWeddington, North Carolina

Darryl DavisAtlanta, Georgia

Christina Shohreh DeaneCleveland, Tennessee

Cory Paul DeBordCanton, Georgia

Barry Debrow, Jr.Vallejo, California

Ashley Jean DiazMaben, Mississippi

Judith Elaine DickersonMonrovia, Liberia

Andrew James DillonConcord, North Carolina

Patrick O’Neill DollarRome, Georgia

Dustin Randolph DowPinehurst, North Carolina

Matthew Alan DruryFolkston, Georgia

Elizabeth Loraine EdwardsAtlanta, Georgia

Neil Thomas EdwardsAlexandria, Virginia

Matthew F. EnsleinJupiter, Florida

Phillip Austin EubanksAlpharetta, Georgia

Christopher P. FeatherstunDunwoody, Georgia

Andrew Sergio FeckouryNewnan, Georgia

Lee Ann FeeleyChatsworth, Georgia

Leah Christina FiorenzaAtlanta, Georgia

Carlie Sue FisherCoppell, Texas

Jamie Arnez Flowers, Jr.Fayetteville, Georgia

Ashley Sheron FowlerOneonta, Alabama

Wiley Devin FranklinDecatur, Georgia

James Daryl FreemanJohns Creek, Georgia

José A. FuentesAnnapolis, Maryland

Stephanie Leigh FullerAlpharetta, Georgia

Anastasia Lena FurgasonLilburn, Georgia

Amanda Faye GaytonWarner Robins, Georgia

Autumn Price GeorgeLawrenceville, Georgia

Richard Kyle GeorgeMacon, Georgia

Benjamin Edward GrantAustin, Texas

James Alexander GrantLaurinburg, North Carolina

Charles William GriffinAtlanta, Georgia

Emily Allgood GriffinRome, Georgia

Peter James HarrisonLawrenceville, Georgia

Elizabeth Ellen HilkinBurlington, Iowa

Stephen E. HillmanAcworth, Georgia

Afiya Folayan HinksonStone Mountain, Georgia

James Oliver Hodges, VISt. Simons Island, Georgia

Tate Burnett HodgesWilmington, North Carolina

April R. HollowayWarner Robins, Georgia

Hannah Elizabeth HonourCharlotte, North Carolina

Michael Eric HooperAlbany, Georgia

William Patrick HorkanMoultrie, Georgia

Blake Palmer HuffmanSavannah, Georgia

Lyndsey Jean HurstGainesville, Georgia

David Alexander IndechNorcross, Georgia

Kelli Ann JamesByron, Georgia

Jonathan Earl JarrellAtlanta, Georgia

Maxie Donald JohnsonLaGrange, Georgia

Amanda Salter JonesSavannah, Georgia

Eugene Joseph Joslyn, Jr.Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Jong Yung JungSouth Korea

Brittany Rachel KarrStockbridge, Georgia

Lauren Alexandra KempAtlanta, Georgia

Justin Taylor KenneyConyers, Georgia

David McNeill KinnebrewAmericus, Georgia

John Hall KirboAlbany, Georgia

Gabrielle G. LawrenceSavannah, Georgia

Eric William LittlefieldFayetteville, Georgia

Jennifer Susanne LowndesWinter Park, Florida

Richard Franklin Maddox, Jr.Atlanta, Georgia

Joshua Kenneth MartinLithonia, Georgia

Michael E. MayoDouglas, Georgia

Emily Lynn McLartyTallahassee, Florida

Ian Matthew McMullenMilledgeville, Georgia

David L. MeekTerre Haute, Indiana

Dustin Lee MilesBuchanan, Georgia

Chris E. MirandaPalm Bay, Florida

Charles Stern MooreRichmond, Virginia

Daniel Patrick MooreAtlanta, Georgia

Tucker Brooks MostellerDalton, Georgia

Steven Andrew MouldsMarietta, Georgia

Elise Bush MyersCumming, Georgia

Marcus Cayce MyersSnellville, Georgia

Billy J. Nelson, Jr.Bellville Point, Georgia

Michael Craig NeprudFranklin, Tennessee

Erle Jackson Newton, IIIAdairsville, Georgia

Brooke Cheri ObieGainesville, Virginia

Kristofer John OhlssonMarietta, Georgia

Douglas Ernest Ott, IIMacon, Georgia

Mohini Rasik PatelSmyrna, Georgia

Susanna Gwen PattersonEl Paso, Texas

Amber Aiken PelotBuford, Georgia

Richard Alan PhillipsRoyston, Georgia

edWard h. JohnsonCommencement Speaker

Presiding Judge Edward H. Johnson of the Court of Appeals of Georgia is a native Georgian born in Coweta County. He served as chief judge of the state Court of Appeals from Jan. 1, 1999, to Dec. 31, 2000. Before being sworn in as the 59th judge of the state Court of Appeals on Feb. 28, 1992, he served as a judge on the Superior Court, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, and as a judge of the State Court of Fulton County. Judge Johnson has also served as an adjunct professor of law at Emory University School of Law; an adjunct professor of law at Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law; an instructor for the Institute of Continuing Judicial Education; and on the faculty of the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. From 1977 to 1980, Judge Johnson served as state senator for the 34th District. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in history from Georgia State University, a

Juris Doctor degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law and an LL.M. degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.


Jacob Woodard PooleFort Valley, Georgia

Jennifer McIntosh PopeCharlotte, North Carolina

Christopher Dale PorterMcDonough, Georgia

Kathryn Lauranne PowersJonesboro, Georgia

Nicole Kathleen PriceRome, Georgia

Kathryn Suzanne ReynoldsWinston-Salem, North Carolina

Mark William RichardsonFt. Wayne, Indiana

Sunny Ashton RickerGreeneville, Tennessee

Kevin M. RollinJacksonville, Florida

Rebecca Luisa RosellWellington, Florida

Katherine Sams RussellMacon, Georgia

Bethany Claire SandersAtlanta, Georgia

Brent Jamieson Savage, Jr.Savannah, Georgia

Anna Deane SchneiderAtlanta, Georgia

Chase Edward ScottChattanooga, Tennessee

Patrick McGee ShepherdGriffin, Georgia

Kirby Gordon SmithConyers, Georgia

John Brandon SnellingsPhenix City, Alabama

Harrison Wade SpiresAtlanta, Georgia

Lindsey R. StewartBrunswick, Georgia

Khary James TalleyColumbus, Georgia

Rhonda L. TaylorMcDonough, Georgia

Timothy Paul TaylorCedartown, Georgia

Megan McGrath TeepleFayetteville, Georgia

Willard DuBose ThompsonBlakely, Georgia

Carlos David TriviñoMarietta, Georgia

James Emory Tucker, Jr.Tifton, Georgia

Kathleen Sadler TurnipseedDecatur, Georgia

Wendell Frank White, Jr.Atlanta, Georgia

Janeen E. WilliamsChapel Hill, North Carolina

Kathryn Smith WillisDouglas, Georgia

Charles Wingfield WillsThomson, Georgia

Nicole Anita WoolforkMilledgeville, Georgia

James Milton WrightGainesville, Georgia

Ryan Neal YadavLake Mary, Florida

Arthur Randolph YorkAtlanta, Georgia

sPecial alumni hooDing

Edward Paul BonapfelAtlanta, Georgia

William Benjamin BryantAtlanta, Georgia

Will Bussell GeerColquitt, Georgia

Laura Kathryn HinsonMacon, Georgia

Bryan Thomas JohnsonCovington, Georgia

certificate in advanced legal Writing, research and drafting

Jonathan Stephen Adams

Temisan Agbeyegbe

Heather Michelle Barger

Jennifer Lynn Bartow

Peter Edwin Bennion

Rebekah Susanne Betsill

Kathrina Monique Biassou

Kristin Kole Bloodworth

Adana Onyejekwe Brumfield

William Benjamin Bryant

Elizabeth Marie Buchanan

William Edwin Carlan

Lillian Angela Chang

Freda Bernette Coleman-Jackson

Timothy Jerome Colletti

David Matthew Curcio

Christina Shohreh Deane

Cory Paul DeBord

Barry Debrow, Jr.

Ashley Jean Diaz

Judith Elaine Dickerson

Andrew James Dillon

Patrick O’Neill Dollar

Dustin Randolph Dow

Christopher P. Featherstun

Lee Ann Feeley

Leah Christina Fiorenza

Carlie Sue Fisher

Jamie Arnez Flowers, Jr.

Ashley Sheron Fowler

Stephanie Leigh Fuller

Amanda Faye Gayton

Charles William Griffin

Peter James Harrison

April R. Holloway

William Patrick Horkan

Jonathan Earl Jarrell

Bryan Thomas Johnson

Amanda Salter Jones

Brittany Rachel Karr

Justin Taylor Kenney

David McNeill Kinnebrew

Jennifer Susanne Lowndes

Dustin Lee Miles

Daniel Patrick Moore

Marcus Cayce Myers

Brooke Cheri Obie

Amber Aiken Pelot

Richard Alan Phillips

Christopher Dale Porter

Kathryn Lauranne Powers

Kathryn Suzanne Reynolds

Katherine Sams Russell

Bethany Claire Sanders

John Brandon Snellings

Harrison Wade Spires

Rhonda L. Taylor

Willard DuBose Thompson

Carlos David Triviño

James Emory Tucker, Jr.

Wendell Frank White, Jr.

Janeen E. Williams

James Milton Wright

Arthur Randolph York

Business certificate in Practice management

James Daryl Freeman

Kirby Gordon Smith

Juris Doctor/masters of Business aDministration

Amanda Leigh Cosson

Phillip Austin Eubanks

David Alexander Indech

Amber Aiken Pelot

Jacob Woodard Poole



Ja M e s a n d ca r o ly n Mcaf e e sc h o o l o f th e o l o g yJ


Ja M e s a n d ca r o ly n Mcaf e e sc h o o l o f th e o l o g ySheffield Student Center, Cecil B. Day Campus | Saturday, May 23, 2009 | 11:30 a.m.




Invocation* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clark Gregory DeLoach, IIPastor, First Baptist Church, Augusta, Georgia



Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David E. Hudson, CLA ’68Partner, Hull, Towill, Norman, Barrett & Salley, Augusta, Georgia

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Richard Alan Culpepper

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityMaster of Divinity | Doctor of Ministry

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Richard Alan CulpepperGraham Brown Walker, Jr., Associate Dean, Reader

Hymn of McAfee School of Theology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Gwynn MasseyAssociate Professor of Faith Development

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Scott Ford, M.Div. ’01President, McAfee Alumni Board

Benediction* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Connie Elaine Campbell, M.Div. ’99Minister to Families with Children, First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee



Ja M e s a n d ca r o ly n Mcaf e e sc h o o l o f th e o l o g y38


University Marshal

William R. McNayProfessor of Management


facUlty Marshal

Peter Rhea JonesProfessor of Preaching and New Testament

Banner Bearer

John Adam GarnerMcAfee Student


sPecial aWards

coMMUnity Ministry aWard

Neil Wade Boggan

oUtstanding scholar

Cody Joshua Sanders

scholarly achieveMent aWard

Lauren Elizabeth Colwell

WilliaM ollie and nell ray Key excellence in leadershiP aWard

William Terry Ladd, III


master of Divinity

Kristin Anita AtkinsMaitland, Florida

Jerry Thomas AtkinsonMcDonough, Georgia

Libya R. BaaQarAtlanta, Georgia

Justin Dwight BishopCanton, Georgia

Neil Wade BogganAtlanta, Georgia

Aaron Tywan BrownMoncks Corner, South Carolina

Robert L. Brown, Jr.Atlanta, Georgia

Martha Louise ByrdLawrenceville, Georgia

Rhonda Viesa CarsonSmyrna, Georgia

Gabriel Edward CloseLouisville, Kentucky

Olayee Sundaye CollinsMonrovia, Liberia

Lauren Elizabeth ColwellRome, Georgia

Johnathan Blair CoxThomaston, Georgia

Benjamin Elliott CurryChamblee, Georgia

James T. DaykahMonrovia, Liberia

Carrie Lynn McClung DeanHawkinsville, Georgia

James Nathan DeanAtlanta, Georgia

Yolanda Nicole FountainAtlanta, Georgia

James Brian GreerRidgeland, Mississippi

John Thomas HamiltonTucker, Georgia

Keith Jamal HammondAtlanta, Georgia

Daniel Wayne Harrell, Jr.Covington, Georgia

Erica Lynn HartmanAthens, Georgia

Charles Graham HawsAtlanta, Georgia

Allison Michelle HicksAiken, South Carolina

Stephen Mark HorvathAtlanta, Georgia

Walter Robinson HughesSuwanee, Georgia

Kristen Diane IvyCumming, Georgia

Preston Blake JonesJasper, Georgia

Tara Lynn JonickTucker, Georgia

William Mattison KingAtlanta, Georgia

William Terry Ladd, IIIKnoxville, Tennessee

Amanda Jane MillerShelby, North Carolina

Joel Baker MillsSpartanburg, South Carolina

Catherine Elizabeth PerryAttleboro, Massachusetts

Brandon Jefferson RussellTaylorsville, North Carolina

Cody Joshua SandersDuncan, South Carolina

Brandon S. StrozierColumbus, Georgia

Hope Nicole Sims SuttonAtlanta, Georgia

William Keith VaughnMilledgeville, Georgia

Angela Darlene VielhaberCartersville, Georgia

Rebekah Myrtle Andrews WhiteMacon, Georgia

Brian Keith WilsonNatchitoches, Louisiana

Doctor of ministry

James Louis BumpusMemphis, Tennessee

William Curtis RichardsonStone Mountain, Georgia

Rebecca W. ShoafAtlanta, Georgia

Joseph LaFayette WilliamsAtlanta, Georgia

Ryan Todd WilsonSeneca, South Carolina


david e. hUdson, cla ’68Commencement Speaker

David E. Hudson practices law with the firm of Hull, Towill, Norman, Burrett & Salley in Augusta, Georgia, in the area of general civil litigation with an emphasis on media law, construction law and business and commercial disputes. Hudson has been a trial lawyer since 1974 and has represented clients at the trial court level in Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and New York, and has argued numerous appeals in the appellate courts of Georgia, the United States Courts of Appeals for the Second, Fifth and Eleventh Circuits, and one case in 1998 before the Supreme Court of the United States. Hudson’s trial advocacy was recognized in his induction as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1992. Hudson earned his J.D. degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1971. He then served from

1971 to 1972 as a law clerk to the Honorable Griffin B. Bell, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Hudson is currently in his 25th year as a Trustee of Mercer University, serving as chairman in 2006 and 2007. He also serves on the Walter F. George Foundation.


hyMn of the Mcafee school of theology

“everlasting love”

ti f t co l l e g e o f ed U c at i o nT


ti f t co l l e g e o f ed U c at i o nSheffield Student Center, Cecil B. Day Campus | Saturday, May 23, 2009 | 2:30 p.m.






Introduction of the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penny Loraine Elkins, BA ’90, MEd ’92Associate Dean, Tift College of Education and Senior Associate Vice President – Atlanta

Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly C. HensonExecutive Secretary, Professional Standards Commission

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carl Richard MartrayDean, Tift College of Education

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityBachelor of Science in Education | Master of Arts in Teaching | Master of Education | Specialist in Education

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Carl Richard MartraySharon Lim Harle, BBA ’86, MBA ’90

Assistant Vice President, Office of Alumni Services, Reader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penny Loraine Elkins




ti f t co l l e g e o f ed U c at i o n42


University Marshal



facUlty Marshals

Leonard Lancette Associate Professor

Bruce Sliger Professor

sPecial aWards

oUtstanding UndergradUate stUdent

(early care and edUcation)henry, doUglas and atlanta

Sheila A. Davis


(early childhood sPecial edUcation) doUglas coUnty center

Angela L. Barnett


(early childhood sPecial edUcation)henry coUnty center

Heather Sinyard


(Middle grades edUcation)henry & doUglas coUnty centers

Teresa D. Lynch

oUtstanding gradUate stUdent

(edUcational leadershiP)Jaclyn Burrell


(early childhood edUcation)henry & doUglas coUnty centers

Shannon L. Morgan


(early childhood edUcation)atlanta caMPUs

Diana Gore


(Middle grades edUcation)atlanta caMPUs

Abha D. Shah


(secondary edUcation)atlanta caMPUs

Donnie L. Olajuwon


(edUcational sPecialist teacher leadershiP)atlanta caMPUs

David Cain


(reading)atlanta caMPUs

Jacquelyn Dargon


Kelly c. hensonCommencement Speaker

Kelly C. Henson was named executive secretary of the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) in November 2007. The PSC is charged with establishing a certification/licensure process that is streamlined, understandable and flexible in order to attract qualified individuals into the education profession. Before being appointed, Henson served as superintendent of schools in Floyd County. During his tenure as superintendent, SAT scores improved by 45 points, the system was recognized by Standards and Poor’s for academic achievement and the system earned a $3.2 million Career Academy Grant. Henson was also named a finalist for the Georgia Superintendent of the Year Award on two separate occasions.

Prior to being named superintendent in Floyd County, Henson was principal of Walton High School, principal of Pope High School and associate superintendent in Marietta City Schools. Under his leadership, Walton High School was named a National School of Excellence and, while serving in Marietta City, he was named system Employee of the Year.


Bachelor of science in eDucation

Sadie Renee Alexander Austell, Georgia

Danita Latrell AndersonCum Laude Ellenwood, Georgia

Iyonna Minrell Babb Jonesboro, Georgia

Tressa Yvonne Banks Marietta, Georgia

Felicia Ann Barber Stockbridge, Georgia

Sherry Lynn BarksdaleMagna Cum Laude Milner, Georgia

Brittany S. BarnellCum Laude Conyers, Georgia

Ruffin Charles Barnes Dallas, Georgia

Angela Louise Barnett Hiram, Georgia

Dianne Johnson Baus Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Tiffinie Marie BaxterCum Laude Rockmart, Georgia

Nancy Berg Douglasville, Georgia

Angela Evette Blalock Rex, Georgia

Lori King BolingMagna Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Beverlee Bass Brewington McDonough, Georgia

Alton B. Calhoun Cum Laude Hampton, Georgia

Trina Michelle CannonSumma Cum Laude Senoia, Georgia

Charlene E. CardenCum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Stacy LeAnn CarrollMagna Cum Laude Villa Rica, Georgia

Cyssandra Inez Chapman Jonesboro, Georgia

LaKisha Renee Childs Decatur, Georgia

Leslie M. Clark Lithia Springs, Georgia

Constance Denise Clopton Atlanta, Georgia

Ashley Duncan Cole Magna Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Mary Jane A. Conner Stockbridge, Georgia

Rachel Stephens Cook Magna Cum Laude Williamson, Georgia

Tonya Leigh Copeland Summa Cum Laude Newnan, Georgia

Gina Stroud Cox Cum Laude Stone Mountain, Georgia

Christina M. Crowe Cum Laude Newborn, Georgia

Donnamarie Dane Magna Cum Laude Dallas, Georgia

Laurie Amber Davis Cum Laude Riverdale, Georgia

Sheila A. Davis Hampton, Georgia

Cynthia Anne Defnall Austell, Georgia

Natasha Tamar DeLoach Atlanta, Georgia

Allison Anne Dukes Dallas, Georgia

Casey A. Duncan Jonesboro, Georgia

Zina Beth DurenMagna Cum Laude Conyers, Georgia

Nikki L. FarrisMagna Cum Laude Hampton, Georgia

Kimberly Hammond Feltman McDonough, Georgia

Dana JaNae Flanagan Covington, Georgia

Nichole Avonti Franklin Stockbridge, Georgia

Kathryn Marie Gelhardt Peachtree City, Georgia

Cheryl Denise GilbertMagna Cum Laude Locust Grove, Georgia

Sondra L. Glenn Covington, Georgia

Donna F. Gregg Covington, Georgia

Misty Michelle GreshamCum Laude Mableton, Georgia

Alisha Marie Hall Covington, Georgia

Amanda Hammock McDonough, Georgia

Donald Dermid HarrisCum Laude Madison, Georgia

Susan Renee Harville Summa Cum Laude Lithia Springs, Georgia

Nastasha Janquis Hendrix Conyers, Georgia

Charlene G. Holcomb Griffin, Georgia

Lori Buckner Hopkins Conyers, Georgia

Heather Burg Howell Conyers, Georgia

Margaret Lee Hurst Summa Cum Laude Hiram, Georgia

Stephanie Diane Iddins Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Allison Renee’ James Eatonton, Georgia

Emily Carol Jenkins Cum Laude Oxford, Georgia

Jennifer Ann Jenkins Pine Lake, Georgia

Shatrece Levonne Jenkins McDonough, Georgia

Ariene Johnson Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Tracy A. Joiner Grantville, Georgia

Jamie Lynn Jones Cum Laude Griffin, Georgia

Shaneka Lachon Jones Atlanta, Georgia

Wanda Renee Jones Dallas, Georgia

Priscella Ann Key Summa Cum Laude Marietta, Georgia

Mimi Michelle Lauderback Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Elizabeth Taylor Layton Griffin, Georgia

Lisa Jane Leggett Magna Cum Laude Dallas, Georgia

De’Cembre Marie Lewis Stockbridge, Georgia

Rochondria Latice Livingston Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Ashley Ann Loden Cum Laude Conyers, Georgia

Bethel Marie Long Cum Laude Hiram, Georgia

Teresa D. Lynch Magna Cum Laude Griffin, Georgia

Tiffany Jan Lynch Covington, Georgia

Delinsa Annalatice Maiden Powder Springs, Georgia

Julie Bibby MarshallCum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Joy Ahnawake McClanahan Summa Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Tonia Marie Middlebrooks Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Natalie Shea Murray McDonough, Georgia

Nicole R. Nelms Union City, Pennsylvania

Stephanie Lynn Newman Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Tanisia LaShaun Owens Decatur, Georgia

Vincent Parks Carrollton, Georgia

Melanie Elizabeth Patterson Covington, Georgia

Lorri Joann Pyron Cum Laude Stockbridge, Georgia

Stella Della Quist Austell, Georgia

Linda Ramos Villa Rica, Georgia

Shirley Justice Robinson Magna Cum Laude Whitesburg, Georgia

Donna Reed Rogers Summa Cum Laude Dallas, Georgia

Tammy Reid Rogers Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Jennifer Dawn Rutledge Cum Laude Loganville, Georgia

Ashley Michelle Scott Atlanta, Georgia

Ruth Phillips Scott Magna Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Tracye Yvette Scott Cum Laude McDonough, Georgia

Verlandra Ann Shelton McDonough, Georgia

Armanda H. Sherrod Peachtree City, Georgia

Sabrina Leanne Shultz-Williams Griffin, Georgia

Lisa Mishell Simmons Monticello, Georgia

Heather Christina Sinyard Cum Laude Conyers, Georgia

Heather Kathleen Southerland Conyers, Georgia

Theresa L. Stegall Cum Laude Powder Springs, Georgia

Kristina Tejuan Thomas Fairfax, Virginia

Jo Ann Thompson Cum Laude Social Circle, Georgia

Bonny Moore Tillman Magna Cum Laude Monticello, Georgia

Tajuannya McBride Tripp Jonesboro, Georgia

Jamie Renee Tyler McDonough, Georgia

Brittany Jo Vining Griffin, Georgia

Anay Saucedo Vizcarra Forest Park, Georgia

Bessie Moore Walker Lithia Springs, Georgia

Sebrena Denise Ward-Small Stockbridge, Georgia

Stephanie DeAnn Warmoth Villa Rica, Georgia

Teresa Layvett Warren Cuthbert, Georgia

Diana Lynn Watkins McDonough, Georgia

Paula Mundi Webb Magna Cum Laude Powder Springs, Georgia

Tammy B. Wheeless Thomaston, Georgia

Haley Connelly Wilcox Cum Laude Monroe, Georgia

Kimberly Patrice Williams Albany, Georgia

Nisa Vatrice Williams Jackson, Georgia

Donna Ann Wilson Cum Laude Covington, Georgia

Melissa Starks Witcher Douglasville, Georgia

Erin Brooke Wood McDonough, Georgia

Ruth M. Wright Rex, Georgia

Tessa Laurice Yarbrough Magna Cum Laude Flovilla, Georgia

master of arts in teaching

Gretchen Lee Abernathy Monroe, Georgia

Adam Najimi Adebisi Silver Spring, Maryland

Faith Elouise Ayers Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nicole Annette Barone Baldwinsville, New York

Briana English Bauer Decatur, Georgia




Courtney Leigh Beers Atlanta, Georgia

Natasha Yolanda Belle Conyers, Georgia

Solomon A. Betanga Lawrenceville, Georgia

Leigh Hale Blakely Lawrenceville, Georgia

Ilani Silver Blanke Atlanta, Georgia

Katharine Nard Boehme Asheville, North Carolina

Stephanie Renell Boisjolie Kennesaw, Georgia

Flashay Anita Booker Riverdale, Georgia

Catherine Fulmer Bowers Conyers, Georgia

Shelley Cooper Boyd Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Tami R. Brutlag Manito, Illinois

Sophie J. Brym Denver, Colorado

Anaya Lani Bryson Atlanta, Georgia

Estherlene Burks Atlanta, Georgia

Amber Sherrie’ Cain Lansing, Michigan

Monica Warquita Campbell Madison, Georgia

Aise Meke Cannon Lawrenceville, Georgia

Eric S. Carpenter Atlanta, Georgia

Michael Edward Clark Savannah, Georgia

Shari Patrice Clark Savannah, Georgia

Sydney Layne Cohn Dunwoody, Georgia

Nyisha Hermene Collins Miami, Florida

Karen Jane Crosta Stone Mountain, Georgia

Sheryl Young Croy Duluth, Georgia

Juliana Claire Crumbley Homerville, Georgia

Alison Marie Damerow Douglasville, Georgia

Janice Green Davis San Jose, California

Torsanya Avastacia Davis Snellville, Georgia

Treba Marie Day-Burton Jackson City, Tennessee

Mark Alan Diss Woodstock, Georgia

Megan Beth Dosmann Granger, Indiana

Jimmy Jason Dukes Augusta, Georgia

Kristen Lynn Easterling Snellville, Georgia

Brittany Zan Etheredge Atlanta, Georgia

Jarrelle Evans Savannah, Georgia

Jacqueline Fawaz Fayetteville, Georgia

Joanna Rose Fife Cartersville, Georgia

Crystal L. Flowers Macon, Georgia

Ansley T’Asha Floyd Atlanta, Georgia

Michael Edwin Foege Atlanta, Georgia

Robert Steven Foege Atlanta, Georgia

Andria R. Foerch Atlanta, Georgia

Nicole Bartels Foote Atlanta, Georgia

Mallory G. Friedman Marietta, Georgia

Antoria Nicole Gary Atlanta, Georgia

Diana Gore Hampton, Georgia

Elizabeth Anne Grabenkort Duluth, Georgia

Derek A. Gresko Ontario, Canada

Trevarous Lamon Guffie Fairburn, Georgia

Alicia Rose Hamilton Avondale Estates, Georgia

Teresa L. Hawkins Lilburn, Georgia

Whitney Samantha Hess Sandy Springs, Georgia

Shenee’ Johnson Holloway Lawrenceville, Georgia

Chris A. Hooks Fayetteville, Georgia

Michelle Delores Horton-Long Stockbridge, Georgia

Jason Michael Hughes McDonough, Georgia

Maria Nichole Hunt Dallas, Georgia

Jermaine D’Angelo Jackson Havana, Florida

Farah P. Jamani Tucker, Georgia

Robyn Latrice King Lithonia, Georgia

Joan W. Kuo Flushing, New York

Elizabeth Anne Lovasz Decatur, Georgia

Anuradha B. Mahendru Lilburn, Georgia

Quinnisha Latasha Marion Las Vegas, Nevada

Felichia Anne Martin Walterboro, South Carolina

Jennifer Lynn Martin Marietta, Georgia

Monica S. Maser Altoona, Pennsylvania

Karen L. Maxeiner Duluth, Georgia

Christina Marie McConnell Atlanta, Georgia

Jennifer Lenore Means Atlanta, Georgia

Andrea Lynn Mickalonis Atlanta, Georgia

Daniel S. Miller Duluth, Georgia

Garnett Grant Miller Tucker, Georgia

Diana Lina Mills Alpharetta, Georgia

Lisa Brown Minor Lithonia, Georgia

Anya Garcelle Momon Decatur, Georgia

Mary Shannon Moore Atlanta, Georgia

Randall Charles Morgan Ellsworth, Minnesota

Nicole Sh’Nell Murray-Manns Stockbridge, Georgia

Allison G. Nelson Atlanta, Georgia

Katherine Willingham Noordhoorn Lawrenceville, Georgia

Erica Lea O’Hara Atlanta, Georgia

Donnie Lamar Ayodele Olajuwon Cairo, Georgia

Vanessa Olave-Coleman New York City, New York

Calvin Foster Oxendine Savannah, Georgia

Kevin William Paul Buffalo, New York

Theresa Rebekah Payne Savannah, Georgia

Anna Kathleen Person Athens, Georgia

Kara F. Pfeiffer Roswell, Georgia

Minh D. Pham Jonesboro, Georgia

Margaret Sonja Phelps Hampton, Georgia

Lauren Ashley Phillips Atlanta, Georgia

Roger William Poole, Jr. Daytona Beach, Florida

Jeune Bernice Provost Saint John, Georgia

Nicol Jean Radovanov-Black Lilburn, Georgia

Tanya D. Riley-Thompson Decatur, Georgia

Ragan Boozer Ringsrud Warner Robins, Georgia

Meagan Nicole Roberts Woodstock, Georgia

Emily Nicole Robinson Roswell, Georgia

Constance Denise Rogers Covington, Georgia

Nicole Danielle Ross Palo Alto, California

Derek Allen Russell Austell, Georgia

Nicholas C. Saporito Astoria, New York

Abha D. Shah Decatur, Georgia

Susan Hye Jin Shin Lawrenceville, Georgia

Alexander Joel Silverman Duluth, Georgia

Matthew Lawrence Smith Mableton, Georgia

Allison Leanne Stewart Alpharetta, Georgia

Danielle Lucille Tatarka Youngstown, Ohio

James David Taylor Stone Mountain, Georgia

John Stewart Taylor Lawrenceville, Georgia

Tuqwan C. Taylor Decatur, Georgia

Winsone Venice Thompson Lithonia, Georgia

Nicole Lavette Turner Grayson, Georgia

Melissa Ann Valentine McDonough, Georgia

Claudine LaFronta Vaughan Detroit, Michigan

Valerie Joan Vinson Dacula, Georgia

Rachel Nicole Washburn Duluth, Georgia

Alicia Hulene Watson Atlanta, Georgia

Alecia Rachele Westbrooks Cleveland, Ohio

Carla Sierra Weston-Brown Decatur, Georgia

James Bradley White Decatur, Georgia

Mary Anna Catherine Woodward Lilburn, Georgia

Chi-hwa Huang Wu Conyers, Georgia

Lindsay Celeste York Atlanta, Georgia

master of eDucation

Jarvis Ikiea Adams Augusta, Georgia

Keya Michelle Alston Jonesboro, Georgia

Sharonda Dahlia Ancrum-Collins Hampton, Georgia

Carrie Jean Bailey Winston, Georgia

Marnie Leigh Bailey Griffin, Georgia

Elena Jettaun Bell Stockbridge, Georgia

Cynthia Jean Bloodworth Macon, Georgia

Sandra Booker Riverdale, Georgia

Stacey Evans Bourquine Douglasville, Georgia

Jacqueline Cosetta Brinson-Shuler Tallahassee, Florida

Edward William Carr, Jr. Douglasville, Georgia

Jabari Bonaparte Cobb Decatur, Georgia

Katherine Elizabeth Crews Lilburn, Georgia

Jacquelyn Studstill Dargon McRae, Georgia

Stephanie Ellis Earnest Atlanta, Georgia

Julie Danielle Eavenson Gray, Georgia

Gwen B. Elrod Stockbridge, Georgia

Stephanie Brooke Perry Faulkner Meansville, Georgia

Jennifer Leigh Foster Hampton, Georgia

Sheri Jean Gilbert Buford, Georgia

Amelia Miller Gledhill Griffin, Georgia

Tina Dunson Goolsby College Park, Georgia

Mary F. Hall Conyers, Georgia


Derek Edward Harris Roosevelt, New York

Jenny C. Hart McDonough, Georgia

Thomas Bruce Hilliard Adel, Georgia

Rebecca Carden Hughes Temple, Georgia

Stephanie D. Jackson West Palm Beach, Florida

Brandi Christina Kingeter Villa Rica, Georgia

Summaya Talib Knight Atlanta, Georgia

Jessica Friedt Kraitzick Atlanta, Georgia

Charlotte Bertram Lancaster Covington, Georgia

Katy Marie Larson Woodstock, Georgia

Kenneth Alan Larson Norcross, Georgia

Kristen Lee Lyle Conyers, Georgia

Janine M. Madaffari Decatur, Georgia

Amanda Christine Marshall McDonough, Georgia

Charlene Octavia McGlockling Hartwell, Georgia

Stephanie Annette McMichael Ossinging, New York

Shannon Lynne Morgan Covington, Georgia

Stephanie Elise Murray Fayetteville, Georgia

Cristine Marie Noel Locust Grove, Georgia

Damien DeCarlo Northern South Bend, Indiana

Lindsay Iuvone Phillips Duluth, Georgia

Jessica Nicole Pittman Thomaston, Georgia

Megan Brittany Pline Hampton, Georgia

Leah Williams Pritchett Forsyth, Georgia

Elizabeth Richardson Quist Decatur, Georgia

John Phillip Ramsey McDonough, Georgia

John Francis Reilly, Jr. Atlanta, Georgia

Anna Maria Felicita Rivera Griffin, Georgia

Petrina Tate Rogers Atlanta, Georgia

Israel Suzanne Rowe Forest Park, Georgia

Carmen Renee Segura Villa Rica, Georgia

Tovah A. Shraga Alpharetta, Georgia

Andrea Nicole Sims Snellville, Georgia

Rebecca Lee Stephens Leesburg, Florida

Sheila May Thurmon Hampton, Georgia

Charles Lewis Trammell Atlanta, Georgia

Cindy Lynn Trimble-Morris Hampton, Georgia

Wendy Lee Turner Forsyth, Georgia

Lynn Kay Vetter Stockbridge, Georgia

Elizabeth Mae Waddell McDonough, Georgia

Heather Ann Walker Covington, Georgia

Yolanda Yvonne Walton-Hardman† Buford, Georgia

Ladre Weathersby Chicago, Illinois

Susan Elizabeth Weber Lawrenceville, Georgia

Robin Heather Whitley Atlanta, Georgia

Stephanie Diane Williams Galesburg, Illinois

Leslie Nicole Wilson Villa Rica, Georgia

Lindsay Marie Wilson Covington, Georgia

Whitney Paige Winn Lebanon, Tennessee

Theresa Jean Wright Stockbridge, Georgia

sPecialist of eDucation

Georgia Bitting Aho Dunwoody, Georgia

Rama D. Atluri Snellville, Georgia

Lee Andrea Augmon Suwanee, Georgia

Andria Young Bunner† Stockbridge, Georgia

Alyene Burnett Lawrenceville, Georgia

Jaclyn Flock Burrell† Dacula, Georgia

Meredith Ann Byrd Jonesboro, Georgia

David C. Cain Gainesville, Georgia

Latanya Lasha Fanion Memphis, Tennessee

Gina Ann Finley Atlanta, Georgia

Magaly Gonzalez Gainesville, Georgia

Tanya Person Hampton Lithonia, Georgia

Aretha Nacole Hill Snellville, Georgia

Alethia Louise Love Atlanta, Georgia

Frederick Arnold Middleton, Jr. Conyers, Georgia

Danielle Denise Norman Atlanta, Georgia

Kimberly S. Norwood Atlanta, Georgia

Brian Keith Oldknow Snellville, Georgia

Dana Christine Porter Lawrenceville, Georgia

Kori DeShawn Price North Charleston, South Carolina

Tameka LaTrece Smith Detroit, Michigan

Suzanne Emanuel Spaid† Macon, Georgia

Traci Dianne Swann Snellville, Georgia

Zandra Yvonne Taylor Atlanta, Georgia

† Member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi



eU g e n e W. st e t s o n sc h o o l o f BU s i n e s s a n d ec o n o M i c sE


eU g e n e W. st e t s o n sc h o o l o f BU s i n e s s a n d ec o n o M i c sSheffield Student Center, Cecil B. Day Campus | May 23, 2009 | 5:30 p.m.






Introduction of the Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott A. Beaulier, Ph.D.Distinguished Professor of Capitalism and Assistant Professor of Economics

Commencement Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John A. AllisonChairman, BB&T Corporation

University Honors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The President of the University

Special Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Stewart Mounts, Jr.Interim Dean, Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics

Conferring of the Degrees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The President of the UniversityBachelor of Business Administration | Master of Accountancy | Master of Business Administration

Professional Master of Business Administration | Executive Master of Business Administration

Awarding of Diplomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim Dean William Stewart Mounts, Jr.Sharon Lim Harle, BBA ’86, MBA ’90

Assistant Vice President, Office of Alumni Services, Reader

Alumni Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Kevin Wyckoff, MBA ’88President, School of Business and Economics Alumni Association





University Marshal


Stetson School of Business And Economics

facUlty Marshals

Jordan Matthew BlankeProfessor

Lloyd J. F. SouthernProfessor

eU g e n e W. st e t s o n sc h o o l o f BU s i n e s s a n d ec o n o M i c s48


sPecial aWards

aPrile M. holland aWard

The Aprile M. Holland Award is the highest scholastic honor offered by the Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics in Atlanta and is given in honor of the founding dean of the school.

Anthony Oliver Porter


J. Michael Weber, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Marketing


Bachelor of Business aDministration

Oluranti A. AbidogunMarietta, Georgia

Kassia BarryAtlanta, Georgia

Elliot Brooks BecknerSumma Cum LaudeLocust Grove, Georgia

Sarah Nicole Bettis Cum LaudeDouglasville, Georgia

Vernie Lee Blevins, Jr. Cum LaudeAustell, Georgia

David Alan BowlesMoultrie, Georgia

Timika Pinkard BoykinVilla Rica, Georgia

Alecia B. BrooksNorcross, Georgia

Christine Marie BryanAtlanta, Georgia

Ellen A CarletonDuluth, Georgia

Rebecca M. Chancy Cum LaudeDouglasville, Georgia

Ryan Christopher Connollysh

Gainesville, Georgia

Mishawn CostenStone Mountain, Georgia

Joenesha Rena’ DavisBuford, Georgia

Matenin Lisa DiomandéAbidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Teal Tamara DrysdaleQueens, New York

Michelle Marie Earwood Cum LaudeVilla Rica, Georgia

Nicholas Adam ErgleRichmond Hill, Georgia

Shaney Melissa FaircloughSandy Springs, Georgia

Terese Ann FrizzellClarkston, Georgia

Wanda Johnson HammondsConyers, Georgia

Brian Vincient HarrLilburn, Georgia

Brenda P. Hawthorne†ßsh

Magna Cum LaudeStone Mountain, Georgia

Brandon John HessCum LaudeAcworth, Georgia

Tierra Marie HooksRacine, Wisconsin

Heather Lynn JacobsonJacksonville, Florida

Angelika Magdalena Jagiello Magna Cum LaudeDecatur, Georgia

Kristopher Keith JarvisMcDonough, Georgia

Rufus Lee Matthew JenkinsSeneca, South Carolina

Ryan John JohnsonLoganville, Georgia

James Richard JohnstonAtlanta, Georgia

Lisa LaFaye KennerAustell, Georgia

Jia LeiMagna Cum LaudeBaoji City, China

Lester Ricardo LittlesDaytona Beach, Florida

Corinna Lynn LukeCum LaudePowder Springs, Georgia

Orlando Madariaga BenedettiSantiago, Chile

Elizabeth MartinezSuwanee, Georgia

Malaika Shanita McAdamsStone Mountain, Georgia

Krystal Celeste McGheeAtlanta, Georgia

Victoria L. McKenney-JohnsonRiverdale, Georgia

Melissa Farmer MillerJacksonville, Florida

Hinna Ali Mukhtarß

Orlando, Florida

Irma Wood ParkerLithonia, Georgia

Betty Jo PasquinilliTemple, Georgia

Nilkanth Mahesh PatelCamilla, Georgia

Regina Marie Pettway-ClarkeCleveland, Ohio

G. Carolyn QuinnPine Bluff, Arkansas

Luc Adler RameauCayes, Haiti

Sumaira Ashraf RanaMarietta, Georgia

Bernadette Teresa RegoHouston, Texas

Christine A. Rice†

Dacula, Georgia

Linda Marie SkinnerAtlanta, Georgia

Jessica Raquel SpencerMcDonough, Georgia

Michael Shane Spencer, Jr.McDonough, Georgia

John a. allisonCommencement Speaker

John A. Allison retired as the chief operating officer of BB&T Corporation on Dec. 31, 2008, but continues to serve as chairman of the BB&T Corporation Board of Directors until Dec. 31, 2009. Allison had served as BB&T’s CEO since 1989. Allison, a 60-year-old Charlotte, N.C., native, has presided over BB&T’s storied transformation into one of the largest – and highest performing – financial services companies in the nation. After 60 bank and thrift acquisitions since 1989, the former eastern North Carolina farm bank has grown to become the nation’s 14th largest financial holding company. Assets have increased from about $275 million in 1971 when Allison’s career at BB&T began to $136.5 billion today. Upon his retirement as chairman of BB&T Corporation later this year, he plans to continue serving

on the BB&T corporate board and will be writing books about two of his passions: the role of values in effective leadership and the evolution of the financial system in the United States. Allison also plans to work with colleges and universities participating in BB&T’s Moral Foundations of Capitalism program, which provides grants for the study of the moral and intellectual underpinnings of capitalism and free enterprise. Mercer recently announced a $1 million gift from BB&T to fund such a center in its Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics.


Seldon Torrence ThomasAtlanta, Georgia

Christina Lynn Titshaw†

Dacula, Georgia

Tamika Lashawn TraylorAtlanta, Georgia

Andrea Patrice TrotmanAtlanta, Georgia

Rose Kesanghe Udoumana Magna Cum LaudeAustell, Georgia

Tina Messina Urbansh

Atlanta, Georgia

Milton Lanier WalkerAlbany, Georgia

Summer Michelle WilsonDouglasville, Georgia

Patricia Delores WoodardDecatur, Georgia

Meghann Withrow Wray Summa Cum LaudeDouglasville, Georgia

Tavia Renee Ystebo†ßsh

Summa Cum LaudeSmyrna, Georgia

master of accountancy

Sarah Elizabeth McCrackenMacon, Georgia

Wanda Jean Ward†ß

Roswell, Georgia

Cristy Lois Yarbrough†ß

Norcross, Georgia

master of Business aDministration

Mehdi Sadegh AbedinRoswell, Georgia

Jennifer A. AckleyJonesboro, Georgia

Folashade Olasumbo AdeyemoLawrenceville, Georgia

Asif Ashraf AliChicago, Illinois

Vicki Lavon AlvinSavannah, Georgia

Ayesha Melissa AndersonAtlanta, Georgia

Denard Leon AshAtlanta, Georgia

Melissa Denise Atkinsß

Atlanta, Georgia

Carmen Eyvette Ball†ß

South Bend, Indiana

Mandie Banks†

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Wiatta Princess Barclayß

Stone Mountain, Georgia

Brian Maxwell BarrettMarietta, Georgia

Russell Hoyett Bass, IIIBuford, Georgia

Marc Jovan BellRiverdale, Georgia

Jonathan L. Bogle†ßsh

Alpharetta, Georgia

Anas BoussettaMorocco

Jacob Adam BoydAtlanta, Georgia

Ryan Theodore Boyd†ßsh

Decatur, Georgia

Janene Depreanna BrowderLithonia, Georgia

Gregory Bernard BryantLithonia, Georgia

Lemuel Wilson BuiceAtlanta, Georgia

Tara Cherrie BurdeshawJonesboro, Georgia

Thomas Odell Burleson†ßsh

Kathleen, Georgia

Richard Leon ByrdStone Mountain, Georgia

Holly Hammett Campbellß

Lake Spivey, Georgia

Nadine Jbeily ChamseddineAtlanta, Georgia

Thanh Chauß

Lawrenceville, Georgia

Caretha Danyal CliftonLeesburg, Alabama

Willie Cochran Jr.McDonough, Georgia

Daniel Lee CollinsAvondale Estates, Georgia

Charles Bryan Cook Jr.Atlanta, Georgia

Matthew L CummingsNew Berlin, New York

Jamie O’Neal CutterOrangeburg, South Carolina

Sheryl Priscilla DantzlerDecatur, Georgia

Phyllis Hammonds DeasStone Mountain, Georgia

Ann Hoang Dinhß

Santa Ana, California

Lionel DuhoraneBujumbura, Burundi

Laura A. Ellisonß

Kennesaw, Georgia

Bradford Scott EverettAtlanta, Georgia

Regina FeacherLithonia, Georgia

Shawn Jeffre FewMcDonough, Georgia

Teekia Kenyetta FordBogalusa, Louisiana

Marcus Elijah GaddyPolkton, North Carolina

Charlie C GarrettLithonia, Georgia

Elizabeth Ann Vogtner GreiffAtlanta, Georgia

Matthew Steven GriffithAlpharetta, Georgia

Kent Morrow Grothe†ßsh

Buford, Georgia

Luis Alberto Gutierrezßsh

Roswell, Georgia

Mikal Benjamin HaislipAtlanta, Georgia

Rafik Moheb HannaMarietta, Georgia

Tisha Omekah HarrisEllenwood, Georgia

Jack William Hawkins†

Fayetteville, Georgia

Daniel Seth HerdDecatur, Georgia

Benjamin F. Holland†ßsh

Tucker, Georgia

Tracy A. Holman-SpeightsMcDonough, Georgia

Jacinta HowardLithonia, Georgia

Troy D HoyteCollege Park, Georgia

Cory DeAndre JacksonConyers, Georgia

Troy William JacksonStockbridge, Georgia

Karli Deloris JamesSuwanee, Georgia

Amy Elizabeth Johnston†ß

Woodstock, Georgia

Joseph JonesFairburn, Georgia

Merna Aliena Joseph-DibyRoseau, Dominica

Dula T KanaaAtlanta, Georgia

Jonathan Michael KaupFort Recovery, Ohio

Jacquel Vanita Kellyß

Savannah, Georgia

Tae Hoon Kimß

South Korea

Cimeon Israel KoebelMcDonough, Georgia

Adam Daniel Koetter†ß

Dunwoody, Georgia

Liliya Vladimirovna KovalenkoAtlanta, Georgia

Anthony David LeeTallulah, Louisiana

Seung Woo LeeSeoul, Korea

Yu-Chang LinTaiwan

Blake Mark LordCovington, Georgia

Khaldoun Khaled Malas†ßsh

Atlanta, Georgia

Yewande Oluyemi Marshallß

Atlanta, Georgia

Ivan MatkovicAtlanta, Georgia

Cedric J. McAlpineMontgomery, Alabama

Michael S MeyerAtlanta, Georgia

Joseph MiragliaMcDonough, Georgia

Joshua Bennett MorganVienna, Georgia

Sumayyah Hadiyah MuhammadAtlanta, Georgia

Marcus Anthony MurchisonLawrenceville, Georgia

Parag S. Narß

Atlanta, Georgia

Lilian N Ndehiß

Nairobi , Kenya

MyHang Thi NguyenForest Park, Georgia

Robert Evan Nixß

Norcross, Georgia

Keisha Veronica OgletreeAtlanta, Georgia

Ian PetersAtlanta, Georgia

Steven Lee Petersonß

Sharpsburg, Georgia

David James Petwayß

Norcross, Georgia

Narisa PhahulratAtlanta, Georgia

Jesse W Puckettß

Cumming, Georgia

Emily Kathryn QuintonAtlanta, Georgia

Travis William RandallRoswell, Georgia

Brandon Freeman ReevesAtlanta, Georgia

Stephen Eric Reichling†ß

Atlanta, Georgia

Frederick Richard Renshaw, Jr.Suwanee, Georgia

Eric Daniel RichardsStone Mountain, Georgia

Coleman-Lee Anderson RigbyCharleston, South Carolina

Staci G. RobinsonFayetteville, Georgia

Jason Cavin RollinsNovi, Michigan

Kendra Renee RoundtreeWarner Robins, Georgia

Frank Aaron RuddPhenix City, Alabama

Robert Vernon ScottSnellville, Georgia

Rigobert Franck SeryDaloa, Côte d’Ivoire

Armond Touray Showersß

Lithonia, Georgia

Pamela Wallace SimmonsStone Mountain, Georgia

Jason LaMar SmithMuncie, Indiana

Jennifer Marie SmithAtlanta, Georgia

Titilola Onabokun SogunroAtlanta, Georgia

Jean-Gabriel Nianzou SourisseauChambray Les Tours, France

Nicole A SpeedWarner Robins, Georgia

Anna Huffman StaffordAtlanta, Georgia

M Sloane StephensonAtlanta, Georgia

Frances Manyi TanyimbohDouala, Cameroon

Heather Allison TaylorMarietta, Georgia

Latoya Renay Thompsonß

Lithonia, Georgia

Hannah Lee Vahabaß

Norcross, Georgia

Ryan Christopher WallaceAtlanta, Georgia

Matthew Joseph WardMarietta, Georgia

Donald L. Wardenß

Norcross, Georgia

William Adam WatkinsMacon, Georgia

Jacqualine C WatsonGrayson, Georgia

Naima L. WoodDoraville, Georgia

Monica Gene WrightLawrenceville, Georgia


ß Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma

sh SSBE School Honors



Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t yM

eM B l e M s

th e Ma c e

The mace is carried by the Marshal as a symbol of the authority of the University to confer degrees. Originally a weapon of war, the mace came to be used as an emblem of military power and civil authority. Its use as a symbol of university authority dates from medieval times. The Mercer mace was designed in 1960 by Marshall Daugherty, professor of art in the College of Liberal Arts, and was first used for the inauguration of President Rufus C. Harris. It depicts a cross atop a globe, symbolizing the spiritual commitment of the University as it seeks to understand the world. Circumscribing the globe are the words, “Mercer University, 1833,” symbolizing the influence of Mercer throughout the world. Beneath the larger globe is a smaller one, which represents the microcosm of the University. This, in turn, rests atop a form suggestive of a spire. The mace is made of bronze.

th e Pr e s i d e n t i a l se a l

The seal is worn by the President as a sign of authority. The seal was designed by Professor Otis D. Knight and Professor Marshall Daugherty and was first used for the inauguration of President Rufus C. Harris in 1960. The seal, which was carved directly in fine silver and bronze, is a mandola-shaped pendant that depicts the form of the Mercer Administration Building, a riband and a stylized stained-glass window of Willingham Auditorium. The background is in bronze and the window is in blue and red cloisonné enamel. On the riband are the Latin words for science, law, religion and the arts. On the border are inscribed the name of the University in Latin and the date of its founding. The shape of the seal is traditional for early university seals.

ac a d e M i c re g a l i a

The practice of wearing academic attire extends back to medieval times and the Renaissance, when it was the custom for teachers and students in European universities to wear gowns, caps and hoods. Although the wearing of the garb is now limited to formal occasions, the garb itself may be called the uniform of the professional scholar and teacher. The style and color serve as symbols of collegiate attainment. The long sleeves of the gowns and the deep hoods were, on occasion, used to carry books and refreshments. Each European university developed its own style of garb with strict rules for its design. In the United States, however, most American colleges have agreed on a uniform design and color code. Holders of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees wear black gowns; the pattern and trimming differ for each degree. Originally, the bachelor’s gown was made of serge or worsted and the master’s of serge, worsted or silk; but now synthetic fibers are also used. The bachelor’s gown is distinguished by its long pointed sleeves. The master’s gown has long sleeves with a slit for the arm at either the elbow or the wrist. Doctor’s gowns are adorned with velvet panels and bars that may be black or of a color distinctive to the wearer’s discipline. Holders of all degrees wear caps, popularly known as mortarboards, to which a long tassel is fastened and which hangs over the left side of the cap. Doctors may wear tassels of gold thread. Holders of bachelor’s and master’s degrees may wear colors indicating the faculty by which their

degrees were granted. Mercer arts and business graduates wear black tassels, and graduates of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences wear olive green tassels. The academic hood is an ornamental fold that goes around the neck and hangs down the back of the gown. The length and shape of the hood vary with the level of the degree. Hoods are generally lined with the colors of the university which granted the degree and trimmed with the color representing the faculty by which the degree is granted. The following colors are associated with the various faculties:Arts, Letters, Humanities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WhiteCommerce, Accountancy, Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DrabEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light BlueEngineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OrangeJournalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CrimsonLaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PurpleLibrary Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LemonMedicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GreenMusic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PinkNursing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ApricotSpeech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver GrayPharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olive GreenPhilosophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dark BluePhysical Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sage GreenPublic Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salmon PinkScience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden YellowTheology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet

Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t y52

th e Me d a l l i o n o f Ph i Ka P Pa Ph i

The medallion is worn by faculty, administrators and students who are members of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, an organization that initiates members from all disciplines. The cloisonné enamel medallion is decorated

with the badge of the Society and is suspended from a blue, grosgrain ribbon.

al M a Mat e r

Ma c o n ca M P U s

On the city’s western borderReared against the sky,

Proudly stands our Alma Mater,As the years roll by.

ChorusForward ever be thy watchword,

Conquer and prevail.Hail to thee, O Alma Mater!

Mercer, Hail all Hail!

Cherished by thy sons and daughters,Mem’ries sweet shall throng

Round our hearts, O Alma Mater,As we sing our song.

at l a n ta ca M P U s

On the city’s eastern borderReared against the sky,

Proudly stands our Alma Mater,As the years roll by.

ChorusForward ever be thy watchword

Conquer and prevail.Hail to thee, O Alma Mater!

Mercer, Hail all Hail!

Cherished by thy sons and daughtersMem’ries sweet shall throng

Round our hearts, O Alma Mater,As we sing our song.


Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t y Pr o f i l e

acadeMic divisions

College of Liberal Arts (Macon): The oldest of the University’s academic units, the College remains the cornerstone of Mercer’s educational programs. The College offers an array of baccalaureate programs in the humanities, fine arts, sciences and social sciences. The student chapter of the American Chemical Society has been rated “outstanding” for three consecutive years — the only one in the country to achieve this distinction. Walter F. George School of Law (Macon): Established in 1873, the Law School is one of the oldest law schools in the South. Its excellence is evidenced by the many graduates who have been eminently successful in their legal careers and who have achieved distinction in public life on the state and national levels. For the second consecutive year, the Law School’s legal writing program is ranked the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Atlanta): Founded in 1903, the independent pharmacy school merged with Mercer University in 1959. The College offers the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree and Doctor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Philosophy degrees, as well as the Master of Medical Science degree in its new Physician Assistant program. U.S. News & World Report ranks the College of Pharmacy among the top 30 in the nation and places it No. 2 among private pharmacy programs in the country. School of Medicine (Macon, Savannah): Recently celebrating its 25-year milestone, the School admitted its first class in 1982. Accepting only legal residents of Georgia into its M.D. program, the School is committed to meeting Georgia’s health care needs of medically-underserved areas. The initial class of 30 first-year medical students on the Savannah campus began study in the fall of 2008. The school also offers the Master of Public Health, Master of Family Therapy, and Master of Science in Anesthesia degrees. Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics (Macon, Atlanta, Douglas County, Henry County, Savannah): Established in 1984, the School offers the Bachelor of Business Administration, the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Accountancy, the Professional Master of Business Administration and the Executive Master of Business Administration degrees. The School holds accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – AACSB International. School of Engineering (Macon): The School of Engineering is one of the three best in the Southeast among non-doctoral programs, according to U.S. News & World Report. The School admitted its first students in 1985 and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Tift College of Education (Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, Regional Academic Centers): Established in 1995, the Tift College of Education is the largest private preparer of teachers in Georgia. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, as well as courses leading to initial certification for post-baccalaureate students. The College offers two tracks — P-12 and Higher Education Leadership — in its Ph.D. in Educational Leadership program in Atlanta and Macon.

James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology (Atlanta): The School opened in 1996 and offers a Master of Divinity degree and Doctor of Ministry degree. The curriculum is designed to give students practical experience and academic preparation to enter the ministry as a pastor, missionary, minister of education or chaplain. Georgia Baptist College of Nursing (Atlanta): Established in 1902, the College merged with Mercer in 2001. Offering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing degrees, it combines classroom studies with “hands-on” learning by providing students with opportunities to gain experience in a variety of clinical settings. Mercer’s College of Nursing is the only nursing program in Georgia to provide students with three years of clinical experience instead of the standard two years. College of Continuing and Professional Studies (Macon, Atlanta, Savannah, Regional Academic Centers): Established in 2003, the College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and lifelong learning opportunities for adult learners. In 2008, the College in cooperation with the Tift College of Education introduced a Master’s Degree in School Counseling to prepare counselors to address Georgia’s efforts not only to meet the needs of its growing elementary, middle and high school populations, but also to help students remain in school and ultimately improve graduation rates across the state. Townsend School of Music (Macon): Established in 2006, the School developed from the Department of Music in the College of Liberal Arts. In addition to its undergraduate degrees, the School offers graduate music programs through the Townsend-McAfee Institute for Graduate Church Music Studies. It is also home to the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings and the Robert McDuffie and Friends Labor Day Festival for Strings, which gives exceptionally talented high school string musicians the opportunity to study with some of the nation’s master concert artists. Division of Library Services (Macon, Atlanta): In recognition of the growth of the University and the number of entities the libraries serve, the Division is a separate academic unit, with faculty members from both the University’s Jack Tarver Library in Macon and Monroe F. Swilley Library in Atlanta. Mercer University Press (Macon): Since its establishment in 1979, Mercer Press has published more than 1,200 titles, generally in the areas of Southern history, philosophy, religion and regional studies. The Press holds membership in the Association of American University Presses. Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC) (Warner Robins): Founded in 1987, MERC provides engineering research services to private industries and government agencies, including the Department of Defense. Since its inception, MERC has exceeded $212 million in contract revenue.

athletics

Mercer is the only private university in Georgia to compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. A founding member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, Mercer fields teams in baseball, basketball, air rifle, tennis, golf, soccer and cross-country for men, and basketball, tennis, softball, soccer, volleyball, cross-country and golf for women. For the 2007–2008 academic year, the cumulative grade-point-average for student athletes was 3.144.

Mercer University recently celebrated its 175th anniversary of providing a dynamic and rigorous education to prepare men and women to make a difference. Founded in 1833, under the leadership of Georgia Baptist minister Jesse Mercer, Mercer is one of the finest private universities in the Southeast and is rapidly expanding its reputation for excellence across the nation. With 62,149 alumni, Mercer graduates can be found in all walks of life in communities throughout the world. Mercer has nearly 8,000 students, representing 45 states and 69 countries. Its academic offerings span 11 schools and colleges, including liberal arts, business, engineering, education, continuing and professional studies, medicine, music, pharmacy, law, nursing and theology. For 19 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Mercer among the top 15 colleges and universities in the South. The University has campuses in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah, and regional academic centers in Eastman, Douglas County and Henry County. In addition to two teaching hospitals — the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon and Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah — Mercer has a university press in Macon and an engineering research center in Warner Robins. Mercer also operates the Grand Opera House in downtown Macon.



Un i v e r s i t y co r P o r at e of f i c e r s

Larry D. BrumleySenior Vice President for Marketing Communications and Chief of Staff

Brian F. DaltonSenior Vice President for Enrollment Management

Wallace L. DanielProvost

James S. NethertonExecutive Vice President forAdministration and Finance

William G. Solomon, IVSenior Vice President and General Counsel

Richard V. SwindleSenior Vice President for

University Advancement and Atlanta

William D. Underwood, President

ch a n c e l l o r a n d Un i v e r s i t y de a n s

R. Kirby GodseyChancellor

William F. BinaSchool of Medicine

R. Alan CulpepperJames and Carolyn McAfee

School of Theology

Priscilla DanheiserCollege of Continuing

and Professional Studies

D. Scott DavisSenior Vice Provost and

Dean of Graduate Studies

John H. DicksonTownsend School of Music

Richard C. FallisCollege of Liberal Arts

Daisy Hurst FloydWalter F. George School of Law

Susan S. GunbyGeorgia Baptist College of Nursing

Elizabeth D. HammondUniversity Libraries

Michael S. LeonardSchool of Engineering

Carl R. MartrayTift College of Education

H.W. “Ted” MatthewsCollege of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and

Vice President of the Health Sciences

William S. MountsEugene W. Stetson School of

Business and Economics

Douglas R. PearsonVice President and Dean of Students

2009 Bo a r d o f tr U s t e e s

W. Homer Drake, Jr., ChairNewnan, Georgia

Cathy Callaway AdamsKennesaw, Georgia

H. Allen BaldreeVero Beach, Florida

Barbara BaughSan Antonio, Texas

Gustavous H. Bell, IIISavannah, Georgia

James A. BishopSea Island, Georgia

Thomas B. BlackColumbus, Georgia

G. Marshall ButlerForsyth, Georgia

Roddy J. H. ClarkJohns Creek, Georgia

James H. CowartRoswell, Georgia

Dwight J. DavisAtlanta, Georgia

C. Gregory DeLoach, IIIAugusta, Georgia

A.V. Elliott, Jr.Macon, Georgia

William A. Fickling, Jr.Macon, Georgia

C. Bruce GordyOrlando, Florida

Nancy A. GraceNew York, New York

Benjamin W. Griffith, IIIMacon, Georgia

Wm. Andrew HaggardCoral Gables, Florida

Miriam M. HollandJonesboro, Georgia

N. Dudley Horton, Jr.Eatonton, Georgia

David E. HudsonAugusta, Georgia

Spencer B. King, IIIAtlanta, Georgia

Thomas William MaloneSandy Springs, Georgia

Carolyn T. McAfeeMacon, Georgia

Samuel Mitchell, Jr.Peachtree City, Georgia

Robert L. Moore, Jr.Lyons, Georgia

William A. MoyeMcDonough, Georgia

J. Reg MurphySea Island, Georgia

Ralph Newton, Jr.Macon, Georgia

Mary Diane OwensLilburn, Georgia

Julie Pennington-RussellAtlanta, Georgia

John S. PeytonJacksonville, Florida

Curtis L. PickelsQuitman, Georgia

L. Richard Plunkett, Jr.Carrollton, Georgia

Kenneth D. SamsMacon, Georgia

W. Louis SandsAlbany, Georgia

W. David SappAtlanta, Georgia

Richard A. SchneiderAtlanta, Georgia

William L. SelfAlpharetta, Georgia

Hugh P. ThompsonMilledgeville, Georgia

Jackson P. Turner, Jr.Dalton, Georgia

James Thomas Turner, Jr.Richmond Hill, Georgia

Raymond McLeod Warren, IIIAtlanta, Georgia

James R. WilliamsEastman, Georgia

William G. WilsonRocky Face, Georgia

William D. Underwood ex officio, voting

Macon, Georgia

lifetiMe trUstees

Remer H. CrumAtlanta, Georgia

Robert L. SteedAtlanta, Georgia


sc h o o l s a n d co l l e g e s o f Me r c e r Un i v e r s i t y

Ma c o nCollege of Liberal Arts


School of Medicine

Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics

School of Engineering

Tift College of Education

College of Continuing and Professional Studies

Townsend School of Music

1400 Coleman Avenue

Macon, Georgia 31207-0001

(478) 301-2700 (Switchboard)

(800) 342-0841 (Georgia)

(800) 637-2378 (Out-of-State)

(478) 301-2715 (Alumni Services)


at l a n taCollege of Pharmacy and Health Sciences



James and Carolyn McAfee School of Theology

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

College of Continuing and Professional Studies

3001 Mercer University Drive

Atlanta, Georgia 30341-4155

(678) 547-6000 (Switchboard)



sava n n a hSchool of Medicine



4700 Waters Avenue

Savannah, Georgia 31404

(912) 350-1700

re g i o n a l ac a d e M i c ce n t e r sdoUglas coUnty center

975 Blairs Bridge Road

Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122

(678) 547-6200

(800) 548-7115

eastMan center

605 2nd Avenue, S.W.

Eastman, Georgia 31023

(478) 374-5810

(800) 548-7115

henry coUnty center

160 Henry Parkway

McDonough, Georgia 30253

(678) 547-6100

(800) 548-7115

te a c h i n g ho s P i ta l sMedical center of central georgia

777 Hemlock Street

Macon, Georgia 31201

(478) 633-1000

MeMorial University Medical center

4700 Waters Avenue

Savannah, Georgia 31404

(912) 350-8302

ed U c at i o n a l Pa rt n e r scenter for health and learning

In partnership with Piedmont Healthcare

Atlanta, Georgia

Warner roBins air logistics center

Warner Robins, Georgia

ot h e r Un i v e r s i t y Un i t sMercer engineering

research center (Merc)

135 Osigian Boulevard

Warner Robins, Georgia 31088

(478) 953-6800

Mercer faMily Medicine

3780 Eisenhower Parkway


(478) 633-5500

Mercer University Press

368 Orange Street


(478) 301-2880

grand oPera hoUse

651 Mulberry Street


(478) 301-5460

College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW | College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of

business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College

of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional studies | toWnsend sChool of musiC | College of liberal arts | Walter f. george sChool of laW

| College of PharmaCy and health sCienCes | sChool of mediCine | eugene W. stetson sChool of business and eConomiCs | sChool of engineering | tift

College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional













tift College of eduCation | James and Carolyn mCafee sChool of theology | georgia baPtist College of nursing |College of Continuing and Professional













MACON | ATLANTA | SAVANNAHwww.mercer.edu

Documents

Mercer 2009 Commencement Program