Commencement
DECEMBER 16, 2022
Moody Coliseum • Abilene, Texas
2 December Commencement 2022
OUR MISSION
To educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
OUR PROMISE
ACU is a vibrant, innovative, Christ-centered community that engages students in authentic spiritual and intellectual growth, equipping them to make a real difference in the world.
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The Academic Hood
The academic regalia worn at college commencements, consisting of a gown, mortarboard cap and hood, originated in medieval Europe.
When universities began about the 12th century, the basic item of apparel worn by men and women alike was a long gown or robe. The colors and materials often indicated the social status and wealth of the wearer. An outer cloak was worn over the gown in cold weather. The cloak had a hood hanging down the back, which could be pulled up to cover the head. The modern academic hood has evolved from this medieval garment.
Over the centuries, fashion changed, but the European universities retained the medieval dress. The scholars’ apparel was prescribed by university rules and distinguished the scholar from the commoner. In the 18th century, King’s College (now Columbia University) in New York and other colonial colleges began to use the academic apparel of English universities at their graduation ceremonies. The practice spread widely in the U.S. after 1880, and in 1895 an Intercollegiate Commission adopted a code of academic dress that most colleges follow today.
The hood is a symbol of the degree the wearer holds and is the most distinctive part of the academic dress. The colors of the hood identify the degree and university or college that conferred it. Hoods worn by the faculty of Abilene Christian University in the Commencement processional are a colorful spectacle representing the many graduate schools faculty members have attended.
The hood is lined and carries the colors of the institution conferring the degree – the hoods for all ACU degrees are lined with the familiar purple and white. The velvet border on the outside of the hood identifies the degree: white for the B.A., M.A. and M.L.A.; gold for the B.S., M.S. and S.S.P.; tan for the B.B.A., M.Acc. and MBA; brown for the B.F.A.; pink for the B.M.; orange for the B.S.E.; apricot for the B.S.N. and D.N.P.; sage green for the M.A.T. and M.H.A.; citron for the M.S.S.W.; light blue for the M.Ed., Ed.D. and Ed.S.; and scarlet for the M.Div., M.A.C.M., M.A.T.S., M.M.F.T. and D.Min.
The undergraduate hooding ceremony is one of the high points in an ACU Commencement, for in this ceremony a loved one or friend is privileged to place upon the graduate the centuries-old symbol of his or her academic degree.
ACU Commencement Stole
A new tradition begins this year with the ACU Commencement Stole, which will be worn by bachelor’s degree candidates during Commencement. The stole features the academic seal and the interlocking ACU logo, which symbolize the academic and co-curricular experiences that comprise the ACU student experience. After the ceremony, it may be passed on to encourage a current or future Wildcat to reach this same milestone themselves.
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A Charge to the Class of 2022
Dr. Brad East
Dr. Brad East is an assistant professor of theology, and he’s known since high school he wanted to be just that. Now, only five years into his dream job, he’s earned the honor of Abilene Christian University’s Teacher of the Year for 2022.
“The very idea that I could read, write and teach about theology for a living was almost too good to be true,” East said of realizing his teenage career aspirations.
After completing his undergraduate degree at ACU, East earned his Master of Divinity from Emory University and then his Ph.D., M.A. and an M.Phil. from Yale University. He returned to teach in ACU’s Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry five years ago.
“I tell my students I have been in the classroom since I was 5 years old. I just never left,” East said.
Now that he’s on the teaching side of the classroom, East cites three main principles in his pedagogy: conducting class as a conversation, helping students receive the traditions of Christian theology as a gift, and introducing students to a faith that is living and active.
Based on the Teacher of the Year nominations submitted by East’s students, he’s succeeding in those goals. Students said of him and his class:
• “It was not about learning facts but understanding ideas. … Dr. East was always available to ask questions and pushed us to ask more questions and didn’t shut us down, no matter what.”
• “He strives to go above and beyond by being a presence of Christ to his students, and has inspired me both in my studies and in my walk with Christ!”
• “Dr. East has shown so much compassion and love for teaching in the two classes I have had him. He understands not everyone knows everything about religion and meets you where you are.”
• “He wants his students to learn, and he does an amazing job of demonstrating how a teacher can be a ‘hard’ teacher but ultimately really help his students learn.”
• “I always enjoyed Dr. East’s classes because he always made it interesting and engaging. It is rare for me to take a professor again if they are not in my department, and I was glad to be able to take multiple Bible classes with this professor, because he made it so I wanted to go to class and learn.”
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Order of Ceremony
Friday, December 16, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.
Processional
“Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar Audience will please remain seated.
Welcome Dr. Robert Rhodes Provost
Call to Worship “To God Be the Glory” .......................................................................... Dr. David Kneip Assistant Professor, Bible, Missions and Ministry
Scripture Reading Monique Marquardt Assistant Professor, Engineering and Physics
Invocation ............................................................................................................................................. Dr. Clint Buck
Assistant Professor, Accounting and Finance
Introduction to Commencement Dr. Robert Rhodes
Master of Ceremonies ............................................................................................................ Dr. Phil Schubert President
A Charge to the Class of 2022 Dr. Brad East Assistant Professor, Bible, Missions and Ministry
Presentation of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Candidates Dr. Robert Rhodes
Conferring of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Graduates
Dr. Phil Schubert Dr. Robert Rhodes
Introduction of Doctoral and Master’s Degree Graduates
Leslie Reed Instructor, Language and Literature
Hooding of Doctoral Degree Graduates .......................................................................... Dr. Susan Lewis Vice Provost
Presentation of Diplomas April Anthony Chair, Board of Trustees
Presentation of Bachelor’s Degree Candidates ...................................................... Dr. Robert Rhodes
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Conferring of Bachelor’s Degrees and Hooding of Graduates
Dr. Phil Schubert Dr. Robert Rhodes
Introduction of Bachelor’s Degree Graduates Leslie Reed
Presentation of Diplomas ............................................................................................................. April Anthony
Presentation of Awards and Honors
“Oh, Dear Christian College”
“Oh, Dear Christian College”
Dr. Phil Schubert Dr. Robert Rhodes
Dr. David Kneip
Oh, dear Christian College, we love you, Our dear Alma Mater, today; Like the stars shining brightly above you, Your fame shall shine brightly for aye. To you we’ll prove faithful and loyal, While ever upholding the right, And gladly we’ll give forth the royal, Three cheers for the purple and white. Then we’ll pledge our love to Christian, To her is honor due; While we gaily sing let praises ring, For our Alma Mater true.
Benediction Dr. Rachel Slaymaker Director, School of Social Work
“The Lord Bless You and Keep You”
Recessional
Dr. David Kneip
“Crown Imperial” by Sir William Walton Audience will please remain seated.
Graduates will be greeted on stage by the dean of their college.
Dr. Greg Straughn, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Ken Cukrowski, Dean, College of Biblical Studies
Dr. Brad Crisp, Dean, College of Business Administration
Dr. Terry Baggs, Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Services
Dr. Nannette Glenn, Dean, College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Dr. Marcia Straughn, Dean, School of Nursing
NOTE TO AUDIENCE
Photographs for university publicity will be taken at this event.
Sign language interpretation is available in a reserved seating section in the front rows of section 02.
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Candidates for Graduate Degrees
December Commencement 2022 9
Doctor of Education
Osvaldo Altamirano (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ....................................... El Paso, Texas Dissertation: Principal Decision-Making and Perception of Fine Arts Programming in Curricular Design Chair: Dr. Linnea Rademaker
Julia Yvette Andrews (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Cypress, Texas Dissertation: Influence of Restorative Practices on the Middle-School Classroom as Reported by Teachers: A Qualitative Case Study Chair: Dr. Sandra Harris
† Estrella Zarate Barrera (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............................... Austin, Texas Dissertation: Latino and/or Hispanic Male Leaders in Community Colleges in Texas: A Narrative Study Chair: Dr. Simone Elias
Hafida Belkacem Becker (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Brenham, Texas. Dissertation: Elementary Principals’ Instructional Leadership Role in International Schools: The Challenges and Perceptions of Student Grouping Chair: Dr. William Frick
Kimberly Renee Benavides (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Fort Worth, Texas Dissertation: Leading for Sustainability in School-Community Partnerships Chair: Dr. Christi Bledsoe
Jacquelyn Holmes Birocci (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Matthews, North Carolina Dissertation: Call Center Retention: A Correlational Study of Work Attitudes and Satisfaction of Training and Development for Customer Service Agents Chair: Dr. Joe Perez
† Amanda Faye Bitner (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Royse City, Texas Dissertation: The Confidence Gap: How the Self-Esteem of Middle School Females Affects Their Leadership Self-Efficacy Chair: Dr. Karen Duwe
Maritza Olivarez Braxton (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ......... Fort Meade, Maryland Dissertation: Case Study: Principal Knowledge, Principal Practice, and Student Achievement Chair: Dr. Andrew Lumpe
Maria Esther Caratini Prado (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Richardson, Texas Dissertation: The Glass Jaw. The Presence of Incivility, Conflict, and Bullying in Disempowering Workplaces: A Conflict Management Study of Middle-level Managers in Higher Education Institutions in North Texas Chair: Dr. Katherine Yeager
† Torine S. Champion (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Tomball, Texas Dissertation: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Lived Experiences of Teachers of Color in Predominantly White K–12 Environments Chair: Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones
Theodore Clevenger IV (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............................... Holland, Texas Dissertation: All-Day Prekindergarten: Closing the Achievement Gap in Literacy Chair: Dr. Timothy Jones
Breonna Collins (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Little Elm, Texas Dissertation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of African American Female College Presidents: The Path to Presidency in Higher Education Chair: Dr. Jennifer Butcher
Gabriel Crosby (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Houston, Texas Dissertation: Lived Experiences of Latino(a) College Students Enrolled in a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Chair: Dr. Joe Perez
† Larry Don Croy (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ................................................. Frisco, Texas Dissertation: A Study of the Perceptions of New North Texas Assistant Principals on Administrative Preparation Programs Chair: Dr. John Kellmayer
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
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Matthew Jonathan Daniel (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............................. Keller, Texas
Dissertation: How an Abusive Supervision Climate Impacts Business-to-Business (B2B) Sales Performance, and the Roles of Leader-Member Interdependence and Psychological Safety Chair: Dr. Richard Dool
Simona C. Davis (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .............................................. Westlake, Ohio Dissertation: Examining the Relationship Between Burnout and Mindfulness in Government Employees: A Closer Look at Mindfulness in Positive Psychology Chair: Dr. Robert Voelkel
Michael Lee Dixon (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Midland, Texas
Dissertation: Do Time-Compressed General Education Courses Increase Course and Semester Retention Rates? Chair: Dr. Andrew Lumpe
† Shayne Alexandra Futujma (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .......... San Marcos, Texas Dissertation: An Examination of Academic Advising: How Satisfaction and Frequency of Advising Predict Degree Commitment Among Hispanic/Latino Students in Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs Chair: Dr. Cynthia Sims
† Oralia Guzman-Wheeler (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .............. San Antonio, Texas Dissertation: Personal Narratives of English Language Learners With Learning Disabilities: Paving the Way to Success at a Private University in Central Texas Chair: Dr. Antonina Lukenchuk
Tricia Nail Haddad (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) San Antonio, Texas Dissertation: Project-Based Learning: Teachers’ Perceptions Chair: Dr. John Kellmayer
† Teri Jeanne Hargrave (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .................... Gladstone, Missouri Dissertation: Impact of Trauma on Truancy Chair: Dr. Robert Voelkel
Carol Marie Haynes-Buchanan (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ................ Manor, Texas Dissertation: Exploring the Motivations of College Students With ADHD to Disclose Their Disability and Use Accommodations Chair: Dr. Scott Self
† Sheridan Lyn Henley (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .............................. Pearland, Texas Dissertation: Response to Intervention: Understanding Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions Chair: Dr. Scott Bailey
† Angela K. Johnson (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Huntington, Texas Dissertation: Portraits of Leadership in Higher Education: Directors of Centers for Teaching and Learning Leadership Styles and DEI Practices at Four-Year Universities in the U.S. Chair: Dr. Simone Elias
Meesha-Gay Jones (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .................................. Fort Worth, Texas
Dissertation: A Study of the Perceptions of School Administrators on Fostering Relational Trust With Teachers in Texas Urban Charter Schools Chair: Dr. John Kellmayer
Skiler Ashley Jones (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............................................ Irving, Texas
Dissertation: Student Perceptions of Social Media in the Admissions Process Chair: Dr. Andrew Lumpe
† Sherry Hamilton Latten (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Cornelius, North Carolina
Dissertation: For-Profit Business Leaders’ Perceptions of Technology and Conflict Resolution in the Workplace Chair: Dr. Linda Wilson-Jones
Tara M. Marshall (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Beaumont, Texas
Dissertation: Strategies Teachers Implement That Support Mixed-Race Students in Schools in Rural Southeast Texas Chair: Dr. Sandra Harris
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
December Commencement 2022 11
† David Benjamin Mason (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ................ Harrison, Arkansas Dissertation: Examining the Perceived Benefits of a Career Course for English Speaking First-Generation Hispanic and Latino Students Chair: Dr. Mary Christopher
† Demetrius McDew (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .................................. Navarre, Florida Dissertation: Abusive Supervision Within the Military Ranks: A Qualitative Examination of Positive Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies Chair: Dr. Donna Smith
Glenn Allen Nixon (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Arlington, Texas Dissertation: Deliberately Developmental Leadership in Organizational Settings Chair: Dr. Jaime Petrilla
Kristy Gale O’Keefe (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............................. Stephenville, Texas Dissertation: Persistence Rates of First-Year College Students Who Attend an Extended Orientation Camp Program Compared to Those Who Do Not Attend Chair: Dr. Tara Hornor
Jan Rodgers Oldham (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .................................... Ada, Oklahoma Dissertation: Managers’ Resistance to Supervising Teleworking Employees Chair: Dr. Katherine Yeager
Stephen Mark Rektenwald (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ........................ Abilene, Texas Dissertation: The Acceptance of Learning Management Systems by Higher Education Faculty in an Educational Landscape Influenced by a Global Pandemic Chair: Dr. Timothy Stafford
Jada Nicole Reynolds (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .................. Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dissertation: A Path to Success: A Case Study of Military Veterans at Midwestern University Chair: Dr. Antonina Lukenchuk
Rebekah Elizabeth Shutter (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ............... Fort Worth, Texas Dissertation: The Correlation Between Transformational Leadership and Mental Health Clinician Burnout Chair: Dr. Jeffry White
† Gary William Simpson (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Portales, New Mexico Dissertation: Burn On, Don’t Burn Out: Factors That Promote Longevity in Ministry Chair: Dr. B.J. McMichael
Marc A. Smithers (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Belfast, New York Dissertation: Trust in Academia: How Chief Academic Officers Build and Maintain Faculty Trust Chair: Dr. Kristin O’Byrne
Jorge Manuel Soldevila (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) ................................. Killeen, Texas Dissertation: A Study of Military-Connected Parental Perceptions of Civilian Secondary School Image, Legitimacy, and Reputation Chair: Dr. Joe Perez
† Lillie Marie Barnett Thomas (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Abilene, Texas Dissertation: Understanding the Role of Faculty Advising in Graduate Allied Healthcare Profession Programs as Practitioners Transition to Professor Chair: Dr. Andrew Lumpe
Christerpher Lewon Turner (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Forney, Texas Dissertation: Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and its Impact on the Academic Achievement of African American Male Students Chair: Dr. Jeffrey Cranmore
Rachel Danielle Vargas (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) San Antonio, Texas
Dissertation: Creating Safe Schools: An Exploratory Study of Educator Perspective on Student Behavior and Restorative Practices in Schools Implementation Chair: Dr. John McIntyre
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
12 December Commencement 2022
Rigoberto Vasquez (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .... Rancho Cucamonga, California
Dissertation: The Effectiveness of a Career and Technical Education Program of Study on Preparing Students for Their Chosen Career Chair: Dr. Scott Self
Shucrea Yamina Victor-Cameron (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .... Margate, Florida Dissertation: Exploring Teachers’ Perceptions on the Fidelity of Implementing Teaching Strategies GOLD Chair: Dr. Matthew Basham
Jessica Ann Williams (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) .......... Port Hueneme, California
Dissertation: Leading Through Music: A Comparative Case Study on the Effects of Military Band Performance Chair: Dr. Linnea Rademaker
Michael K. Wright (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership) Clinton, Mississippi Dissertation: Healing the Burn: Assuaging Burnout and Increasing Work Engagement in University Admissions Counselors Chair: Dr. Tara Hornor
Doctor of Ministry
Laura Elizabeth Callarman (D.Min.) ...................................................................................
Abilene, Texas
Thesis: Refining the Eden Community’s Pathways for Shaping Regenerative Christian Culture in the Apprenticeship for Regenerative Culture Chair: Dr. Andrew Menzies
† Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder (D.Min.) Abilene, Texas
Thesis: An Inclusive Framework for Ministry: Fostering the Spiritual Formation of Children in a Multicultural Church Chair: Dr. Ron Bruner
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Constance Leigh Cannon (D.N.P.)
Weatherford, Texas Project: Reducing Inpatient Falls and Falls with Injury Chair: Dr. Sandra Cleveland
Elizabeth Felix (D.N.P.)
Queens Village, New York Project: Improving Hypertension Self Management in African American Men Chair: Dr. Faisal Aboul-Enein
Robert Grant Harmon (D.N.P.)
Project: Building Resilience in Graduate Nurses Through Online Virtual Clinical Simulation Chair: Dr. Sandra Cleveland
† Rhonda Kay Howard (D.N.P.) .............................................................................................
Conroe, Texas
Amarillo, Texas
Project: Assessment of Veteran Satisfaction with Telehealth Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic Chair: Dr. Catherine Garner
Veronica Cynthia Leftridge (D.N.P.) ......................................................................
Huntsville, Alabama
Project: Nurses Leading in Bridging the Culture Gap: Communicating With the Deaf Community Chair: Dr. Tonya Sawyer McGee
† Lynne Charlotte Liggins (D.N.P) Los Angeles, California Project: Pediatric Obesity in Primary Care Chair: Dr. Lawrence Sanitago
† Tina Michelle Mathers (D.N.P.) Galveston, Texas Project: Analyzing the Outcomes of Concept Mapping Integration into a BSN Curriculum Using the H-PEPSS Survey Chair Dr. Sandra Cleveland
† Kimberly S. Roberts (D.N.P.) Henderson, Tennessee Project: Implementing a Screening Tool for Social Determinants of Health in a Rural Primary Health Care Clinic Chair: Dr. Sandra Cleveland
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
December Commencement 2022 13
Shandria K. Sawyer (D.N.P.)
Fort Worth, Texas
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Project: Addressing Stress in Graduate Nurse Practitioner Nursing Students
Chair: Dr. Sandra Cleveland
† Sheryl Lyn Wright (D.N.P.) Obion, Tennessee
Project: Family-Inclusion Diabetes Education in Outpatient Clinics
Chair: Dr. Colleen Marzilli
College of Arts and Sciences Psychology
Madison Ansley Chapman (M.S., Counseling Psychology) Abilene, Texas
Le’Gari Shemar Daniels (M.S., Counseling Psychology) ................................... Kingwood, Texas
† Laura Valeria Gonzalez (M.S., Counseling Psychology) Keller, Texas
† Simone Nicole Heinle (M.S., Counseling Psychology) .......................................... Abilene, Texas
† Audrey Lee Janssen (M.S., Counseling Psychology) Brentwood, Tennessee
College of Biblical Studies
Graduate School of Theology
Jacob Bautista (M.Div.) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Dana Spivy Glover (M.Div.) ........................................................................................... Antioch, Tennessee
Rachel Marie Harmon (M.A.C.M.) Munising, Michigan
Aaron Christopher Jones (M.Div.) ......................................................................... Flower Mound, Texas
William Eugene Kooi III (M.Div.) Vienna, Austria
† Matina A. Petrakis Montes (M.A.C.M.) .................................................................. Grayslake, Illinois
Joseph Andrew Neal (M.A.C.M.) Riverside, California
Luis Alberto Olivo (M.A.C.M.) .................................................................. North Miami Beach, Florida
Ryker Lee Ratliff (M.A.C.M.) Garland, Texas
† Henry Roncancio (M.Div.) ...................................................................................
Farmers Branch, Texas
† Terrance Lee Shannon (M.A.T.S.) Corpus Christi, Texas
Grace Pauline Sosa (M.Div.) Abilene, Texas
College of Business Administration
Accounting
Joshua Allan Brown (M.Acc.) Midland, Texas
Alexander Joseph Clouse (M.Acc.)
Flower Mound, Texas
Sang Hyun Lee (M.Acc.) Pyeongtaeksi, Korea
Graciela Noemi Villarreal (M.Acc.) ............................................................................. Sweetwater, Texas
Griselda Dalila Villarreal (M.Acc.) Sweetwater, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
14 December Commencement 2022
College of Education and Human Services
Kinesiology and Nutrition
Jade Nichole Chandler (M.A.T.) ......................................................................................... Little Elm, Texas
Alexis Rose Newby (M.A.T.) Camas, Washington
Occupational Therapy
Rondie Rueckert (M.S., Occupational Therapy) Stansbury Park, Utah
Lincy V. Smith (M.S., Occupational Therapy) .............................................................. Cypress, Texas
School of Social Work
Leah Maureen Lawson (M.S.S.W.) Rochester, New York
Thesis: Treating Active-Duty Military Members: Best Practices for Common Mental Health Diagnoses Across the DoD Chair: Dr. Malcolm Scott
College of Graduate and Professional Studies Business Administration
Caroline Jane Adair (MBA) ................................................................................................. Valdosta, Georgia
Benjamin Ryan Alford (MBA) Weatherford, Texas Gabino Arana (MBA) ....................................................................................................................... Blanco, Texas
Ashley Kehaulani Beamer (MBA) Lipan, Texas
Samantha Kay Bradley (MBA) ........................................................................................................ Azle, Texas
Annina Brandenburg (MBA) Düsseldorf, Germany
Candice Elizabeth Bridges (MBA) El Dorado, Arkansas
† Barry Lamar Brown Jr. (MBA) Willow Park, Texas
† Jarrod M. Buys (MBA) Dallas, Texas
Taylor Nichole Campos (MBA) Tuscola, Texas
Tres Vincent Cox (MBA) Lewisville, Texas
† Brent Michael Dalton (MBA) ............................................................................. Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Jonathan Tyler Davis (MBA) Richland Hills, Texas
Anne Lauren Deas (MBA) .......................................................................................................... Abilene, Texas
Jennifer Estrada (MBA) Allen, Texas
Matthew Richard Ferreira (MBA) .............................................................................................. Lucas, Texas
Aicyd Jax Galang-Grone (MBA) Kapolei, Hawaii
Grayson Hunter Gieser (MBA) ............................................................................................. Burleson, Texas
Lyndi Graham (MBA) Stephenville, Texas
Joshua Hansen (MBA) ...................................................................................................................... Lipan, Texas
Kolby Neal Hibbitts (MBA) Mansfield, Texas
† Rebecca Hummel (MBA) ......................................................................................................... Abilene, Texas
Tina Chidinma Iregbu (MBA) Houston, Texas
Jon Jefferson Jameson (MBA) ............................................................................................. Mansfield, Texas
Caroline Lucy Kamau (MBA) Fort Worth, Texas
Bevin Benny Koyikalathu (MBA) .................................................................................. Pflugerville, Texas
Darrius Andre Lawry (MBA) The Colony, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
December Commencement 2022 15
Barry Lynn Levine II (MBA)
...................................................................................................... Desoto, Texas
† Courtney B. Miller (MBA) Euless, Texas
Tyler Blake Motes (MBA)
............................................................................................................... Dallas, Texas
† Craig William Nelson (MBA) Rowlett, Texas
Cassady Ogedegbe (MBA)
...................................................................................... Sacramento, California
Joshua Martin Rester-Zodrow (MBA) Leander, Texas Rachel Roberts (MBA) ............................................................................................................. Orlando, Florida
† Jordan Charles Robison (MBA) Abilene, Texas
Vicente Antonio Rojas Aguirre (MBA) ......................................................... Lerdo, Durango, Mexico
† Mandy Scudder (MBA) Abilene, Texas William Douglas Solomon Jr. (MBA) ................................................................................... Abilene, Texas
Linsey Rae Tomlinson (MBA) Benbrook, Texas
† Dean Tzobanakis (MBA) Benbrook, Texas
Richard Calvin Lee Valentine (MBA) Hoschton, Georgia
† Anita L. Wallace (MBA) Elba, Alabama
Keith Darnell Washington Jr. (MBA) Rowlett, Texas
Ashley Marie Williams (MBA) San Antonio, Texas
Conflict Management and Resolution
† Julie Anne Dunn (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) Mount Vernon, Texas
† Tacy Kay Gamel (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) ................... Amarillo, Texas
Shaquil H. Murphy (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) Augusta, Georgia
Loretta Lynn Pineda (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) ................ El Paso, Texas
Anthony Smith (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) Fort Worth, Texas
Cora Frances Stockton (M.A., Conflict Management and Resolution) .......... Temple, Texas
Educational Leadership
Erika Alonso (M.Ed., Higher Education) ................................................................. Fort Worth, Texas
Jay Conner Ashby (Ed.S., Education Specialist) Abilene, Texas
Emily M. Banda-Sanchez (Ed.S., Education Specialist) ......................................... Midland, Texas
† Greg Edgar Demmitt (Ed.S., Education Specialist) Gatesville, Texas
London Anastasia Durant (M.Ed., Higher Education) .............................................. Ranger, Texas
† Pamela Elaine Foreman (Ed.S., Education Specialist) Chester, Virginia
CarShandra MeShay Hollins (M.Ed., Higher Education) .............................. Fort Worth, Texas
Kydra Hubbard (Ed.S., Education Specialist) Richmond, Texas
Rebekah Marie Leathers (M.Ed., Higher Education) Springfield, Missouri
† Cassidy Noelle Miller (M.Ed., Higher Education) Canton, Ohio
Kristin Heather Mills (M.Ed., Higher Education) Ruidoso, New Mexico
Sam Mixson III (M.Ed., Higher Education) Dallas, Texas
Tyler Owen Parent (M.Ed., Higher Education) Meza, Arizona
Christine Sanchez (Ed.S., Education Specialist) .......................................................... El Paso, Texas
Richard Milton Schluter (Ed.S., Education Specialist) Augusta, Georgia
Evonn Franco Short (M.Ed., Higher Education) ............................................ Universal City, Texas
† Kristyn K. Vest (M.Ed., Higher Education) Clute, Texas
Luis David Villasana (Ed.S., Education Specialist) ............................................... Eagle Pass, Texas
† Julia Ellen Westcott (M.Ed., Higher Education) McKinney, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
16 December Commencement 2022
Information Technology
Matthew Andrew (M.S., Information Technology) ................................................ Houston, Texas
† John Tyler Brannon (M.S., Information Technology) McKinney, Texas
Jedidiah Terrell-Lee Crisp (M.S., Information Technology) ....... Providence Village, Texas Jason Mattern (M.S., Information Technology) Sherman, Texas Roel M. Moreno (M.S., Information Technology) ...................................................... Gregory, Texas Jared Wallace (M.S., Information Technology) Duncan, Arizona
Liberal Arts
Akshara Patel Thakore (M.L.A., Liberal Arts) Ontario, California
Management
Taryn Elise Haines (M.S., Management) Belton, Texas Christopher Alan Rieger (M.S., Management) Waco, Texas Darla Jean Whitehead (M.S., Management) ............................................................... Cleburne, Texas
Marriage and Family Therapy
Naomi K. Arguelles (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ......................... Cypress, Texas Analiese Nicolette Barnes (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Fountain, Colorado Kelley Jean Bedoe (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ................ Alexandria, Virginia Esterine Bernard-Julun (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Port Arthur, Texas Erika Bolado (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Houston, Texas † Brandy N. Brock (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Spring, Texas DeAnna Austin Brown (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Sachse, Texas † Kayla M. Burkholder (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Saginaw, Texas Brooke Leigh Butler (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Henderson, Texas Carlene B. Charlemagne (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Piscataway, New Jersey † Eliseo Cisneros Jr. (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ........................... El Paso, Texas † Kimberly R. Davis (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Iowa Colony, Texas
Raquel De Leon (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) .................................... Nampa, Idaho
Matthew H. Faulkner (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Corinth, Texas
† Kevin J. Feamster (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma † Jenna Khrystyne Fitzgerald (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Schertz, Texas
Jacob Paul Glover (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ...... Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Jessica Lee Green (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) St. George, Utah
Debbie Lee Grosshauser (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ............. Peoria, Arizona
Chassity L. Harper (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Fort Worth, Texas
Katherine Jackson (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ........ Raleigh, North Carolina
Marie Josee Jules (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Rockaway, New Jersey
Katlyn Elizabeth Kersey (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ........... Maineville, Ohio
Megan Louise Morris (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Hamilton, Ohio
† Tara L. North (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) .......................................... Ely, Nevada
† Jacqueline Elizabeth Oehler (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ..................................................... Wichita Falls, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
December Commencement 2022 17
† David Powell (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) .................. The Woodlands, Texas
Kameron Alexander Robinson (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ............................................................ Lewisville, Texas
Kayla M. Sammons (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Frisco, Texas
Hannah Nicole Schoonmaker (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) ....... Abilene, Texas
† Jill Whitwell (M.M.F.T., Marriage and Family Therapy) Flower Mound, Texas
Organizational Development
Abigail A. Armstrong (M.S., Organizational Development) Harrisonville, Missouri
† Quincy Charles Commerford (M.S., Organizational Development) Sugar Land, Texas
† LaDonna L. Hendrix (M.S., Organizational Development) Cypress, Texas
Oscar Hernandez (M.S., Organizational Development) Abilene, Texas
† Crystal Diona Malone (M.S., Organizational Development) Garland, Texas Jaron Scott (M.S., Organizational Development) Joplin, Missouri
† William James Vaughan (M.S., Organizational Development) .......................... Euless, Texas
Key to Degree Abbreviations
D.Min. – Doctor of Ministry
D.N.P. – Doctor of Nursing Practice Ed.D. – Doctor of Education Ed.S. – Education Specialist M.A. – Master of Arts M.Acc. – Master of Accountancy
M.A.C.M. – Master of Arts in Christian Ministry M.A.T. – Master of Athletic Training M.A.T.S. – Master of Arts in Theological Studies
MBA – Master of Business Administration
M.Div. – Master of Divinity M.Ed. – Master of Education
M.L.A. – Master of Liberal Arts
M.M.F.T. – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. – Master of Science M.S.S.W. – Master of Science in Social Work
Students listed in the program are candidates for the indicated degree but inclusion in the program does not confirm a degree has been earned. The degree will only be awarded after all degree requirements have been completed.
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
18 December Commencement 2022
Graduate Awards
Outstanding Dissertation
Marc A. Smithers (Ed.D., Organizational Leadership)
Trust in Academia: How Chief Academic Officers Build and Maintain Faculty Trust Chair: Dr. Kristin O’Byrne
Outstanding Project
Kimberly S. Roberts (D.N.P.)
Implementing a Screening Tool for Social Determinants of Health in a Rural Primary Health Care Clinic Chair: Dr. Sandra Cleveland
December Commencement 2022 19
Candidates for Undergraduate Degrees
20 December Commencement 2022
College of Arts and Sciences
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Ranae Lynn Bates (B.S., Agribusiness) .................................................................... Fort Myers, Florida
Peyten Lee Girty (B.S., Agribusiness) El Dorado, Kansas
Garrett Benjamin Hale (B.S., Environmental Science) ........................................ Granbury, Texas
† Kayley Christine McCalmont (B.S., Animal Science) Summa Cum Laude ...................................................... Round Rock, Texas
Dallas Ashley Tausch (B.S., Animal Science) Helotes, Texas
Art and Design
Stephanie Lynn Pitts (B.S., Interior Design) Austin, Texas
Biology
Mariana Caceres Carreno (B.S., Biology) Abilene, Texas
† Madeleine Elaine Conatser (B.A., Biology) Summa Cum Laude ........................ Dallas, Texas
Jazmin Dominguez (B.A., Biology) Navasota, Texas
Margaret Faith May (B.S., Biology) Magna Cum Laude .......................... Corpus Christi, Texas
Danielle Renee Narvaez (B.A., Biology) Carrollton, Texas
Ashley Dawn Price (B.S., Biology) Summa Cum Laude .......................................... Lantana, Texas
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Sydney D’Sha Hughes (B.S., Biochemistry) Magna Cum Laude .............. Stephenville, Texas
Abby Gray Teeter (B.S., Physical Science) Magna Cum Laude Denton, Texas
Communication and Sociology
Marti Lynn Bowen (B.S., Communication) ....................................... North Richland Hills, Texas
Chloe L. Gwinn (B.S., Communication) Lewisville, Texas
Erin Alexandria McLeod (B.A., Communication) .................................................... Houston, Texas
† Madeleine Ruth Fowler Norman (B.S., Communication) Summa Cum Laude .............................................................. Temple, Texas
◊ Rebecca Grace Ritchie (B.S., Sociology) Abilene, Texas
Sebestyen Zsolt Szenttornyay (B.S., Communication) Magna Cum Laude Lubbock, Texas
Ashley Mae Williams (B.S., Communication) ............................................................... Abilene, Texas
Composite Interdisciplinary
Tyler Schenk Richardson (B.S., Composite Interdisciplinary) ...................... Canadian, Texas
Engineering and Physics
Joshua David Beck (B.S.E., Engineering) ............................................................ Villa Park, California
Conner Nathaniel Biedenstein (B.S.E., Engineering; B.S., Physics) Longview, Texas
Allison Taylor Cross (B.S.E., Engineering) ....................................................................... Boerne, Texas
History and Global Studies
Duncan Trent Bacon (B.S., Social Studies-Teaching) Magna Cum Laude ... Abilene, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society ◊ University Scholar
December Commencement 2022 21
Journalism and Mass Communication
Laurel Kate Sanders (B.S., Multimedia) Cum Laude .................................................. Abilene, Texas
Emily Rene’ Shafer (B.S., Journalism) Cum Laude Lubbock, Texas
Taelyn-Elijah Williams (B.S., Multimedia) ............................................................. Fort Worth, Texas
Language and Literature
Michael Wayne Kesner (B.A., English) ................................................................................... Plano, Texas
Senia Renaye Overstreet (B.A., English) Fort Worth, Texas
Liberal Studies
Annalise Elynn Berry (B.S., Liberal Studies) Burleson, Texas
Karen Abigail Crockett (B.S., Liberal Studies) ............................................................... Abilene, Texas
Jamie Lee Gonzalez (B.S., Liberal Studies) Brownsville, Texas
Shelby Renee Goodman (B.S., Liberal Studies) ............................................ Portales, New Mexico
Kevin Kipkosgei (B.S., Liberal Studies) Ainabkoi, Kenya
Tobin Andrew Smith (B.S., Liberal Studies) ................................................................... Abilene, Texas
Logan D. West (B.S., Liberal Studies) Lovington, New Mexico
Mathematics
Julia Grace Pogue (B.A., Mathematics) Cum Laude Abilene, Texas
Music
Meghan Rose Ahern (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Atascosa, Texas
Ramon Barron IV (B.M., Music-Teaching, Voice-All Level) ................................... Abilene, Texas
Garrett Christian Higbee (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Joshua, Texas
† Michael David Lester (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Cum Laude Abilene, Texas
Bailey Mae McCall (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Granbury, Texas
Caleb Thomas Rektenwald (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Abilene, Texas
Sarai Xel-ha Salinas (B.M., Music-Teaching, Instrument-All Level) Cleburne, Texas
Political Science and Criminal Justice
Joshua Oncken Laird (B.S., Criminal Justice) Houston, Texas
Jason Noah Massey (B.S., Criminal Justice) Abilene, Texas
Grant Allen Miles (B.S., Criminal Justice) ............................................................ Scottsdale, Arizona
Jameson D. Schlageter (B.A., Political Science) Summa Cum Laude .............................................. New Braunfels, Texas
◊ Sierra Ashley Shoaff (B.A., Political Science) Magna Cum Laude Leander, Texas
Susem Eleyne Velasquez Zuniga (B.S., Criminal Justice) .................................... Houston, Texas
Psychology
Kaelyn Leigh Berlanga (B.S., Psychology) ............................................................. San Antonio, Texas
Breanna Lee Box (B.S., Psychology) Wichita Falls, Texas
Grace Elizabeth Bryan (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude ............................................ Winters, Texas
Hannah Lynee Cummings (B.S., Psychology) Sugar Land, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society ◊ University Scholar
22 December Commencement 2022
Hanna Marie George (B.S., Psychology) .................................................................. Round Rock, Texas
Lauren Shuffield Hames (B.S., Psychology) Fort Worth, Texas
Jimmie Alejandro Horton (B.S., Psychology) .......................................... Santa Clarita, California
Le Jin (B.S., Psychology) Shanghai, China
Kendel Jane Krutsch (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude .................................. Flower Mound, Texas Denis Bett Lagat (B.S., Psychology) Edoret, Kenya
Jess Mitchell Masterson (B.S., Psychology) Summa Cum Laude ........................ Abilene, Texas
Alex Van Nguyen (B.S., Psychology) Mart, Texas
Hailee Marie Russell Aplin (B.S., Psychology) .................................................................. Irving, Texas Kameron Nicole Ward (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude Fort Worth, Texas
Theatre
Riley Claire Dodd (B.F.A., Theatre) Sweetwater, Texas Caleb Isaiah Evans (B.F.A., Theatre) .................................................................. Olympia, Washington
Dillon Edward Gutierrez (B.F.A., Theatre) Seminole, Texas Mykala Ann Lugafet (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Hutchinson, Kansas † Ryan Christopher Shupe (B.F.A., Theatre) Summa Cum Laude Abilene, Texas
College of Biblical Studies
Bible, Missions and Ministry
Courtney Ann Barbarick (B.A., Bible and Ministry) Saginaw, Texas
Brandon Patrick Fetter (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) Summa Cum Laude Pass Christian, Mississippi Uvia Racine Garcia (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) Humble, Texas Reece Austin Gardner (B.A., Bible and Ministry) Summa Cum Laude Irving, Texas
Hannah Laurae Keller (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) New Braunfels, Texas Hailey Abigail Randolph (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) ............................................. Plano, Texas Samuel B. Sheppard (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) Canyon Lake, Texas † Joshua Thomas Wendlick (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) Cum Laude ............. Baird, Texas Madilyn Shea Wenner (B.A., Ministry and Vocation) Magna Cum Laude ........................................... Mansfield, Texas
Jonah Lee Whitlock (B.A., Bible and Ministry) Magna Cum Laude Mansfield, Texas
Marriage and Family Studies
Cristina Michele Garcia (B.S., Child and Family Services) San Antonio, Texas
◊ Emily Grace Hand (B.S., Child and Family Services) Summa Cum Laude Weatherford, Texas
College of Business Administration
Accounting and Finance
Benjamin Matthew Blalock (B.B.A., Financial Management; Information Systems) .......................... San Antonio, Texas Marley Michele Culp (B.B.A., Accounting) Abilene, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society ◊ University Scholar
December Commencement 2022 23
Estefany C. Hernandez (B.B.A., Accounting) ................................................................. Abilene, Texas
◊ Tyler Merritt (B.B.A., Accounting; Financial Management) Summa Cum Laude ............. Abilene, Texas
† Brandon Kyle Michaelis (B.B.A., Accounting; Financial Management) Summa Cum Laude ............... Argyle, Texas
Julia Grace Pogue (B.B.A., Accounting; Financial Management) Cum Laude ............................... Abilene, Texas
Brennan Kate Reuland (B.B.A., Accounting) Arlington, Texas
Aubrey Shae Richards (B.B.A., Accounting; Financial Management) Cum Laude Idalia, Colorado Mada Samb (B.B.A., Accounting) ................................................................................. Fort Worth, Texas
Daniel Scott Steeves (B.B.A., Financial Management) Temple, Texas
† Calvin Gehrig Strandt (B.B.A., Financial Management) Summa Cum Laude Frisco, Texas Colton James Weems (B.B.A., Financial Management) Cum Laude Paris, Texas
Management Sciences
Kenisha Lexine Christian (B.B.A., Management) Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kelvin Carnell Crawford Jr. (B.B.A., Information Systems) Mesquite, Texas Noah J. Crecelius (B.B.A., Marketing) Cum Laude Fort Worth, Texas
Justin Lane Dees (B.B.A., Management) ........................................................................ Kaufman, Texas Breanne Joann Gaschen (B.B.A., Management) Lubbock, Texas
Audrey Maryanne Gibbs (B.B.A., Marketing; Management) Magna Cum Laude Edmond, Oklahoma
Wyatt Matthew Guerry (B.B.A., Marketing; Financial Management) ............... Plano, Texas
Dante Giovani Heredia (B.B.A., Management) Prosper, Texas Cody W. Kirchner (B.B.A., Management) ............................................................................. Aledo, Texas
Sydney Lauren Lawler (B.B.A., Management) Abilene, Texas Micah Faith Lytten (B.B.A., Marketing; Financial Management) ................ Mansfield, Texas
Trent M. MacDonald (B.B.A., Management; Marketing) Abilene, Texas
Colby Jace Nunez (B.B.A., Marketing) ................................................................... Edmond, Oklahoma
Chikezirim U. Nwankwo (B.B.A., Management) Bridgewater, New Jersey
Hitomi Onoda (B.B.A., Management; Marketing) Cum Laude ............................. Forney, Texas
Jared Thomas Park (B.B.A., Management; Marketing) Sugar Land, Texas
Lucas J. Parsons (B.B.A., Management) ............................................................................. Rowlett, Texas
Avery Kate Reinoehl (B.B.A., Marketing) Cum Laude Fort Wayne, Indiana
Madison Lee Rohre (B.B.A., Management) Magna Cum Laude ..................... Woodway, Texas
Sabrina Stone (B.B.A., Marketing) Frisco, Texas
William Wyatt Tate (B.B.A., Marketing) ............................................................................ Seguin, Texas
School of Information Technology and Computing
Nina M. Anzualda
(B.S., Digital Entertainment Technology) Summa Cum Laude San Antonio, Texas
Zachary Thomas Elledge-McGhee (B.S., Computer Science) Fort Worth, Texas
Nathan J. Lewis (B.S., Computer Science) .......................................................................... Spring, Texas
Julio Joel Lopez (B.S., Computer Science) Waco, Texas † Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society ◊ University Scholar
24 December Commencement 2022
Justin Michael Raitz (B.S., Computer Science) Summa Cum Laude ......... Pipe Creek, Texas Megan Francine Skeen (B.S., Computer Science) Georgetown, Texas Cameron Dale Wallace (B.S., Digital Entertainment Technology) ................... Abilene, Texas
College of Education and Human Services
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Anna Kate Bradford (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude College Station, Texas Carly Brooke Gillit (B.S., Communication Disorders) ............................................... Abilene, Texas Sarah Nicole Gunter (B.S., Communication Disorders) Frisco, Texas Amiya Renee Guynes (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude Midlothian, Texas Kaci Reese Newman (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude ............. Burleson, Texas Elyse Noelle Snodgrass (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Bulverde, Texas Lindsay Grace Watson (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude ........ Pearland, Texas Claire Elizabeth White (B.S., Communication Disorders) Cum Laude Abilene, Texas
Kinesiology and Nutrition
Ryan Armando Bornemeier (B.S., Kinesiology) Magna Cum Laude Dalhart, Texas Brandy Austin Bratton (B.S., Nutrition) ......................................................................... Kerrville, Texas Jessalyn Faith Brawley (B.S., Kinesiology) Magna Cum Laude Abilene, Texas Trevyon D. Chappell (B.S., Kinesiology) Duncanville, Texas Payden Scott Eason (B.S., Kinesiology) Brownwood, Texas ◊ Jessica Elena Elizondo (B.S., Kinesiology) Summa Cum Laude Cypress, Texas Megan Kathryn Hooper (B.S., Kinesiology) Magna Cum Laude Edmond, Oklahoma Kendell Deion Jimerson (B.S., Kinesiology) Rockwall, Texas Madison Lee Rohre (B.S., Kinesiology) Magna Cum Laude ............................. Woodway, Texas Elizabeth Helena Sargeant (B.S., Nutrition) Cum Laude Abilene, Texas Rece Michael Stafford (B.S., Kinesiology) ........................................................................... Frisco, Texas Caylen Michelle Wright (B.S., Kinesiology) Magna Cum Laude Burleson, Texas
Teacher Education
Yvonne Krystal Nicole Castilleja (B.S., Special Education, Elementary) Cum Laude ..................................... San Antonio, Texas Megan McCarroll Irwin (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Prosper, Texas Gloria Le’Nita Jones (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) ........ Seoul, South Korea Mackenzie Maria King (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Keller, Texas Samantha Riley Patrick (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) .......... Abilene, Texas
† Kinley Lanay Price (B.S., Interdisciplinary Studies, Elementary) Summa Cum Laude .......... Alvarado, Texas † Member of
December Commencement 2022 25
Alpha Chi National Honor Society
◊ University Scholar
School of Nursing Nursing
Savannah Paige Barnes (B.S.N., Nursing) ....................................................................
Alvarado, Texas
Meghan Elizabeth Burton (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Cypress, Texas Madeline Jade Caldwell (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude ..................... Wolfe City, Texas Annalis Raquel Chaves (B.S.N., Nursing) Abilene, Texas
† Ryan William Farmer (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude ................... Fort Worth, Texas
Chala Marie Ford (B.S.N., Nursing) Fort Worth, Texas
Wakaya Ann Gardner (B.S.N., Nursing) ..................................................................... Colleyville, Texas
Katherine Marie Jones (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude Brentwood, Tennessee
Michael William Kass (B.S.N., Nursing) ............................................................ Universal City, Texas
† Lucas Creighton Lanman (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Carrollton, Texas
Kathryn Faith McNeill (B.S.N., Nursing) .......................................................................... Canyon, Texas
Amber Marie Minor (B.S.N., Nursing) Belton, Texas
Preston James Moss (B.S.N., Nursing) ................................................................................ Bullard, Texas
Pamela Navarrete Martinez (B.S.N., Nursing) Grapevine, Texas Kaylee B. Perkinson (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Missouri City, Texas
Megan Christine Sperry (B.S.N., Nursing) Abilene, Texas
Jadann Renee Sugden (B.S.N., Nursing) Keller, Texas
Bailey Rose Thompson (B.S.N., Nursing) New Braunfels, Texas
Emily Michelle Tinseth (B.S.N., Nursing) San Antonio, Texas
Lindsey M’Kaye Toney (B.S.N., Nursing) .......................................................... New Braunfels, Texas
Miranda Nicole Trevino (B.S.N., Nursing) Corpus Christi, Texas Brynn Victoria Willingham (B.S.N., Nursing) Cum Laude ........................................ Keller, Texas
◊ Bailey Elizabeth Yale (B.S.N., Nursing) Magna Cum Laude Whitewright, Texas
College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Jennifer Bosco (B.S., Communication Disorders) Austin, Texas
Marissa Janae Diaz (B.S., Communication Disorders) .................................. San Antonio, Texas
Ashley Elizabeth Faidley (B.S., Communication Disorders) Summa Cum Laude ................................ Carrollton, Texas
Patricia Krueger (B.S., Communication Disorders) Porter, Texas Maria Dolores Ozuna (B.S., Communication Disorders) ........................................... Irving, Texas
Ana Cristina Rocha (B.S., Communication Disorders) Fort Worth, Texas
Courtney Banks Smith (B.S., Communication Disorders) Magna Cum Laude Bryan, Texas
Aeriole Nichole Stogner (B.S., Communication Disorders) ....................................... Cisco, Texas Macie Elizabeth Tobar (B.S., Communication Disorders) Huntington, Texas
Criminal Justice
Brandi Janell Masterson (B.S., Criminal Justice) Cum Laude Abilene, Texas
26 December Commencement 2022
† Member
◊
of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
University Scholar
Health and Human Performance
Brian Patrick Quinn (B.S., Health and Human Performance) .................... League City, Texas Alexus June Rains (B.S., Health and Human Performance) Cisco, Texas
Information Technology Administration
Joseph Clifford Clephane (B.S., Information Technology Administration) Cum Laude ....................... Wingate, Texas Haylee Aline Ekstrand Fuller (B.S., Information Technology Administration) ................................................. Andrews, Texas
Brittany J. Hudgens (B.S., Information Technology Administration) Magna Cum Laude ............ Anna, Texas
† Michael Neal (B.S., Information Technology Administration) Summa Cum Laude ...... Winters, Texas
Braden Joseph Theobald (B.S., Information Technology Administration) Cum Laude .................. Marietta, Georgia
Brianna Thompson (B.S., Information Technology Administration) Dallas, Texas
Integrated Studies
Elizabeth Olamide Asaolu (B.S., Integrated Studies) Fort Worth, Texas
Jerren Matthew Campbell (B.S., Integrated Studies) ............................................. Magnolia, Texas
Hannah Maria Cole (B.S., Integrated Studies) Adkins, Texas Artavia M. Crawford (B.S., Integrated Studies) .............................................................. Terrell, Texas
Jade Alexis Cryer (B.S., Integrated Studies) Fontana, California
Eric Noe DeLeon (B.S., Integrated Studies) Snyder, Texas
Andrea Trenice Dixson (B.S., Integrated Studies) Cedar Hill, Texas
Nataly Grau (B.S., Integrated Studies) Grapevine, Texas Shaye Lauren Hatley (B.S., Integrated Studies) Colleyville, Texas Cristina Hoffman (B.S., Integrated Studies) Wheeler, Texas Mikel Roy Hoppman (B.S., Integrated Studies) Summa Cum Laude .................... Tyler, Texas
Donnetta B. Kenneybrew (B.S., Integrated Studies) Abilene, Texas James Paul Kistler (B.S., Integrated Studies) ............................................................... Roanoke, Texas
Marissa Arianna Major Parkes (B.S., Integrated Studies) Early, Texas
Lauren Brooke McBay (B.S., Integrated Studies) ................................................ Fort Worth, Texas
Nathaniel Joel Ray Olguin (B.S., Integrated Studies) Monahans, Texas
Hannah Kay Pebbles (B.S., Integrated Studies) Cum Laude ................ Corpus Christi, Texas
Oscar Ivan Riojas Jr. (B.S., Integrated Studies) Cum Laude Weslaco, Texas
† Robert Aubrey Robitaille (B.S., Integrated Studies) .................................................. Euless, Texas
Management Sciences
Aisha Elaine Allie (B.S., Management)
............................................................................. Cypress, Texas
Marissa M. Barrett (B.S., Management) Cum Laude Sanger, Texas
Logan Austin Burke (B.S., Management) ................................................................................. Katy, Texas
Brianna Lenis Creighton (B.S., Management) Abilene, Texas
Maximillian Finn (B.S., Management) ............................................................... New Braunfels, Texas
Joshua Jack Holden (B.S., Marketing) McKinney, Texas
Adrian Dewayne Jenkins III (B.S., Management) ..................................................... Waskom, Texas
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
December Commencement 2022 27
Donniese R. Jordan (B.S., Management) Summa Cum Laude ..................... Fort Worth, Texas
† Serenity April Martinez (B.S., Management) Summa Cum Laude Ennis, Texas
Travis Price (B.S., Management) ................................................................................ San Antonio, Texas
Jeremy Tyrone Saxton (B.S., Management) Addison, Texas
Psychology
Cheyenne Sabra Cagle (B.S., Psychology) Kingwood, Texas
Ashley M. Doll (B.S., Psychology) ............................................................................... San Antonio, Texas
† Brian Thomas Hecox (B.S., Psychology) Summa Cum Laude Plano, Texas
Jennifer M. Herrera (B.S., Psychology) .................................................................................. Frisco, Texas Cilaya Marie Holloway (B.S., Psychology) Seguin, Texas
† Kelebogile Kolaatamo (B.S., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude ............ Gaborone, Botswana Gisela Anahi Lozano Castaneda (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude San Antonio, Texas
Sarah Madison Mauldin (B.S., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude ..................... Burleson, Texas
Kristina M. Moe (B.S., Psychology) Dallas, Texas
LaToya A. Oliver (B.S., Psychology) Cum Laude Greenwood, Indiana
Key to Degree Abbreviations
B.A. – Bachelor of Arts
B.B.A. – Bachelor of Business Administration
B.F.A. – Bachelor of Fine Arts B.M. – Bachelor of Music B.S. – Bachelor of Science B.S.E. – Bachelor of Science in Engineering B.S.N. – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Undergraduate Academic Honors
Honors at Commencement are based on a student’s GPA on courses taken at Abilene Christian. Students must complete at least 64 hours of course work at ACU to qualify to graduate with honors. The GPA thresholds for honors at graduation are 3.6 for cum laude, 3.75 for magna cum laude, and 3.9 for summa cum laude. Honors listed in the Commencement program are based on the current GPA at the time of the graduation. If the final semester’s grades alter the student’s standing, the correct honor will be noted on the diploma.
For the distinction of Honors Scholar or Honors Associate, a student’s degree must be enriched with course work through the Honors College. The distinction also requires a GPA of at least 3.5 at the time of graduation. Honors College graduates wear gold stoles in Commencement.
University Scholars have superior academic records combined with outstanding service to their department and the university. These students must be recommended by their department and their college to receive this honor. They receive a medallion to be worn with their academic regalia.
Students listed in the program are candidates for the indicated degree but inclusion in the program does not confirm a degree has been earned. The degree will only be awarded after all degree requirements have been completed.
† Member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society
28 December Commencement 2022
Undergraduate Awards
Lemoine G. Lewis Valedictorian Award (4.0 GPA)
Anna Kate Bradford Emily Grace Hand Brian Thomas Hecox Mikel Roy Hoppman Serenity April Martinez Tyler Merritt
Brandon Kyle Michaelis Michael Neal Madeleine Ruth Fowler Norman Kinley Lanay Price Calvin Gehrig Strandt
V.W. and Loretta Kelley Scholarship Award Kyle Michaelis
Honor Man Kyle Michaelis
Honor Woman Marley Culp
Trustees Award
Pamela Navarrete Martinez Ashley Price J.D. Schlageter Sierra Shoaff
B Sherrod Scholarship
Anna Kate Bradford
Dean Adams Achievement Award
Yvonne Castilleja Gloria “G” Jones Trent MacDonald
December Commencement 2022 29
ACU Box 29131, Abilene, Texas 79699-9131 325-674-2622 • 800-373-4220 acu.edu/alumni
Dear ACU Graduate,
On behalf of the ACU Alumni Association, congratulations – and welcome! My team and I are so proud of you and your accomplishments throughout your time here.
You now join tens of thousands of alumni who have embarked on the journey you are about to undertake. Your hard work, dedication and perseverance have made it possible for you to achieve this impressive milestone. We have been where you are and remember the excitement you feel today.
I hope you’ll continue your relationship with your alma mater. By being an active member of the alumni community, you can be instrumental in the continued success of ACU – and, by extension, the thousands of students who will come after you.
Don’t be a stranger! If there is any way we can be of service, reach out to us at alumni @acu.edu. Don’t forget to visit our website at acu.edu/alumni to keep in touch and create your account on the alumni directory so you can start receiving your ACU Today magazine. Stay connected with us on Instagram (@acualumni), and you also can connect to ACU through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Be sure to visit acu.edu/news to stay on top of the latest campus happenings.
Congratulations again on a job well done. Take the opportunity to make a real difference in the world by sharing the love of Jesus with everyone you meet and continuing to practice the unique service-based leadership to which he has called us.
Please share your ACU experiences with those you meet and come back to campus whenever possible. We’ll be here to welcome you.
For the Purple and White,
Craig Fisher (’92) Associate Vice President for Advancement and Alumni
30 December Commencement 2022
December Commencement 2022 31