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Spring 2024 - The Talon
On May 11, Central Methodist University celebrated more than 200 graduates at its spring commencement in Puckett Fieldhouse. Surrounded by their friends, family, faculty, staff, and other guests, members of the CMU Class of 2024 were recognized for all their many achievements, including earning their master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees.
This year’s commencement speaker was 1967 graduate and 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award winner Dr. David Kerr. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, Kerr has traveled across five continents and all 50 states giving sermons. His address stressed the importance of heeding the “voices of yesteryear” when it comes to making moral decisions.
“What did they know that we need to know?” Kerr wondered, before telling stories illustrating times someone had followed their moral compass and denied self. “Why do
some behave in such selfless ways? It’s just a question, but how you answer that question may be indicative of how you plow into your future years.”
Following Kerr’s address and the conferring of degrees, several students were recognized for winning this year’s achievement awards. Based on nominations by the CMU faculty and students, Brad Dixon, vice present for student life, handed out the top three awards to Timothy “Cole” Nowlin, Exavier Coburn, and Kelena Oots.
Nowlin was this year’s Victoria Award winner. Given annually to a graduating student, the Victoria Award recognizes someone who, in the opinion of the faculty and fellow students, has best demonstrated dedication and the principles of Central Methodist University.
A staple in the Little Theatre show cast lists since his freshman year, Nowlin graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in theatre arts.
This year’s Human Relations Award was given to Exavier Coburn, who was determined to be the student showing the most promise in human relations and human adjustment. The award is
given annually to the student who sets an example of leadership and excellence and develops an ability to work well with others.
Coburn met all these requirements and more in his role as the president of the Student Government Association and other organizations. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
The most prestigious award this year was given to Kelena Oots. Established in 1957 by former Central student Bishop Charles Selecman, the Selecman Award is presented to the student who has displayed the following characteristics to an extraordinary degree: good citizenship on campus, scholarship, religious leadership, moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievement.
Oots was a leader and high-achiever both on and off the softball field while an Eagle, earning Academic All-American honors and Heart of America Player of the Year, as well as participating in multiple student organizations on campus. She graduated summa cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Science with a major in business.
These and all the graduates have made Central proud and will continue to do so as valued alumni.
