JONESBORO -- Almost 2,000 candidates were awarded diplomas by Arkansas State University chancellor, Dr. Tim Hudson, during spring commencement ceremonies May 17 in the Convocation Center.
Russell Harrington, Jr., longtime president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health, addressed the graduating class during two separate ceremonies. Harrington served in health care needs and as president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health for 40 years before recently announcing his retirement, effective in July. He is expected to continue serving in the role of president emeritus and senior advisor. Baptist Health is composed of eight hospitals, one of which is a long-term acute care hospital.
"There's no way as a freshman did I ever think I would be up here addressing the graduating class," Harrington said. "But, enrolling at Arkansas State was the right move for me. For me, that was the time of Dr. Carl Reng and Dean Robert Moore. In sports, it was the time of Bennie Ellender and Bill Bergey. And, it was a special time for students as Arkansas State gained university status."
From the Missouri Bootheel area are:
Caruthersville, Casey Moss, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology
Clarkton, Elizabeth White, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership
Hayti, Danna Brown, Associate of Applied Science, Radiologic Technology; and Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science, Radiologic Sciences
Hayti, Angela Fisher, Bachelor of Science, Journalism
Kennett, Thomas Hooper, Bachelor of Science, Sport Management
Kennett, Will Johnson, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Kennett, Kacey Moody, Associate of Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant
Malden, Christopher Bennett, Bachelor Science in Agriculture, Agricultural Business
Malden, Misty Golladay, Bachelor Science in Education, Early Childhood Education
Malden, Steven Matthews, Bachelor Science in Education, Mid-Level Education
Malden, Tiffany Miller, Associate of Arts, A.A.
Malden, Mark Pickard, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership
Naylor, Sara Dollins, Bachelor of Science, Health Promotion
Portageville, Courtney Chamberlain, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing
Portageville, Lindsey Ferrell, Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science, Radiologic Sciences, Cum Laude; and Lindsey Ferrell, Associate of Applied Science, Radiologic Technology
Sikeston, Sherwin Jones, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology