Brenau University Inc.
12/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/13/2024 15:08
Nearly 300 students earn degrees this winter
Kim Boyd prepares to walk across the stage during winter commencement
Brenau University granted degrees to 275 students this summer and fall. Commencement ceremonies held Dec. 13 celebrated the 136 students who earned degrees in the fall and 84 who earned their degrees in the summer.
"The university's dedication to this mission and vision - which both challenged and benefited you as students - is leading us on our path to a thriving future," President David L. Barnett, Ph. D., said. "Now, as graduates, we encourage you to be a part of ensuring Brenau's future while finding your own path to thrive."
Of the graduates, 39 earned doctorates, seven earned specialist degrees, 158 earned master's degrees, and 71 earned their bachelor's degrees, with 29 of those graduating from The Women's College.
More than 200 students and their families attended the ceremonies at Pearce Auditorium.
Six faculty and staff members are celebrating their degrees this winter. Kim Boyd and Carysa Mendez earned a Doctor of Education, Ronnell Leftwich earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Carly Esford, Rachel Lane and Tracy Moore earned a Master of Business Administration.
Leftwich is an assistant professor in the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing. He was the student speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony and at the Kente Stole Ceremony, presented by the Black Faculty and Staff Association on Dec. 10.
"The road was long, filled with many ups and downs, multiple barriers, and challenges, from the COVID-19 epidemic to changes in doctoral programs," Leftwich said in his speech. "Congratulations to my fellow graduates. I wish you nothing but peace, good health, and success in your future endeavors."
Leftwich credited his faith, his loved ones and the support from his colleagues during his time in the DNP program.
Taylor Mooney was the student speaker at the undergraduate ceremonies. Mooney was in the honors program and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She was president of Mu Sigma Chi honor society.
"My time here at Brenau has been one of the most challenging and transformative periods of my life. Like many of you, I faced days when it felt almost impossible to keep going. I stumbled, I struggled, and yes, there were times when I doubted myself," Mooney said. "But even in those moments of defeat, I found something valuable-a lesson, a strength, a reminder that failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of it. Each setback taught me to keep pushing forward, to keep trying even when it felt easier to give up."
Both commencement ceremonies were live streamed. The Women's College and undergraduate ceremony, and the graduate ceremony can be viewed on the Brenau Vimeo page.
Post navigation
From the President's Desk
Wrapping up another successful year at Brenau
David Barnett |December 10, 2024