GREENEVILLE – Joy abounded in Pioneer Arena as Tusculum University’s newest graduates celebrated their academic, athletic and social achievements with a walk across the stage to make their entry into the next phase of their lives.
Graduate Taylor Sanders, right, shakes hands with Dr. Scott Hummel.
Participants in Student Support Services and ARCHES pose for a photo.
Tusculum held its spring commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, to recognize nearly 200 students who have completed their coursework or will finish their classes in August. This group has earned bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees and come from 11 countries and 20 states.
“We are extremely proud of this graduating class and know the active and experiential learning in a caring Christian environment has prepared them to be career-ready, civically engaged professionals,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “With one-on-one attention from the professors and additional support from our staff, these students have become alumni with a greater understanding of their calling and purpose. We will be cheering for them and know they will represent Tusculum impressively as they progress in their lives.”
Helping students succeed
Tusculum’s support for students is particularly acute with students whose parents or guardians did not receive a bachelor’s degree. About 58% of those enrolled at Tusculum are first-generation students, and many of them walked across the stage Saturday.
Programs at Tusculum that support first-generation undergraduate students are Student Support Services and ARCHES, which are funded through federal grants. These programs provide academic advising, financial literacy education, assistance with completing the FAFSA, graduate school advising and counseling as well as tutoring. Participants also can take trips that incorporate cultural activities and visits to graduate school programs.
Fifty-three students who have already finished their classes or will be complete in August have been members of SSS and ARCHES.
Student accomplishments
Dr. Scott Hummel, center, meets with graduates before the ceremony.
Dr. Scott Hummel, left, congratulates a graduate.
Many Tusculum graduates have distinguished themselves during their studies. Some of the graduates prepared income tax returns for free those who were eligible to receive the service. Others have served as directors and actors in Tusculum theater productions, participated in research to explore potential new medications to fight cancer and won awards for their writing.
Throughout their Tusculum education, these graduates have had the opportunity to participate in community service activities, including the tradition-rich Nettie Fowler McCormick Service Day. The university and local churches have also provided them outlets to grow in their faith and be involved in ministry.
“Your legacy at Tusculum University is not built solely on what you accomplished while you were students here but also by what you will achieve in the future,” Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs, told the graduates. “We hope that the Christian care you received here at Tusculum will be a springboard for you to go and serve your community in a mighty way. Just as you were poured into by faculty and staff who loved you, we hope you will pour into the lives of people in your community. We will be praying for you as you go forth, and we are excited to see where God takes you.”
Working for FIFA World Cup 2026 – Los Angeles
One of the graduates who is making a mark on the world is Brandy Thigpen, who earned her Master of Sport Management degree and served as one of the student speakers during Saturday’s ceremony. A week before she completed her degree, she was named host city director for the FIFA World Cup 2026 – Los Angeles.
Dexter Lim, left, hoods Stephanie Justice, a Master of Arts in Education graduate.
Dr. Kevin Hill, left, hoods Isak Holster, who earned a Master of Business Administration.
Brandy Thigpen speaks to fellow graduates and the rest of the audience.
“This dream was mapped out just last fall, in my Leadership and Professional Development class,” Thigpen said in her speech. ”In this role, I’ll help lead operations for the largest sporting event in history, featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches across 16 cities in North America. I’m honored to apply everything I’ve learned at Tusculum, and throughout my career, to a moment that will unite fans around the world.”
Thigpen said she was hesitant to return to school for another degree because she works full time and is a single mom. The idea of commitment to a master’s program felt daunting to her.
“But the unwavering support of Tusculum’s faculty and staff reassured me it would be worth it,” she said. “After more than 20 years in the hospitality industry, I was able to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom and see immediate value in every lesson. It’s never too late to further your education. I give special thanks to Dr. Brandon Hudson for guiding me throughout this impactful program.”
Many of the students who are earning degrees from Tusculum are headed to graduate school. In addition to Tusculum, their destinations include Seaton Hall University, Wake Forest University and Arizona State University. They will also be employed at entities such as Y-12 National Security Complex, BAE Systems and school systems in the region.
Undergraduate speaker
Bryce Jackson, the undergraduate student speaker, graduated summa cum laude Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in sport management.
The Golden Pioneers pose for a photo. They are, left to right, Angelo Botta, Larry Bible, John Eiskamp, Jane Campbell, Sharon King and Jackie Rose.
Bryce Jackson delivers the undergraduate student speech.
“Tusculum has helped us to create lifelong connections that have helped us grow,” Jackson said in his remarks. “Professors have pushed us to think critically and expand our knowledge outside of the classroom. Your teammates have stood by you during your low moments in your sport. Coaches have pushed you to become better players but, more importantly, better human beings. New friends have helped us when we needed it most. On behalf of the class of 2025, I want to say thank you.”
Jackson, who played on the men’s basketball team, thanked those who lead that program – head coach J.T. Burton, associate head coach Justin Chartrand and assistant coach Jackson Miller. He also thanked Dr. Hudson and Dr. Nick Davidson, assistant dean of the Sport Studies Division, for the assignments, projects, exams and quizzes in class that he said challenged his intellect. In addition, Jackson gave a shout-out to his family.
“As we look to the future, this new stage of life is full of additional challenges and uncertainties but also full of new opportunities,” Jackson said. “One thing for certain – Tusculum has prepared us to become people who make positive differences in the world. I hope you all continue to be the person that got you here. Never lose that fire of wanting to be the best at what you do. Wherever life takes you from today, you’ll always be a Pioneer and remember this: Stop trying to fit in and start standing out. “
Tusculum welcomed another special group of people to walk the stage Saturday. They were the Golden Pioneers, alumni who graduated from Tusculum 50 years ago and returned in honor of that special moment in thelr lives. Those who came for Saturday’s commencement were Larry Bible, Angelo Botta, Jane Campbell, John Eiskamp, Sharon King and Jacki Rose. Botta is an associate professor of physical education and sport science at Tusculum and is the president of the Alumni Executive Board. Rose previously served in that AEB role.
More information about the university is available at www.tusculum.edu.