Gordon State College Hosts Fall 2021 Commencement
On Friday, Dec. 10, Gordon State College hosted its fall commencement at GSC’s Student Activity and Recreation Center Arena with a total of 249 graduates and 261 total degrees being recognized for their baccalaureate and associates. The School of Business, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences ceremony began at 9 a.m., while the School of Nursing, Health and Natural Sciences and the School of Education, Mathematics and Applied Sciences took place at 1 p.m. Each graduate was allowed 10 guest tickets.
During the morning ceremony, the School of Business, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences presented a total number of 55 baccalaureate degrees and a total of 91 associate degrees with an overall total of 146-degree graduates. The keynote speaker included Regent Cade Joiner. The University of Georgia named Joiner as one of the 40 most distinguished UGA graduates under the age of 40. Joiner founded Shred-X Secure Document Destruction, which is now the largest independent shredding company in the southeast.
“Gordon State College has endured the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to provide a successful learning environment for its students and faculty,” said Dr. Kirk A. Nooks, President of Gordon State College. “This is a special time to recognize the achievements of these women and men of Highlander Nation.”
At the afternoon ceremony, the School of Education, Mathematics and Applied Sciences presented a total number of 21 associate degree graduates. The School of Nursing, Health, and Natural Sciences presented a total of 26 baccalaureate degrees and a total of 62 associate degrees with an overall total of 88-degree graduates. The keynote speaker included Dr. Lily Henson, Chief Executive Officer at Piedmont Henry Hospital (PHH) in Stockbridge, Georgia. Prior to this, Henson was the Chief Medical Officer at PHH and helped to reduce serious safety events at Henry by 83 percent and hospital acquired infections by half. Henson is a board-certified neurologist and serves on the National Board of Directors of the American Academy of Neurology, Piedmont Healthcare Foundation, Piedmont Healthcare/Encompass Health Joint Venture and the Gordon State College Foundation.
Twelve graduates were presented with multiple degrees.
“Commencement means beginning. And for 249 graduates, this celebration represents the beginning of the rest of their lives. I offer my heart-felt congratulations to these outstanding individuals,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. C. Jeffery Knighton.