Anderson University

264 Anderson University students received their diplomas during the spring commencement ceremony under perfect blue skies and the 100-year-old oaks of Alumni Lawn. One of the South’s most unique and scenic graduation ceremonies, the AU commencement also featured the awarding of 40 Masters degrees. AU's graduation marks the official ending of a year of commemorating Anderson University’s centennial.

Dr. Belle S. Wheelan delivered the commencement address. Dr. Wheelan is the President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this capacity. Her career spans over 30 years and includes the roles of faculty member, chief student services officer, campus provost, college president, and Secretary of Education. In several of those roles she was the first African American and/or woman to serve in those capacities. She challenged the students to be agents of change in society, bring back lost civility and manners to the next generation and to find creative ways to enhance the education of others.

In addition to having another record-setting number of graduates for spring commencement, the Saturday ceremony also featured the first Master of Arts in Teaching graduates in school history, as well as the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) graduates from The Command College of South Carolina which is a part of Anderson University.

 Anderson University is a comprehensive university affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention offering bachelors and masters degrees. Anderson is ranked in the Top Tier (top 21) of colleges and universities in the South, and one of 68 “Up and Coming” schools to watch in America,” by U. S. News & World Report. It is the #1 “Up and Coming” school in The South according to that publication.  Anderson has also been named one of “Americas 100 Best College Buys,” Located in The Upstate region of South Carolina near the foothills of the Appalachians, Anderson University features a rigorous education in a supportive Christian environment.