ASU confers degrees

JONESBORO — A record 1,112 graduates, including local students, received degrees during Arkansas State University’s 2017 summer graduation ceremony on Aug. 4 in the Convocation Center.

The university’s previous summer record was 952 graduates in the summer ceremony of 2016. The class featured 40 candidates to graduate with honors, including 21 cum laude, 16 magna cum laude and three summa cum laude. Eight graduated with university honors from the Honors College.

Lynita Cooksey, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, conferred degrees upon students from the Colleges of Agriculture, Engineering and Technology; Business; Education and Behavioral Science; Liberal Arts and Communication; Nursing and Health Professions; and Sciences and Mathematics.

Taylor Maggio of Maryville, Ill., received a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and addressed the gathering on behalf of the graduating class. Evelyn Taylor, assistant professor of social work, delivered remarks on behalf of the A-State faculty.

The class was represented by students from 67 of the 75 counties in Arkansas, as well as 37 states and 12 countries. Local graduates were:

Bismarck

Holly Hughes, Master of Science in Education, Special Education Instructional Specialist K-12; Candace Titus, Associate of Applied Science, Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Hot Springs

Gail Bean, Master of Science in Education, Reading; Jeffrey Cable, Master of Science in Education, Educational Leadership; Allison Jordan, Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies; Anita Marshall, Master of Arts in Sociology; Christine Matei, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences; Kimberly Richard, Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction; Rebecca Rosburg, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership; Betty Telles, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership; Ashleigh West, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art; Kala Whitehead, Master of Science in Education, Reading; Pamela Wiles, Specialist in Education, Educational Leadership.

Hot Springs Village

Mason Irby, Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.

Mount Ida

John Guerra, Master of Science in Sport Administration.