Spring 2024 Commencement Program
Spring 2024 Commencement Program
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MAY 4, 2024
HBU/HCU Copyright License No. 1847644
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COMMENCEMENT
Nine o'clock in the morning
May fourth, two thousand twenty-four
Dunham Theater, Morris Cultural Arts Center
Dr. Stanley A. Napper
Presiding
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DEGREE CANDIDATES
The following degrees and certificates will be awarded upon completion of all requirements.
Lauren Elizabeth Burns Queen Ozioma Ama Iwundu Mariana Menchaca Athayde★★
Electrical Engineering Biology Chemistry
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Thao Phuong Nguyen Alexandria Rideaux Chloe Noa Samone Spiller
Chemistry Cyber Engineering Cyber Engineering
Ranier Isaac Perez Jr.★ Amy N. Romero★★ Karla Sundury Tapia Reyes
Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Biology Biology
Lucia del Carmen Allub★★ Calixta Angelica Battle★ Terence Jerome Chui★★
Marketing Management (and certificate in Marketing
Entrepreneurship)
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Ana Karen De Leon Jared Christopher Knight★ Judy Saber
Management Management Marketing
MASTER OF SCIENCE
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Isis Lara Olufunlola Esther Ojo Diego Alejandro Sanchez Zambrano
Sydney Erin LeFlore Murphy Elizabeth Padgett Chester Ornald Sims III
Data Analytics
Lornetta Carleen Mitchell Jessica Marie Rabius
Jennie Elizabeth Sutton
Chimamaka Noble Monday Parker William Rodgers
MASTER OF ARTS
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Steven Lawrence Jones Rudolph William Swigart Rosy Sui Hlawn Tial
Divinity Divinity Divinity
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COMMENCEMENT
Eleven-Thirty in the morning
May fourth, two thousand twenty-four
Dunham Theater, Morris Cultural Arts Center
Dr. Stanley A. Napper
Presiding
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Melissa A. Martinez Christina Grace Patton★★ Jillian Simmons
Interdisciplinary Studies Studio Art Interdisciplinary Studies
Lanis Avery McWilliams Renée Victoria Zoë Peters★★ Savannah Dale Spencer★★★
Music Studio Art Legal Studies
Tyson Steven Oliver Natalia Sarai Ramos Erecia Monee' Walker (Haynes)
Interdisciplinary Studies Legal Studies Interdisciplinary Studies
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
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BACHELOR OF MUSIC EDUCATION
MASTER OF ARTS
Ilgin Bilge Aris Jacqueline Danyal Everette-Knox Stacy Kay Pierce Tejel
Creative Writing Creative Writing Creative Writing
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
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Aeriel Kwan★★ Mariel Alisandra Pena-Sanchez A'Myah Lanay Stevenson
Kinesiology-Wellness Management Kinesiology-Wellness Management Kinesiology-Wellness Management
Erika Michelle Garcia Gonzalez★★ Jayson Christopher Lewis★ Ruth Laurie Segura
MASTER OF SCIENCE
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COMMENCEMENT
Two o’clock in the afternoon
May fourth, two thousand twenty-four
Dunham Theater, Morris Cultural Arts Center
Dr. Stanley A. Napper
Presiding
Debby Alejandra Alonzo Rosas Keylin Adamaris Hernandez Sophia Gabriela Ponce
Psychology Psychology Psychology
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
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MASTER OF ARTS
Lauren Julia Avila Clarissa Lea Esparza Noble Ekelemchi Nwachukwu Sr.
Psychology Psychology Human Services
Joredanne' Reiale Me-Chelle Carmack Vertina Quartette Tiara Jones Crain Christ-Lynn Smith
Christian Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling Human Services
Candace Chyanne Cogswell Anayelit Gutierrez Loreto LaQuanda Nataye Taylor Parker
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling Human Services
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Ashley L. Warren Sierra Brenae White Anthony A Wilson II
Psychology Human Services Counseling Clinical Mental Health Counseling
MASTER OF EDUCATION
Megan Marie Carey Anita Brianna Kelley Jackson Shannon Kay Strange
Educational Administration Educational Administration Curriculum and Instruction
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Hortensia A. Dean Taylor A. Harris
Learning, Technology & Design Learning, Technology & Design
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
Uloma Nkiruka Agada-Achinanya Maria Jose Diaz
Executive Educational Leadership Executive Educational Leadership
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Taisha Denise Garner Courtney Se'Moine Riley
Executive Educational Leadership Executive Educational Leadership
THE LITERACY ACHIEVEMENT GAP BETWEEN MALE LIFTING AS WE CLIMB: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF HIGH
AND FEMALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WHO IMPACT BLACK MALE
TEACHER PERCEPTIONS ON HOW TO CLOSE THIS GAP STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
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UNDERGRADUATE HONORS
★ cum laude:
grade point average of 3.50 to 3.69 on a 4.00 scale
★★ magna cum laude:
grade point average of 3.70 to 3.89 on a 4.00 scale
★★★ summa cum laude:
grade point average of 3.90 to 4.00 on a 4.00 scale
(Based on a minimum of 60 semester alpha hours in residence.)
The Robe
The robe for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves and is designed to be worn closed. The robe for the
master’s degree has an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist, with the sleeve base hanging down in the traditional
manner. The robe for the doctor’s degree has a bell-shaped sleeve, with velvet panels and sleeve chevrons in
black velvet or in distinctive colors representing the academic discipline.
The Hood
The hood is the most colorful feature of academic regalia. The outside of the hood is black trimmed with an
edging of velvet or velveteen, in a color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.
The hood is lined with the official color or colors of the university conferring the degree. HCU graduates proudly
wear the Orange and Blue of their Alma Mater.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Rev. Garry Blackmon, Chair
Dr. Duane Brooks The Honorable Jeff Leach Mr. Clois Smith
Rev. Willie Davis Pastor Gregg Matte Mr. Jerome Smith
The Honorable William Flores MBA ‘85 Mr. Ralph McBride Mr. Reid Smith
Rev. Omar Garcia Mr. David Mobley Mr. Tadd Tellepsen MBA ‘99
Mrs. Judy Graham Rev. Ramiro Peña Dr. Dan S. Wilford
The Honorable Bryan Hughes Mrs. Judi Pyburn ‘94 Mr. Bruce Williams
Mr. Keith Jacobson Mr. Kevin Roberts MBA '20 Dr. Diane Williams ‘93
Mr. Dale Jefferson ‘83 Mr. Marc Rylander
Dr. Chris Kouba Mrs. Lisa Simon ‘76
ADVISORY TRUSTEES
Mr. Johnny Baker
Mr. Jim R. Smith
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Dr. Robert B. Sloan, President
Mr. Steve Moniaci, Director of Athletics
Mrs. Sandra Mooney, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Dr. Stanley Napper, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Steven Peterson, Vice President for Online and Digital Learning
Mrs. Sharon Saunders, Vice President for Advancement and University Relations
Dr. James Steen, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing
ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
Dr. Kristie Cerling, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs; Dean, The Graduate School
Dr. Jay Spencer, Associate Provost for Online and Digital Learning
Dr. Katie Evans, Dean, College of Science and Engineering
Dr. Lesli Fridge, Dean, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Zadok Hakim, Associate Provost for Online Technology Programs
Dr. Jodey Hinze, Dean, College of Arts and Humanities
Dr. Greggory Keiffer, Executive Associate Dean, Archie W. Dunham College of Business
Dr. Carol Lavender, Dean, Linda Dunham School of Nursing
Mr. Michael Rome, Dean, Archie W. Dunham College of Business
Dr. Phil Tallon, Dean, School of Christian Thought
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Ten Pillars 2030
The Core Convictions of HCU
Houston Christian University has a history of affirming these particular ways of thinking and living,
which we hereby describe as Ten Pillars. These convictions are an essential part of the traditional
beliefs and commitments of the University. They are set forth here to bring to mind the ten physical
pillars that are now iconic on our campus and thus represent the durable historical and theological
commitments that undergird our practices and enable us to translate our worldview, Preamble,
and mission into academic programs, curricular structures, and habits of the mind and heart. HCU
confesses and takes shelter under these Ten Pillars.
Our Mission
The mission of Houston Christian University is to provide a learning experience that instills in students
a passion for academic, spiritual, and professional excellence as a result of our central confession,
“Jesus Christ is Lord.”
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Hail the Orange and Blue
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After several years of consideration, research, and prayerful review, the leadership of Houston Baptist
University unanimously approved the decision to change its name to Houston Christian University.
This new name more accurately reflects our student body, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community
we serve. The name “Houston Christian University” is welcoming to the many students enrolled who
come from many different denominations of the Christian faith, as well as those who claim no faith.
It clarifies who we are, a distinctly Christian university that welcomes all students to benefit from our
excellent academic programs.
The Nature of the Institution was approved by the Board of Trustees in 1961 … and will not change.
Likewise, the mission of Houston Christian University remains unchanged.
In announcing the name change to University family and friends, Dr. Robert Sloan stated, “This
University is truly a transformative place because of your support. Like you, we believe that authentic
and faithful Christian higher education, rooted in a scriptural worldview, is ever more critical in a
fractured society in need of reconciliation, hope, and healing. Thank you for the many ways—by
prayer, word of mouth, financial contributions, and influence—that you allow all of us to be part of
God’s work in this world.
The University’s mission and core convictions, which we call The Ten Pillars 2030, remain the same,
deeply rooted in the authoritative Word of God. HCU’s historic Christian commitments have not and
will not change.”