Mars Hill University Confers 199 Degrees

May 10, 2025

“Resilience, Commitment, and Risk-Taking” Mark Spring 2025 Commencement

Caroline Rizzo a political science major and a Heritage Student from Flagler Beach, Florida, receives her diploma from President Tony Floyd

“Our legacy is not defined by any one moment. It’s a collection of experiences, struggles, victories, and growth we’ve all shared together,” Mars Hill University graduate Braxton Robinson told his fellow graduates during the university’s spring commencement ceremony. This sentiment of shared accomplishment defined the day as the university conferred 199 degrees on 193 graduates (six graduates double-majored) on Saturday, May 10, 2025, marking one of the largest graduating classes in several years.

Thirty-one graduates received master’s degrees, while 162 undergraduates were awarded 168 bachelor’s degrees. The undergraduate degrees presented were the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Social Work. Graduate degrees were the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Education, and Master of Management.

In a special nod to university tradition, several members of the Class of 1975, returning for their 50-year reunion, led the procession of graduates into the auditorium and were recognized on stage during the ceremony.

Robinson, a psychology major from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, delivered the student address representing the traditional undergraduate students. He reflected on three pillars that shaped his class’s legacy at Mars Hill: resilience, commitment, and risk-taking. “We started this journey in the midst of uncertainty,” he said. “And yet here we are, stronger than we ever thought possible. Through a global pandemic, political turmoil, and natural disasters, we didn’t just survive—we persevered.”

Lindsey Sparks, a social work major from Bakersville, North Carolina, gave the student address representing the Adult and Graduate Studies program. She shared her personal journey of overcoming educational challenges to earn her degree. “We all know that great accomplishments come with great challenges, but it’s the strength and support of community that helps us overcome this,” Sparks said. She credited Mars Hill’s faculty and her internship experience with helping her find her calling in end-of-life care.

Braxton Robinson, a psychology major from Murfreesboro, North Carolina, delivers a student address.

“Class of 2025, as you move forward in your journey, remember that the power of community, personal dedication, and gratitude are important,” Sparks advised her classmates. “And as I have learned, sometimes even the smallest of choices can lead to your identity.”

Robinson similarly encouraged graduates to carry forward the qualities that defined their time at the university: “As we leave Mars Hill, let us carry with us the same resilience, commitment, and courage that defined us here. The world beyond these gates will test us, but I have no doubt in my mind that the class of 2025 will rise to every challenge.”

The ceremony began with an invocation by Nic Varner, an English major from Spruce Pine, North Carolina. William Pooser, a music performance major from Asheville, North Carolina, provided special music for the occasion, performing alongside several members of the Mars Hill percussion ensemble.

In the days leading up to commencement, several recognition ceremonies honored graduates from specific programs. Graduates in the natural sciences program were recognized with a Lab Coat Ceremony, while those in the allied health sciences program participated in a White Coat Ceremony. Nursing program graduates were honored with a traditional Pinning Ceremony, and heritage students—those who have a parent or other family member who also attended Mars Hill—were celebrated in a Heritage Student Cording Ceremony.

More photos from commencement
Spring 2025 Graduates

• Maya Kadence Adams, Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Conservation Biology – Taylorsville, NC
• Elizabeth Caroline Albright, Master of Arts in Teaching – Asheville, NC
• Maggie Elizabeth Anders, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Cumming, GA
• Elisha Gage Anthony, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Pickens, SC
• Chelsea Kendall Baker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Naples, FL
• Elisha Kevin Barnette, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Mars Hill, NC
• Bruno Barrera-Hernandez, Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Conservation Biology – Spindale, NC
• Jared Tyrese Benain, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts – Marietta, GA
• Deja Ariel Benton, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Asheville, NC
• Cassie Rena Berry, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Hickory, NC
• Catherine Faith Bodick, Master of Management – Mooresville, NC
• Tatum Jane Bowen, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Charlotte, NC
• Elizabeth Davis Bristol, Master of Education – Hendersonville, NC
• Ivy Magdalene Brooks, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre – Silver Spring, MD
• Samuel Thomas Brooks, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Denver, NC
• Brayden Michael Brookshire, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Clyde, NC
• Ezekiel Timothy Brown, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Waverly, OH
• Margaret Hellewell Bryant, Master of Arts in Teaching – Asheville, NC
• Skylar MacKenzie Camby, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Canton, NC
• Braedon Ian Cannady, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Jacksonville, NC
• Emma Nicole Carroll, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Marion, NC
• Scott Thomas Casagrande, Bachelor of Arts in History – Bunn, NC
• Jessica Michelle Case, Bachelor of Social Work – Black Mountain, NC
• Rebecca Lynn Chamberlain, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Hendersonville, NC
• Victoria May Chambers, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Covina, CA
• Naya Shyenne Clamp, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Charlotte, NC
• Ridge Windham Clayton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Roxboro, NC
• Erin Nicole-Love Cline, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Vale, NC
• Gabriel O’Brian Coker, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Canon, GA
• Cjon Drakkar Conley, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Asheville, NC
• Emily Hope Coxie, Master of Arts in Teaching – Asheville, NC
• Nathan Crissey, Master of Management – Land O Lakes, FL
• Braxton Taft Cummings, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Lillington, NC
• Andrew George Dafoe, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Tiny, ON
• Parker Harrison Davis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Yorktown, VA
• Kadyn Alexander Dawkins, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences – Whitsett, NC
• Addison Adair Easter, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Clinton, SC
• Teffany Sarah Edwards, Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Valdosta, GA
• Jonathan Alexander Eguia, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art/Visual Art – Winter Haven, FL
• Adam Benjamin Ensley, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Clyde, NC
• Zachary Ivan Mason Ensley, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Clyde, NC
• Samuel Reilly Evans, Bachelor of Arts in English – Bostic, NC
• Emily K Farrior, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Greenville, SC
• Skye Leigh Fitzhugh, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Mars Hill, NC
• Armond Paul Naquail Flood, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Simpsonville, SC
• Lauren Ashley Ford, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Acworth, GA
• Hannah Rose Frazer, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Johns Creek, GA
• Ashtin Sean Gainey, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Greensboro, NC
• Maxwell Marcellus Gaither, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Harrisburg, NC
• Alexandra Galinsky, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – San Diego, CA
• Riley Morgan Gall, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Jonesborough, TN
• Charlotte Bailes Garcia, Bachelor of Social Work – Hendersonville, NC
• Jovanny Garcia Melgar, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – East Flat Rock, NC
• Zachary James Gardner McMinn, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Coquitlam, BC
• Abby Joyce Gatch, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Waxhaw, NC
• Willa Emma Gettys, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Bostic, NC
• Simone Alexis Giggetts, Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing – Saint Cloud, FL
• Madison Rena Gillie, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Rutherfordton, NC
• Brooke Lynn Grabowski, Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy and Psychology – Morganton, NC
• Evan Daniel Grant, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Mount Pleasant, SC
• Kaitlyn Miranda Gregory, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Lincolnton, NC
• Kobe Lewis Griffin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Greenville, SC
• Kaitlyn Rose Gundersen, Bachelor of Social Work – Hendersonville, NC
• Paulo Andres Gutierrez Ruperti, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Guayaquil, Ecuador
• Gabriel Gutierrez-Chavez, Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Burnsville, NC
• Haley Nicole Hargus, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Zirconia, NC
• Brooks Labron Harris, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Louisville, KY
• Brogan Michelle Heavner, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Cherryville, NC
• Shane Sloan Hecht, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Spotsylvania, VA
• Jaidyn Paul Hicks, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences – Grayson, GA
• Lydia Autumn Hildebrand, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Integrated Education (K-12) – Morgonton, NC
• Laycee Darlie Hoffman, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Elementary Education (K-6) – Lincolnton, NC
• Benjamin Troy Hoilman, Master of Management – Spruce Pine, NC
• Alyssa C Hollifield, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Swannanoa, NC
• Katelyn Blaine Hovis, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre – Alexis, NC
• Rebekah Lynn Howard, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Pink Hill, NC
• Andrew Urquhart Howland, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Charlotte, NC
• Carmen Christine Hughes, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Arden, NC
• Cassidy Kristine Hull, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Mount Airy, NC
• Carla Humera, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Panama City, Panama
• Lana Nicole Hunsucker, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Mooresville, NC
• Christina Elisabeth Hunter, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Otto, NC
• Elijah Brown Hutchens, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Candler, NC
• John Albert Jackson, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Kernersville, NC
• Nolan Wesley Jamison, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Wesley Chapel, FL
• Lindsey Nicole Jenkins, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Rutherfordton, NC
• Kaitlyn Marie Johnson, Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy and Visual Arts – Huntersville, NC
• Mariah Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Asheville, NC
• Sarah Ellen Johnson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Hodges, SC
• Brennen Robert Jones, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Concord, NC
• Kaylon Tylei Jones, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – Forest City, NC
• Trent Gavin Jones, Bachelor of Arts in Community & Nonprofit Leadership – Mars Hill, NC
• Chase Nels Jorensen, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Hartwell, GA
• Grace Ellen Keaser, Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy and Psychology – Port Charlotte, FL
• Melanie Kerr, Master of Arts in Teaching – Asheville, NC
• Olivia Kincaid, Master of Management – Asheville, NC
• Abigail Paige King, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Carolina Beach, NC
• Mykayla Christine King, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Lutz, FL
• Christopher Alexander Kooken, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Mars Hill, NC
• Karrington Bethany Lacy, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Ava, IL
• Nikolas Patrick Lape, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Marshall, NC
• Malik Jahleel Laurent, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Lithia Springs, GA
• Mikayla Dawn Ledford, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Candler, NC
• Jerry Darrell Lewis, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Waxhaw, NC
• Ashley Catherine Lindsay, Master of Education – Massapequa, NY
• Caleb Austin Lominac, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Murphy, NC
• Zachary Steven Long, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Gastonia, NC
• Holly Marie Luther, Bachelor of Social Work – Asheville, NC
• Christian Hunter Mace, Bachelor of Science in Biology – Fairview, NC
• Collin Dabney Maides, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Mathematics – Greenville, SC
• Miranda Jean Marks, Master of Management – Mars Hill, NC
• James Rigney Martin, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Suwanee, GA
• Cailyn Amber Martinez, Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Altamonte Springs, FL
• Marcos Martinez Fernandez, Master of Management – Mars Hill, NC
• Andrea Martinez Miranda, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Fashion Marketing – Barcelona, Spain
• Chapel Lane Matson, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Marion, NC
• Josh Michael McCallion, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Leduc County, AB
• Rachel Marie McGovern, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Round Hill, VA
• Nolan Blake McMillen, Master of Management – Dobson, NC
• Xavier Douglas Meekins, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Lynnwood, WA
• Raegan Nichole Metcalf, Bachelor of Music in Music Education – Alexander, NC
• Ji’Lil Maliq Michael, Master of Management – Burlington, NC
• Camryn Jeannette Miller, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Sandy, UT
• Landon Brentt Minton, Bachelor of Arts in International Studies – Granite Falls, NC
• Jennifer Nayeli Miranda-Pineda, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Brevard, NC
• Nasiri Monet Mond, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Humble, TX
• Abigail Noel Moody, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Marshall, NC
• Presley Christina Moore, Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts – Jesup, GA
• Antonia Rae Morgan, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Integrated Education (K-12) – Waxhaw, NC
• Donavan R Morris, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Lawrenceville, GA
• Alina Mueller, Bachelor of Science in Biology – Bad Saeckingen, Germany
• Naja Ngongba, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Manassas, VA
• James Abbott Nixon, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – State Road, NC
• Alexander Oleschuk, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Orange, CT
• Kelly Ann Pack, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Alexander, NC
• Farley Morgan Park, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Charleston, SC
• Ella Marylee Parton, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Rutherfordton, NC
• Ronin Bates Pettit, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences – West Columbia, SC
• Arinha Phouamnoy, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Asheville, NC
• William Alan Pooser, Bachelor of Music in Music Performance – Asheville, NC
• Madison Michelle Price, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Elementary Education (K-6) – Benson, NC
• Caleigh Elizabeth Queen, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Bryson City, NC
• Tristan Jerome Rankin, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Hickory, NC
• Steven Jones Reid, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Granite Falls, NC
• Anahi Yvette Reta, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Landis, NC
• Kayla Grace Rice, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Marshall, NC
• Nevaeh Grace Rice, Bachelor of Arts in Community & Nonprofit Leadership – Mars Hill, NC
• Caroline Mary-Eliza Rizzo, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Flagler Beach, FL
• Braxton Christoff Robinson, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Murfreesboro, TN
• Emily Jane Rollins, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Union Mills, NC
• Cole Keith Murdoch Ross, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Prince Albert, SK
• Marianne Grace Ross, Master of Management – Greer, SC
• Hannah Dawanna Rowe, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Elementary Education (K-6) – Asheville, NC
• Bobbie Jean Russell, Bachelor of Arts in Education- Elementary Education (K-6) – Greenville, SC
• Rebeca Becky Sanchez-Oliveros, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences – Durham, NC
• Jordan D Schmucker, Master of Arts in Teaching – Myakka City, FL
• Piper Grace Seagle, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Taylorsville, NC
• Lindsey Marie Sparks, Bachelor of Social Work – Bakersville, NC
• Ivy Naomi Stafford, Bachelor of Social Work – Newland, NC
• Haley Marie Stallings, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice – Rock Hall, MD
• Wadarrius Ailquan Steed, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Manchester, GA
• Nikkayla Michelle Stewart, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Health Sciences – Greeneville, TN
• Kaidyn Cole Stone, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Lewisville, NC
• Austin Russell Stroud, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Bristow, VA
• Callie Elizabeth Swanger, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Hendersonville, NC
• Daniel Austin Tanner, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Greensboro, NC
• Rhys Morton Thomas, Master of Management – Somersham, England
• Nathan Isiah Thompson, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Atlanta, GA
• Kathryn Elizabeth Todd, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry – Cary, NC
• Emma Nicole Addison Vacha, Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Whispring Pines, NC
• Catherine Elizabeth Varela-Ruiz, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Dunn, NC
• Nicolas Evan Varner, Bachelor of Arts in English – Spruce Pine, NC
• Dylan Diego Vega, Master of Management – Pembroke Pines, FL
• Neil Janvier Vertilus, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Orlando, FL
• Arina Erica Wade, Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Sciences – Weaverville, NC
• Jake Kenney Wagoner, Master of Management – Greensboro, NC
• Kaitlyn Elizabeth Wallen, Master of Education – Weaverville, NC
• Megan Rose Walters, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Mooresville, NC
• Janiah A Watkins, Bachelor of Science in Ecology & Conservation Biology and Zoology – Elmira, NY
• Jalen K Watson, Master of Management – Columbia, SC
• Cameron-Dean Gerald Watts, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Bromsgove, England
• Jocelyn Taylor Wente, Bachelor of Science in Biology – Friendsville, TN
• Chandler Grace Werner, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Simpsonville, SC
• Brody Gage Whitson, Bachelor of Science in Biology – Fletcher, NC
• Lovelle Marquis Williams, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts – Duluth, GA
• Haley Makenzie Wilson, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Weaverville, NC
• Brandon Thomas Arron Woodward, Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance – Maple Ridge, BC
• William Anthony Woody, Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Burnsville, NC
• Ava Ariel Wright, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences – Morganton, NC
• Timmons Elizabeth Yates, Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Anderson, SC
• Whitney Allison Yoder, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Mars Hill, NC
• Nicole Caitlin Young, Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Burnsville, NC
• Elec Gaines Yount, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Catawba, NC