UWA announces May graduates

May 20, 2013May 20, 2013 WAW Admin commencement, Demopolis, graduation, Linden, Livingston, Sweet Water, thomaston, university of west alabama, UWA, West Alabama

LIVINGSTON — The University of West Alabama held spring commencement exercises May 11, with President Richard D. Holland conferring undergraduate, master’s, and education specialist degrees from the colleges of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics; the Division of Nursing; and the School of Graduate Studies to nearly 600 students. In addition, several special awards were presented to students and faculty.

Anetta Patterson of Union, Miss., and Zachary Riley of Quitman, Miss., each received the Ralph M. Lyon Award, which is given annually to the graduating senior(s) with the highest grade point average. The University Honors Program recognized Andrea Clanahan of Butler, Ala.

The William E. Gilbert Award for Outstanding Teaching, which annually recognizes excellence in classroom instruction at UWA, was awarded to Aliquippa Allen. An assistant professor of business administration, management, and marketing, Allen nominated and selected by the student body for the prestigious honor.

Longtime faculty member Micky Smith was named Emeritus Professor of Mathematics during commencement exercises. Smith is a 1973 and 1976 graduate of UWA (then Livingston University) and joined the faculty in 1981. Throughout his tenure, Smith has taught mathematics and served the University in a host of other capacities in areas of student success and retention, athletics, and environmental programs.

The University conferred honorary degrees to meteorologist James Spann of Birmingham, Ala., and education specialist Catherine Valentino of West Kingston, R.I. Each received the honorary doctor of laws degree.

Spring 2013 graduates include (by state, then hometown):

Demopolis
RachelBuroker
Bachelor of Business Administration
Accounting

Demopolis
Tammy Conley
Associate in Science
Nursing

Demopolis
Sherilyn Garner
Bachelor of Science
Biology Comprehensive

Demopolis
Melon Greene
Master of Science in Continuing Education
Counseling and Psychology

Demopolis
Rebecca Murray
Bachelor of Science
Mathematics, Computer Information Systems

Demopolis
Danielle Williams
Associate in Science
Nursing

Demopolis
Erik Witherspoon
Master of Arts in Teaching

Dixons Mills
Laketia Allen
Master of Science in Continuing Education
College Student Development

Dixons Mills
Clyive Pritchett
Education Specialist
Instructional Leadership

Dixons Mills
Amber Walker
Associate in Science
Nursing

Dixons Mills
Nakarra Young
Bachelor of Science
Mathematics