Archive for the ‘Graduation’ Category

Say “YES” to opportunity

Friday, December 23rd, 2011 by Stephen A. South

PA professional and radio talk show host Lisa D’Andrea-Lenell encourages graduates to use the skills and knowledge learned at South College to take up the torch as the next generation of physician assistants and say “Yes!” to every opportunity during the recent graduation ceremonies at the Tennessee Theatre.

At South College’s Class of 2011 Physician Assistant Studies graduation ceremony on Saturday, I had the privilege to shake the hands of 50 students as they walked across the stage, received their Masters in Health Science degree and began a new life as a medical professional. In addition, a white coat ceremony was held for the 58 students in the Class of 2012 who are moving on to the clinical portion of their study of medicine. (more…)

How do you look at life?

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 by Stephen A. South

Your outlook on life has a lot to do with your success. That fact was reinforced to a packed house of students, friends and faculty during our recent graduation ceremonies held at the Tennessee Theatre.

Local radio personality and host of the television show “Anything’s Possible” Hallerin Hilton Hill encouraged the 197 graduates in the Class of 2011 to use different lenses to keep life in perspective. Of course, he had props to help us visualize the message. (more…)

Criminal Justice Program builds great foundation

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 by Stephen A. South

One of the many fascinating fields of study we have here at South College is our criminal justice program.

In June 2011, Rebecca Doell graduated from South College with her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. She was our bachelor’s program honor graduate.

Upon graduation, Rebecca was hired by the Knoxville Police Department as an evidence technician and was soon accepted to the National Forensic Academy. This is a training program at the University of Tennessee Law Enforcement Innovation Center in Oak Ridge. Law enforcement professionals from all over the country attend this program for the latest in cybercrime, homeland security and forensic training. (more…)

Mount Olive Elementary gets a great new teacher

Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 by Stephen A. South

A young man came into my office the other day. He said he wanted to thank me personally for his experience at South College and the success he has had securing employment after graduation. It was an ideal opportunity to see the school from a student’s perspective. (more…)

Students Challenged to Be the Best

Thursday, July 8th, 2010 by Stephen A. South

South College graduate and award winner, Katrina Gibson

“Demonstrate the desire to be the best.” That is the challenge issued to the South College Class of 2010 by keynote speaker Keith Goodwin, president and CEO of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Friends, family and colleagues filled the historic Tennessee Theatre Saturday, June 19, for our 128th graduation ceremony. (more…)

Eight Keys to Personal Happiness

Friday, June 25th, 2010 by Stephen A. South

Keith Goodwin is the very able president and CEO of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. He has an important and serious job taking care of sick children. But when he took time out recently to deliver the commencement address at South College, Keith imparted Eight Steps to Happiness that were both helpful and sometimes humorous. (more…)

Why do you want to earn a degree?

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 by Stephen A. South

We focus a lot on career goals at South College. We pride ourselves on providing educational opportunities in fields with job opportunities. We are constantly on the lookout for new career growth areas to help our students succeed. But there are students that come to South College with even higher goals. (more…)

First Physician Assistant Studies Students Earn Master’s Degrees

Friday, December 11th, 2009 by Stephen A. South

Dec. 19, 2009, is a banner day at South College.

It’s graduation day for our first 27 students to complete the Masters of Health Science degree in our Physician Assistant Studies program. This diverse group completed 15 months of classroom training followed by a 12-month clinical phase that included rotations all across East Tennessee. (more…)

Presidential Award Scholar Sets Great Example

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009 by Stephen A. South

South College graduate Valerie Dale proudly displays the awards she received during the South College commencement ceremonies held June 20 at the Tennessee Theatre. Dale received the Presidential Award for outstanding scholarship, leadership and service as well as the Bachelor’s in Business Administration Outstanding Student Award.

South College graduate Valerie Dale

Valerie Dale was a President’s List scholar during her time at South College. She was active and involved in school and full of enthusiasm. She also held a full time job and was raising two teenagers.

I am constantly impressed by our students here at South College –students like Valerie Dale.

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Coach Pearl Sets the Bar High for Graduates

Monday, June 22nd, 2009 by Stephen A. South

Commencement 2009 at the Tennessee Theatre was a great day for South College, our graduates and their families. Our commencement speaker was a motivational highlight.

UT Men’s Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl encouraged the 200 graduates to raise the level of expectations they have for themselves as they enter the working world.

“I try to get people to focus on the process, not the end result, to get where you want to be. Don’t allow anyone else to have a higher expectation for you than you have for yourself. Try to set the bar high.”

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