A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Northern Kentucky University to honor nearly 1300 students at 47th Commencement exercises today


Northern Kentucky University will honor nearly 1,300 students at its 47th Commencement exercises today.

The two ceremonies will take place at BB&T Arena. Commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences and the Haile/US Bank College of Business will begin at 9 a.m. Commencement for the College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Informatics will begin at 2 p.m.

Photo from last year’s graduation, provided


Students and their families will hear congratulatory remarks from President Ashish Vaidya, as well as two of their peers — Anson Turley and Tierra Baldwin. The Commencement address will be delivered by Dr. Debra Meyers, professor of History and recipient of NKU’s Frank Sinton Milburn Outstanding Professor Award.

Anson Turley will be the featured student speaker in the morning ceremony.

As a non-traditional student, Turley began his college career when he was 50 years old. He wanted a quality education but also needed to obtain his degree in the least possible time. He also had personal challenges in completing his degree– balancing school with a full-time career and family responsibilities that included taking care of a father with Alzheimer’s.

NKU’s Adult Learner Programs & Services, along with the credit by examination opportunities, made it possible for him to obtain a 4-year degree in 2 1⁄2 years. He credits NKU’s faculty and advisors with his educational success.

Tierra Baldwin will address the afternoon ceremony, where she will become the first graduate of NKU’s Health Communication program in the College of Informatics. Baldwin has been very involved on campus during her time at NKU as a member of the Health Professions Club, NKU R.O.C.K.S, Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society and as a peer mentor for the Campbell County Drug-Free Alliance Summit. She was a featured researcher on Dr. Whittney Darnell’s disability healthcare under Medicaid article that has been accepted into the National Communication Association Conference.

In all, 1,279 graduates will be honored on Saturday. They include students who completed degrees in August, as well as those who completed degrees in December. For more details on the ceremonies and to watch a live stream, visit NKU’s Commencement webpage.


Related Posts

Leave a Comment