Elizabeth City, NC – April 26, 2013 – Mid-Atlantic Christian University will hold its spring commencement services on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m. in the riverfront Chesson Gymnasium in the Al Blanton III Campus Life Center at 715 N. Poindexter Street. The President of Mid-Atlantic Christian University, Dr. D. Clay Perkins, invites students’ families, friends, and the community to attend the commencement services. The Commencement speaker will be Dennis L. Crehan, Minister of Jarvisburg Church of Christ. Valedictorian, Joshua S. Bondy, of Kernersville, NC, and Salutatorian, Sarah J. White, of Ivor, VA, will present speeches. David A. Broyles, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, class of 2013, will perform an original song. Dr. Kevin W. Larsen, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Kendall S. Greene, Vice President for Student Service, will participate in the ceremony.
The Class of 2013 will be awarded Bachelor Degrees in fields of study such as Christian Ministry, Youth and Family Ministry, Counseling, Cross-Cultural Ministry, Entrepreneurial Leadership and Elementary Education. This marks the first year for two important programs to present graduates. The Elementary Education program will present five graduates for the first time. The School of Professional Studies will present six graduates for the first time.
Over thirty candidates will receive degrees at the ceremony Saturday morning. These students come from North Carolina and Virginia mostly, but the class of 2013 also includes a student from the country of Ghana, West Africa. Other states represented are Colorado, New York, Florida, Michigan, and Missouri.
This year marks the first year for degrees conferred from two programs: the School of Professional Studies and the Elementary Education program. Six graduates will complete degrees through the School of Professional Studies. The School of Professional Studies allows students who have had previous college credits an opportunity to finish requirements to complete their degrees. The Elementary Education program awards Bachelor of Science degrees, which prepare students to take the next step of obtaining licensure as Elementary teachers. Five students will graduate with the Elementary Education degree.
Commencement speaker, Dennis L. Crehan is the minister at Jarvisburg Church of Christ in Jarvisburg, North Carolina. During his twenty plus years at the church, the church has seen significant growth and provided important services to the community. Crehan was instrumental in creating a private Christian school, Jarvisburg Christian Academy, which shares facilities with the church. In an effort to assist the community, Crehan partnered with a local food bank and Social Services to help develop a county-wide system for helping those in need with clothing, food and financial resources. Crehan established the Preaching Ministry Advisory Council at Mid-Atlantic Christian University to oversee the encouragement and instruction of the students in the preaching program. Dennis Crehan is a graduate of Mid-Atlantic Christian University. In 1993, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Preaching and Bible. He also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. He and his wife, Debbie, have one daughter, Olivia, who is a student in the class of 2013 at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She will graduate Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Counseling & Psychology with a minor in Nonprofit Administration.
Questions or comments may be directed to the Office of the President.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Mid-Atlantic Christian University.
Mid-Atlantic Christian University, a private, faith based, four year college is committed to equality of educational opportunity and will not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, disability, or prior military service. Federal guidelines (Sections 702-703 of Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act) clearly recognize the right of church related institutions to seek personnel who will support the goals of the institution. Being a student or employee at Mid-Atlantic Christian University requires a commitment and lifestyle consistent with the institution's mission and values.
Media Contact:
Sandra Perkins, Foundation Director
252.334.2003 or sandra.perkins@macuniversity.edu
