Carson-Newman celebrates winter graduates

Carson-Newman University’s Winter Commencement showcased the accomplishments of some 300 graduates. The Dec. 13 ceremony was held at the Sevierville Convention Center.

Graduates representing 27 different states and nine countries were addressed by keynote speaker, Dr. Cameron Conn, president of Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA). The Dyersburg native serves TICUA’s 34-member institutions – of which Carson-Newman is a part. In fall of 2023, TICUA member institutions throughout the state enrolled more than 77,000 students and employed more than 20,000 faculty and staff.

An avid runner, Conn shared lessons with the class she had learned throughout her 17-year career inspired by her love for running. She recounted a story of when she fell while running at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Conn shared how such a time relates to life.

“I trip. I fall down. It’s impossible to run thousands of miles and not fall down occasionally,” she said. “Sometimes it hurts more than other times. One or two times, it’s made me cry. But that’s part of it. Taking a fall usually slows me down, but it’s never stopped me. Life is like that.”

In speaking to the new graduates one final time, University President Charles A. Fowler challenged the class in its preparation for life’s new chapter.

“My charge for you is to capture a fresh vision for a Gospel-centered life,” said Fowler, noting that each had been called and equipped for a larger purpose. “I charge you to enter this new season of life and embrace the opportunities that God presents to you – that you take your academic preparation and wrap it in the practical, living out God’s purpose for your lives.”