PROGRAM
Processional
ROTC Color Guard
Traditional Bagpipe Marches
Adrian McNeil and John Starke
“Pomp and Circumstance” (Edward Elgar)
Amalgam Brass
National Anthem*
Ashlynn Charles ‘24
Invocation*
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Carter, William C. Bennett Chaplain
Welcome Remarks & Award Recognitions
Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D., President
Traditional Undergraduate Class Speaker
Ashby Powell King ‘22
School of Professional Studies Class Speaker
Nicole Angel Lyons ‘21
ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
Major William Burgdorf
Students Receiving Commission
Hannah Lynn Slone ‘22
Ja’Unn Lamonta Caldwell ‘22
Commencement Speaker
Sepi Saidi, Founder & CEO of SEPI, Inc.
Honorary Degree Candidate Sepi Saidi
Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.
Billie J. Redmond, Chair, Board of Trustees
Presentation of Candidates
Melanie Fuller, Ph.D., Registrar
Lori Holcomb McClaren, Ph.D., Executive Director of the School of Professional Studies
Conferring of Degrees
Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.
Closing Remarks
Brian C. Ralph, Ph.D.
Benediction*
Rev. Dr. R. Lee Carter
Recessional*
Amalgam Brass
William Peace University Alma Mater*
Ashlynn Charles ‘24
*Audience please stand if able.
2022 Commencement Speaker & Honorary Degree Recipient
Sepideh (Sepi) Saidi is the founder and CEO of SEPI, Inc., headquartered in Raleigh. The civil engineering firm offers full-service infrastructure design, planning, and construction management services to public and private clients throughout the southeast.
Saidi was born in Tehran, Iran, where she was raised with an emphasis on education and independence. She excelled in science and math throughout school and chose to major in engineering at NC State. Due to the political turmoil in Iran in the 1980s, Saidi was separated from her family and her financial support.
Saidi started her company in 2001 with $35,000 in home equity. SEPI, Inc. had $36 million in gross revenue in 2021. Saidi and her company have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Fast 50 by Triangle Business Journal, Zweig Group’s Best Places to Work For and Hot Firm, Inc. 5000, the Triangle Business Journal as Businessperson of the Year; Saidi was also inducted into the North Carolina Business Hall of Fame.
She has served on multiple nonprofit boards and professional organizations, which currently include the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority Executive Board, the NC Chamber of Commerce, and the FMI Board of Directors.

Sepi Saidi
2022 Awards
The Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham Award
The Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham Award for academic achievement was established in 1969 in memory of the late Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham, the first student to matriculate at the Peace Institute in 1872. The award is presented to the graduating senior whose academic record places him/her at the top of his/her class as Valedictorian. Additionally, this award is given to the student who, in the faculty’s opinion, exemplifies commendable traits of citizenship, cooperation, and concern for others.
Rafael Ortega, Jr., B.A., Criminal Justice
Rafael Ortega is recognized as the Valedictorian and recipient of the Katherine Bryan Sloan Graham Award. Dr. Elizabeth Kusko, Associate Professor of Political Science, praises Rafel as “an outstanding student … brilliant, curious, hard-working, thoughtful, a critical thinker, an exceptional writer! He’s every professor’s dream.”
She says “Rafael reached his goal and attained this incredible accomplishment while juggling so many life responsibilities. Rafael worked tirelessly for this accomplishment, and I can think of no one more deserving.” Congratulations to Rafael for his outstanding academic achievements and commitment to excellence!
The Outstanding Graduate Award
The Outstanding Graduate Award is presented to the William Peace University graduate who is an outstanding member of the graduating class in their academic, social, and religious leadership; in acceptance of obligations, and in general interpretation of the ideals of William Peace University.
Traditional Undergraduate Outstanding Graduate
Dillon E. Garbrandt, B.S., Biology

Dillon transferred to WPU in the Fall of 2019 and has been a leader across campus. Dillon has served as a peer tutor and undergraduate teaching assistant, and he has conducted undergraduate research. He has been a student-athlete, playing and serving as co-captain for the soccer team and playing on the tennis team. Dillon’s leadership roles include serving on the Campus Activities Board, as the student body president, as a Resident Assistant, and as a DEEP Leader. Dillon has been inducted into Beta Beta Beta National Biological Honor Society and the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society. Congratulations to Dillon for his contributions and success in the classroom and beyond.
School of Professional Studies Outstanding Graduate
Alorra Dennin Frombach, B.A., Psychology
Alorra enrolled in the School of Professional Studies after joining the Army; it allowed her to pursue her academic and career goals simultaneously. Alorra has a strong work ethic and frequently takes the initiative to address complex issues and challenges. Her ability to think creatively is one of her greatest assets. Alorra embodies what it means to be an outstanding graduate in the School of Professional Studies Student through her academic record, character, and perseverance.

Alumni Distinguished Professor
Alumni Distinguished Professor
The Alumni Distinguished Professorship, created by the Alumni Association of William Peace University, recognizes one outstanding faculty member who has a history of dedicated teaching service, distinguished teaching accomplishments, as well as demonstrated exceptional support for students’ efforts in the areas of advising, counseling, and career advancement. The Professorship is a three-year appointment and provides the recipient with a stipend for faculty development and a reserved parking space on campus. Nominations are made from the faculty, selected by the Senior Leadership Team, and approved by the Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Charles Duncan, Ph.D. – Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Duncan is an outstanding educator focused on students and their success. Dr. Duncan received more than a dozen nominations for this year’s Alumni Distinguished Professorship. His nominators had this to say about him: “He is beloved and respected by both students and faculty…his teaching style is compelling and very effective… our graduates are better students and citizens become of him…his leadership and amazing personality have led faculty and students through a very difficult couple of years… he is the first person to reach out to a student with needs…he sees the potential in all students and does everything he can to help them realize it.”
McCormick Distinguished Teaching Award
McCormick Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes a full-time faculty member with the characteristics of a master teacher and scholar, concern for the development of students, and a commitment to education. Nominations are made by students, faculty, and staff. In consultation with past recipients, the Office of Academic Affairs selects the yearly recipient.
Heidi Gailor, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Business and Coordinator of Honors Program

Dr. Gailor received numerous nominations for this award, from faculty, staff, and students, with accolades for her exemplary teaching, passion for leadership, ability to create engaging classes, and commitment to remaining current in the discipline. She is a true leader around immersive learning, incorporating travel experiences, client-based projects, guest speakers, and engaging simulations into her courses. She is also dedicated to every one of her students. One student nominee wrote that Dr. Gailor “is the professor you dream of having because of her knowledge and dedication to her students.” Another wrote, “What she does best is see the potential in all the students that sit in her classes.”
Adair Robertson, M.S. – Associate Professor of Mathematics and Coordinator of International Studies
Ms. Robertson is recognized as a master teacher and dedicated mentor, giving countless hours to her students and colleagues. She received numerous nominations for this award from faculty, staff, and students. Nominees referenced Ms. Robertson’s ability to teach challenging concepts in ways that students can understand. One student wrote that Ms. Robertson “goes above and beyond to help her students.” Another noted she is “so approachable and reliable, making time for students outside of class and office hours. She’s made Peace feel like home.”

Colleagues also celebrate Ms. Robertson’s encouraging approach, extensive service, and commitment to offering international travel to allow students to see the world. Ms. Robertson is retiring after 40 years of teaching at Peace, and this award recognizes her life’s work in support of WPU and our students.
Alumni Distinguished Advising Award
Alumni Distinguished Advising Awards are given each year to two faculty advisors who demonstrate excellence in academic advising, support of advising program goals, and commitment to improving advising effectiveness.
Corinne Andersen, Ph.D. – Professor of English and Program Director of English

Numerous students nominated Dr. Andersen for this award, celebrating her patience, thoroughness, and that she always takes time for her students. One student wrote, “She made sure that I was good, pushed me past my limits, and encouraged me to step outside the box. She is reliable and is just a good human to have in your corner! She deserves this award!” We celebrate Dr. Andersen for her continuous mentoring and support of her advisees and all students.
Lisa Bonner, Ph. D. – Professor of Biology and Department Chair of Science and Mathematics
Numerous students nominated Dr. Bonner for this award, praising her detailed advising plans, attention to detail, and genuine care for each of her students. One student wrote, “Dr. Bonner is incredibly thorough at tailoring advice for each student.” Another noted that Dr. Bonner is “very helpful with any needs and is always there to lend a helping hand. She truly cares about the individual success of the student.”

We celebrate Dr. Bonner for the dedication and care she demonstrates for her advisees and all students.
The Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award
The Part-Time Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, initiated in 2021, recognizes one part-time faculty member in our Traditional Undergraduate program and one in the School of Professional Studies. William Peace University benefits from the positive contributions of many part-time faculty members dedicated to outstanding teaching, including classroom innovation, consistent commitment to students and their success, and contributions to the academic department or University. The award recipients must have taught at William Peace University for at least three semesters.
Traditional Undergraduate Recipient
Jennifer Suchanec, M.A. – Instructor of English

Ms. Suchanec has taught part-time at WPU for over 15 years and is a contributing member of the English department faculty. She received multiple nominations for this award in recognition of her dedication to her students and commitment to improving her own teaching every semester. One nominee writes that “She is not the type of instructor who just puts a new date on an old syllabus and calls it a day. She experiments, innovates, and updates her course every semester; she’ll even pivot mid-semester to meet the needs of her students and keep things fresh.”
We are grateful for Ms. Suchanec’s ongoing contributions to the English department and her dedication to her courses and her students.
School of Professional Studies Recipient
Dale O’Neal, M.S., M.S.N. – Instructor of Nursing

Ms. O’Neal joined WPU as a part-time faculty member when the program started in 2019. She is an integral part of the Nursing faculty and serves on the Nursing Advisory Board. One nominator noted that she is “an excellent teacher who engages with her students to ensure that their educational experience is of the highest quality.” Another stated, “She has been an engaged and supportive colleague and goes above and beyond to attend faculty meetings, advise in the nursing program, and attend social and celebratory events with the students.”
Another noted that Ms. O’Neal “worked one-on-one with students to make sure that they could achieve the learning outcomes for the course.”
We are grateful for Ms. O’Neal’s commitment to the Nursing program and her assistance in launching the RN to BSN program and her excellent teaching and commitment to her students.
2022 Alumni Association President
Kristy Mallard, a Peace College graduate of 1993, is the current President of the William Peace University Alumni Association and a member of the Board of Trustees. She shared remarks to graduates in a video available on WPU social media accounts.
As a student, she was a member and co-captain of the Peace Pacers Dance Team. After graduation from Peace, Ms. Mallard completed her degree at North Carolina State College of Textiles and went on to have a career in the apparel and golf industry, working for Ralph Lauren, Peter Millar, and now G/FORE.
Ms. Mallard’s fondest memories of her time at Peace include sitting on the side porch of East (Frazier) with fellow classmates, chapel services, daddy-daughter weekend, and spending time on a small campus where you knew everyone.
Ms. Mallard and her husband, Matt, have one daughter and son-in-law who live in Savannah, GA. She lives in Greensboro, NC, where she plays golf, teaches yoga, and is an active member of Westover Church.
The mission of the William Peace University Alumni Association is to celebrate the uniqueness of the Peace experience, support and engage with current students and alumni, and build personal and lasting ties between alumni, the University and the community.
Ms. Mallard’s Remarks to Graduates
2022 Student Speakers
The Student Speaker is an honor granted to one graduating senior from the Traditional Undergraduate class and one from the School of Professional Studies. To be considered, students must be in good academic standing and good conduct standing to ensure they are exemplary representatives of their graduating class. After applying, students are selected by the Commencement Committee.
Class of 2022 Traditional Undergraduate Student Speaker
Ashby Powell King, B.S., Biology
Class of 2022 School of Professional Studies Student Speaker
Nicole Angel Lyons, B.A., Education
2022 Graduates
Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts Degree
Georges Rabih Abi-Aad | Magna Cum Laude | Apex, NC | Simulation and Game Design |
Dalton Chase Albright | Mebane, NC | Education | |
Edgar Ivan Arrieta Reyes | Summa Cum Laude | Monterrey, Mexico | Psychology |
Daniel Cole Atwood | Magna Cum Laude | Mount Olive, NC | Interdisciplinary Studies |
Kyana Danyse Ayscue | Henderson, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Patrick Thomas Bacher | Simulation and Game Design | ||
Cierra Renee Baker | Cum Laude | Fuquay-Varina, NC | Criminal Justice |
Kimberly Barrios-Carranza | Magna Cum Laude | Wendell, NC | Criminal Justice |
Krishira Imani Batts | Wilson, NC | Psychology | |
Jody Tennille Berry | Morehead City, NC | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
Ana-Elizabeth Lance Brewer | Dunn, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Kristen Nicole Brown | Fayetteville, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Travis E. Brown, II | Magna Cum Laude | Asheville, NC | Simulation and Game Design |
Walter R. Brown | Fayetteville, NC | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
William Dean Bunce, III | Apex, NC | Political Science | |
Ja’Unn Lamonta Caldwell | Fayetteville, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Christian C. Chrietzberg | Simulation and Game Design | ||
Megan Savannah Clark | Cum Laude | Granite Falls, NC | Arts Administration |
Lauren Alexis Conway | Winterville, NC | Sport and Fitness Studies | |
Makayla Marion Cook | Magna Cum Laude | Fayetteville, NC | Communication |
Jordan Denise Davis | Summa Cum Laude | Marion, NC | Anthropology |
Samara Monêt Demary | Cum Laude | Wake Forest, NC | English |
Bailey Elizabeth Ellison | New Bern, NC | Biology | |
Jissely Estrella | Paterson, NJ | Psychology | |
Anne Elyse Evans | Bluffton, SC | Communication | |
Nicholas J. Falso | Cum Laude | Charles Town, WV | Environmental Studies |
Katherine Lynn Fox | Raleigh, NC | English | |
Levi Corbin Fraleigh | Knightdale, NC | Psychology | |
Halle Ann French | Creedmoor, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Alorra Dennin Frombach | Creedmoor, NC | Psychology | |
William David Gay, III | Summa Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Simulation and Game Design |
Quentin Justin Germain | Cary, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Libby Hannah Giles | Gilford, NH | Psychology | |
Sarah Elaine Golden | Summa Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Education |
Kevin David Gonzalez | Miami Gardens, FL | Psychology | |
Rachel Anne Gorrell | Summa Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Education |
Smith Mitchell Gupton | Youngsville, NC | Sport and Fitness Studies | |
Katelen Hankins | Fayetteville, NC | Theatre | |
Mary Margaret Hanna | Cum Laude | Sanford, NC | English |
Kyra Brooke Harrison | Fuquay-Varina, NC | Communication | |
Jeremiah Leon Hart | Fayetteville, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Rawan Ehab Hassan | Raleigh, NC | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
Benjamin James Heacox | Summa Cum Laude | Rocky Mount, NC | Pre-Law |
Michael Douglas Hernandez Garcia | Salisbury, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Graham Hardison Hill | Kinston, NC | Communication | |
Haley Lynn Hinton | Swansboro, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Chandler John Hughes | Fayetteville, NC | Environmental Studies | |
Colton Reid Jackson | Jacksonville, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Juliana M. Jaynes | Holly Springs, NC | Psychology | |
Stephen Edward Johnson | Summa Cum Laude | New Canaan, CT | Education |
Tanaisha Monae Jones | Magna Cum Laude | Holly Springs, NC | Education |
Christian Heath Langley | Greenville, NC | History | |
Colin Tyler Lay | Raleigh, NC | Psychology | |
Zaria Rene Lendore | Brooklyn, NY | Pre-Law | |
Abigail L. Liles | Summa Cum Laude | Worcester, MA | Simulation and Game Design |
Tanner Shay Lowe | Summa Cum Laude | New Castle, IN | Psychology |
Nicole Angel Lyons | Durham, NC | Education | |
Emily Rose Maczko | Binghamton, NY | Education | |
Kimberly Renee McClain-Coleman | Magna Cum Laude | Fuquay-Varina, NC | Education |
Brett Edward Vincent McIntyre | Cum Laude | Harrisburg, PA | History |
Taylor Reid McKeel | Roanoke Rapids, NC | Pre-Law | |
Matthew Kinley Merino | Magna Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Simulation and Game Design |
Shawntez Monique Mickens | Winston-Salem, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Jordan Lynn Miller | Summa Cum Laude | Lexington, SC | Anthropology |
Victoria Lonette Mims | Durham, NC | Communication | |
Turner Arden Mitchiner | Garner, NC | Sport and Fitness Studies | |
James Brent Montgomery, II | Hendersonville, NC | Biology | |
Ann Slott Moore | Burlington, NC | Interdisciplinary Studies | |
Virginia Louise Nelson | Jacksonville, NC | Anthropology | |
Jake Thomas Norris | Wake Forest, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Phoenicia Y. Oliver | Psychology | ||
Rafael Ortega, Jr. | Summa Cum Laude | Bunn, NC | Criminal Justice |
Juan Carlos Pleitez | Lenoir, NC | Political Science | |
Michelle Porizkova | Little Egg Harbor, NJ | English | |
Emily Louise Puckett | Summa Cum Laude | Oxford, NC | Education |
Tyheim Fritzgerald Purdie | Lumber Bridge, NC | Sport and Fitness Studies | |
Brian Steven Rivera-Segura | Raleigh, NC | Biology | |
Jordan Nicole Rogers | Magna Cum Laude | Mebane, NC | Criminal Justice |
Grayson Genell Rose | Cum Laude | Wake Forest, NC | Political Science |
Allison McKenna Schaper | Summa Cum Laude | Forest Grove, OR | Criminal Justice |
Taylor Marie Schramm | Palmyra, IL | Psychology | |
William Sullivan Shafer | Magna Cum Laude | Wilmington, NC | Political Science |
Tia Lisa Silva | Summa Cum Laude | Litchfield Park, AZ | Pre-Law |
Hannah Lynn Slone | Deerfield Beach, FL | Biology | |
Tucker Attila Soltesz | Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Sport and Fitness Studies |
Heather Margaret Spataro | Summa Cum Laude | Apex, NC | Simulation and Game Design |
Dale Wayne Spencer, Jr. | Apex, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Samuel Humberto Suazo-Carbajal | Swansboro, NC | Communication | |
Shauna Marie Taylor | Clayton, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Shannon Isaiah Thomas | Spartanburg, SC | Strategic Communication | |
Christina Marie Valentic | Knightdale, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Kristian Tyler West | Clinton, MD | Simulation and Game Design | |
Nichele Renee Whitaker | Enfield, NC | Psychology | |
Jasmine Alicia Wilkins | Fayetteville, NC | Simulation and Game Design | |
Shelby Elisabeth Wolfe | Cherokee, NC | Criminal Justice | |
Brittany Alexis Wortman | Stafford, VA | Anthropology |
Candidates for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree
Emily Claire Freer | Summa Cum Laude | Wendell, NC | Musical Theatre |
Mary Margaret Hanna | Cum Laude | Sanford, NC | Musical Theatre |
Davyous Xavier Melvin | Jacksonville, NC | Musical Theatre | |
Marerika Fayeth Monroe | Winston-Salem, NC | Musical Theatre | |
Matthew D. Monroe | Winston-Salem, NC | Musical Theatre | |
Alexa Mackenzie Parker | Dunn, NC | Musical Theatre |
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science Degree
Jose Ismael Aguirre | Sanford, NC | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Ahmad Madhat AlSaleh | Amman, Jordan | Business Administration | |
Marcus Isaiah Baker | Raleigh, NC | Business Administration | |
Tabitha Rosamary Barnes | Raeford, NC | Biology | |
Parker Michael Beebe | Raleigh, NC | Business Administration | |
Sarah P. Biswas | Nairobi, Kenya | Business Administration | |
Brandon Douglas Camilo | Wake Forest, NC | Business Administration | |
Lauryn Lillian Cross | Urbana, IL | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Alyssa Charmae Crowder | Raleigh, NC | Business Analytics | |
Isaiah Jamil Davis | Raleigh, NC | Biology | |
Robert Shelton Davis | Raleigh, NC | Biology | |
Alexander James Dittmer | Raleigh, NC | Business Analytics | |
Betelehem S. Edea | Holly Springs, NC | Business Administration | |
Dillon E. Garbrandt | Summa Cum Laude | Rocky Mount, NC | Biology |
Angela Kathleen Green | Clayton, NC | Business Administration | |
Jamiya L. Hargraves | Cary, NC | Marketing | |
Jackson Roy Jessup | Mechanicsville , VA | Business Administration | |
D’Aysha Renae Jones | Raleigh, NC | Biology | |
Ashby Powell King | Magna Cum Laude | Kill Devil Hills, NC | Biology |
Bailey Nicole Lambertson | Cum Laude | Snow Hill, MD | Biology |
Amanda Leigh Lane | Cameron, NC | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Peter Lawrence | Spring Lake, NC | Business Administration | |
Richard Lopez-Hernandez | Youngsville, NC | Business Administration | |
Chanraksmey Loun | Business Administration | ||
Alyssa Maria Martinez | Beaufort, SC | Biology | |
Ethan Connor McSwain | Clayton, NC | Business Analytics | |
Kyle Drew Moore | Magna Cum Laude | Charlotte, NC | Business Administration |
Leilani H.N. Nguyen | Cum Laude | Binghamton, NY | Biology |
Matthew Joseph Piper | Business Administration | ||
Nadia Janai Pittman | Norfolk, VA | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Ivan Ponce | Clinton, NC | Business Administration | |
Christopher Donald Resta | Business Administration | ||
Jacari Ashwani Riggins | Miramar, FL | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Kriss L. Rodgers | Raleigh, NC | Business Administration | |
Derek William Roy | Fuquay-Varina, NC | Business Administration | |
Dallas Antonio Russell | Charlotte, NC | Biology | |
Ryan Eugene Sabroski | Cum Laude | Eagle River, AK | Marketing |
Bloody Samlouius | Port-au-Prince, Haiti | Marketing | |
Nathan Ian Seery | Summa Cum Laude | Maryville, TN | Business Analytics |
Austin Everett Skipper | Wilmington, NC | Business Administration | |
Candice Marie Smith | Roanoke Rapids, NC | Biology | |
Jacob Brian Smith | Mooresville, NC | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Ryan James Spear | Wake Forest, NC | Business Administration | |
Edward John Spowart | Morrisville, NC | Business Administration | |
Shreyansh Srivastava | Lucknow, India | Business Administration | |
Ralph Davis Stroud, III | Goldsboro, NC | Exercise and Sport Science | |
Katelynn E. Thompson | Cum Laude | Hickory, NC | Biology |
Nademe Wael Tokhli | Swansboro, NC | Business Administration | |
Estefania Tremul | Summa Cum Laude | Lecheria, Venezula | Exercise and Sport Science |
Donolly Leonard Tyrell, Jr. | Baltimore, MD | Business Analytics | |
Tyler James Vaughn | Dunn, NC | Business Administration | |
Arthur Robert Vernooij | Raleigh, NC | Business Administration | |
Rebekah Nicole Walker | Cum Laude | Garner, NC | Business Administration |
Ti’quan R. Whitmore | Mebane, NC | Business Administration | |
Sterling Alexander Wilburn | Raleigh, NC | Criminal Justice |
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tara Lynn Bowman | Fort Plain, NY | Nursing | |
Barbara Brown Cox | Magna Cum Laude | Raleigh, NC | Nursing |
Necole D. Rasavong | Raleigh, NC | Nursing | |
Amy Kathryn Stevens | Johnstown, PA | Nursing | |
Buffy Jo Tharpe | Louisburg, NC | Nursing | |
Mandu Utibe Udoh | Raleigh, NC | Nursing |
UNIVERSITY SEAL
The University Seal was updated in 2011 to reflect the institution’s new name, William Peace University, and to represent its rich history. In 1930, Peace Institute was renamed Peace, A Junior College for Women, and in 1943, renamed Peace College. In 2011, the administration and Trustees announced the institution would transition from a single-gender institution into a fully co-educational school. The new name was chosen in honor of William Peace, founder of and original benefactor. Throughout its history, Peace’s motto has been “Esse Quam Videri”—“To be, rather than to seem”—which is also the State of North Carolina’s motto, adopted in 1893.

UNIVERSITY MACE
As early as the twelfth century, academic institutions carried ceremonial maces indicating that the university’s academic integrity was protected by God and all truth that flowed from God. The William Peace University Mace symbolizes academic authority and is carried in all academic processions, including Academic Convocation, Commencement, Academic Awards Day, and other formal University ceremonies. The William Peace University Mace was presented as a gift and lasting legacy from the graduating Class of 2016 during Class Day and in honor of the occasion of the Installation of Dr. Brian C. Ralph, 11th President of William Peace University. The design of the mace incorporates elements of the University seal on one side and the seal of the Presbyterian Church (USA) on the other side. A cross and a torch are imposed on the diamond background and represent Christianity and knowledge. On the banner beneath the torch and cross is the date 1857, the founding of the Peace Institute. The elements of the cross and torch are further displayed in the gold surrounds that sit atop the staff. The mace bearer is typically the Faculty Moderator who wears a medallion bearing the seal of the University. When not in use, the Mace is displayed in Main Parlor alongside the Peace College Mace, first used in 1999. A new display case was constructed in April 2016 to honor the importance of these two symbols of our academic history.
UNIVERSITY MARSHALS
William Peace University Marshals are those students who have achieved the highest academic standing among their peers.
2022 University Marshals
Sophomore Marshals:
Courtney Arnold, ‘24
Emmarose Boylan, ‘24
Junior Marshals:
Kelsey Bierbauer, ‘24
Shelby Cooper, ‘23
Katey Doyle, ‘23
Connor Phillips, ‘23
THE HONORARY DOCTORAL DEGREE
William Peace University’s honorary doctoral degree was established as the highest academic award in 2011 by former WPU President Dr. Debra M. Townsley and the University’s Board of Trustees.
Previous Recipients
Elizabeth Averill Harkey ’38 (2011)
Trent Ragland, Jr. (2011)*
Rep. Deborah K. Ross (2011)
William G. Ross (2011)*
Josephine Beatty Chadwick ’43 (2012)
Hon. Burley B. Mitchell (2012)
Harvey A. Schmitt (2012)
Erskine Bowles (2013)
Jacquelin Quesenberry Jeutter ’50 (2013)*
Fay Jackson Anderson ’54 (2014)
Nancy L. McFarlane (2014)
Annie L. Wilkerson, M.D. (2014)*
Sara Jo Allen Manning ’58 ’60 (2015)
Assad Meymandi, M.D. (2015)
Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D. (2015)
Lynn Kendrick Erdman ’75 (2016)
Sally Buckner (2017)*
James F. Goodmon (2017)
Jamie Valvano (2018)
Machelle Sanders (2019)
Mitchell Silver (2020)
Robert A. Ingram (2021)
Sepi Saidi (2022)
*Deceased
William Peace University Alma Mater
In the heart of Carolina,
’Neath its skies of blue,
Stands our noble Alma Mater,
Glorious to view.
Classic in her broad proportions,
Looks she proudly down
Reared against the arch of heaven,
With the stars for crown.
Chorus
Lift the chorus, speed it onward; Let it never cease;
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater; Hail, all hail, to Peace!
Words by Miss Martha McCorkle and Miss Nannie Carrington Dinwiddie, Peace Institute Instructor and daughter of James Dinwiddie, 2nd president, 1890–1907.
- University Faculty 2022Mohamdod Alzer, M.A., Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science
Corinne Andersen, Ph.D., Professor of English
Jennifer Blush, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology
Amanda Bock, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Special Education
Lisa Bonner, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
Rhonda Brown, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biology
Rev. R. Lee Carter, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Religion and William C. Bennett Chaplain
Roger Christman, M.Ed., Associate Professor of Communication and Simulation and Game Design
Brandon Crews, M.A.D., Assistant Professor of Simulation and Game Design
Charles Duncan, Ph.D., Professor of English
Heidi Gailor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Business
Matthew Hodge, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre
Sandra Holsonback, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Business
Caleb Husmann, D.A., Assistant Professor of Political Science
Erica Jastrow, Ed.D., Assistant Professor of Nursing
Elizabeth Kusko, D.A., Associate Professor of Political Science
Eliza Laskowski, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English
Hrvoje Lusic, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Marti Maguire, M.A., Assistant Professor of Communication
Scott McElreath, Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy
Kayce Meginnis-Payne, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
Vincent Melomo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology
Patrick Myer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology
Wade Newhouse, Ph.D., Professor of English
Carolyn Nye, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Business
Katherine Otis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
Margaret Polt, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Business
Amy Pridgen, M.F.A., Associate Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre
Ruth Reece, M.A., Assistant Professor of Mathematics
Adair Robertson, M.S., Associate Professor of Mathematics
Jennifer Russell, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education
Summer Sides, M.S., Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science
Eugenia Treadwell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Communication
Robin Vincent, M.Ed., Associate Professor of Education
Michelle Wang, M.B.A., Assistant Professor of Business
Betty Witcher, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology
- Faculty and Staff EmeritiEmilie Patton de Luca, Ph.D., French
David Frazier, Ph.D., President Emeritus
Valerie G. Hall, Ph.D., History
Korrel Kanoy, Ph.D., Psychology
Archie Ritchie, M.S., Mathematics
Laura G. Vick, Ph.D., Anthropology
- Academic RegaliaThe pomp and pageantry of the William Peace University academic ceremonies grow out of a rich tradition of scholarship and religion. The bagpipes that herald the academic procession have their origins in the High Scottish Presbyterian Church ritual in which honored individuals are piped into an arena. The wearing of colorful academic apparel at academic convocations and commencement ceremonies serves as a reminder of our union with an academic heritage whose ceremonial tradition dates from the medieval university. William Peace University graduates wear gowns of Peace Green with hoods of the same color trimmed in white.
Faculty wear the regalia of the institution that conferred their highest degree. The doctoral gowns are usually faced with black velvet, although the color of the velvet may vary according to the field of study. Hoods, which differ in length according to the level of the degree held, are lined with the official colors of the university or college that conferred the degree, usually with one color forming a chevron pattern over the other. Faculty hoods are edged and bound with velvet in the color appropriate to the field of study. The colors in the hoods and gowns of faculty and administrators represent the following fields in which degrees were earned:
Apricot: Nursing
Brown: Fine Arts
Citron: Social Work
Crimson: Journalism
Dark Blue: Philosophy
Golden Yellow: Science
Green: Medicine
Lemon Yellow: Library Science Light Blue: Education
Orange: Engineering
Peacock Blue: Public Administration
Pink: Music
Purple: Law
Sage Green: Physical Education
Salmon Pink: Public Health
Scarlet: Theology
Yellow Brown: Commerce, Business, Accountancy
White: Arts, Letters, Humanities