East Arkansas Community College held the forty-third annual Commencement Ceremony for the graduating class of 2018 in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium on Friday, May 4th. 147 graduates in over 20 academic and technical programs were awarded a total of 238 degrees and certificates during the annual event.

Earlier in the day, EACC held the annual Honors Breakfast in recognition of students for their academic achievements at EACC.  Alexis-Kay Gahr served as the Honor Graduate representative, and Mark Morris of Jonesboro was recognized as the 2018 Distinguished Alumnus.

The Associate of Applied Science Nursing program held the annual Pinning Ceremony for eighteen graduates of the Nursing Program at 3:00 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Auditorium. 

A variety of degrees were awarded at the Commencement Ceremony including: Associate of Arts, Associate of Science degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, and Education, Associate of Applied Science degrees in Administrative Office Technology, Criminal Justice, General Technology-Diesel Technology, Medical Assisting Technology, Nursing, Paramedic, and Radiologic Technology.  Certificates awarded were: Certificate in General Studies, Technical Certificates in Administrative Office Technology, Criminal Justice, Health Professions, Paramedic, and Welding Technology. Certificates of Proficiency awarded were: Criminal Justice, Diesel Technology, Emergency Medical Technology, Medical Professions Education, and Welding Technology.

Dr. Cathie Cline, EACC President, welcomed the large crowd to the Commencement ceremonies. Honor Graduate Dylan Mathews of Palestine served as the Student Speaker and Michelle Wilson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Robert Summers, Vice President for Vocational, Occupational, and Technical Education presented the candidates as Dr. Cathie Cline conferred the degrees.  Dr. Leroy Cox, Associate Dean of Applied Science & Technology at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith also presented a Bachelor of Applied Science degree through the University Center partnership.

Dr. Cathie Cline addresses EACC students during the 2018 Commencement Ceremony.

Honor Graduate Dylan Mathews of Palestine addresses his graduating class during Friday night’s ceremony.

Dr. Cathie Cline, EACC President, presents diploma to Chris Ray. Ray graduated with a Technical Certificate Paramedic.

EACC students, Bevin Dawson, Nickyra Ellison, and Destiny Grady process into the Fine Arts Center Auditorium for the 2018 Commencement Ceremony.

EACC students, Zenobra Davis and Alexis-Kay Gahr, pose for pictures before the Commencement Ceremony.