��ҹ�糡 Celebrated more than 800 graduates in two ceremonies on its historic Alumni Lawn—a commencement for undergraduate students on Friday morning, May 8, and a commencement for graduate students on Saturday morning, May 9.����

The speaker for the Friday ceremony was President Emeritus of Rhodes College Dr. William E. Troutt. Dr. Troutt became President Emeritus of Rhodes College in 2017 after leading the college as president since 1999. Prior to Rhodes, he served as president of Belmont University for 17 years.��

Characterizing him as a master builder of educational institutions, ��ҹ�糡 President, Dr. Evans P. Whitaker, who served with Dr. Troutt at Belmont, said of him, “Many leaders manage organizations. Dr. Troutt built cultures, planting seeds whose harvest will come for generations.”��

Dr. Troutt urged the 2026 graduates to live their lives guided by a grateful heart.��

“Beginning each day and living each day with a grateful heart will be a game changer—a��game changer for you and everyone you encounter,” he said. “You can start every morning simply by giving thanks to God for the day that lies ahead. Focusing on blessings big or small will keep you anchored in God’s goodness. Each day presents countless opportunities to express gratitude and kindness to others.”��

The speaker for the Saturday ceremony was Dr. Hesham Elnakib, Distinguished University Professor of History, Political Science and International Diplomacy at ��ҹ�糡. Throughout his career in the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Elnakib has held several senior leadership positions, including serving at the Egyptian Embassy in Washington, D.C. ��

Dr. Elnakib shared with graduates about how, after serving many years as a diplomat working in international relations, diplomacy and global engagement, he found completeness in serving as an ambassador to Jesus Christ. Sharing scripture from the Apostle Paul and the Psalms, Dr. Elnakib urged the 2026 graduates to be on mission to serve others and to choose to live with integrity.��

���erving others in your work instead of focusing only on yourself… No matter what you do in life, you can live out your mission right where you are. You don’t have to leave your career to find it. You live it every day by how you treat people, how you lead and the values you choose to stand by, even when it’snot easy,” Dr. Elnakib said. “Your mission is your compass. Keep your eyes on it, and don’t let anything pull you away from it.”��

In addition to degrees conferred to Anderson graduates, ceremony highlights included AU Board of Trust Chair Shawn McGee giving the invocation in the Friday ceremony and Chair of the Academic Affairs Committee of the Board of Trust Dr. Margaret Wooten in the Saturday ceremony. Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Fritz Moise gave the benediction during the Friday ceremony, and Associate Dean of Education in the Graduate Program Julie Smart gave the benediction in the Saturday ceremony.����

During the Friday ceremony, D’Andre Hicks, student body president, presented the Class Gift, a black marble emblem to be installed at the Merritt Administration Building, inscribed with the concluding words of the Alma Mater, “We know we love our alma mater, We know the joy of life she brings, Ah but there’s one thing that only God can know; what Anderson means to me.”��

Former Anderson President Dr. Lee Royce received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree. Dr. Royce was president from 1995 until 2002, presiding over a period of significant growth in enrollment and the size of the endowment. He was succeeded by President Whitaker, who credited Dr. Royce with turning around the then two-year college during desperate times. ��

Recognizing her sacrificial and outstanding service to Anderson as First Lady alongside her husband, current First Lady Diane Whitaker presented Rhoda Royce with the Annie Dove Denmark Award.����

In the Saturday ceremony, University Provost Ryan Neal presented posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership��to Ryan Gaither Karp, who was on track to graduate in May. The degree was presented to his wife Jessica and their three children.��

Ruby Dean and D’Andre Hicks received the President’s Award. The Michael Bolles Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Professor Lauren Imhoff of the South Carolina School of the Arts.����

Students and faculty from the South Carolina School of the Arts at ��ҹ�糡 presented musical selections throughout the ceremonies.����

The post May Commencement: Celebrating Graduates and Honoring a Former President appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

The Rotunda was gifted to the University by an anonymous supporter, with other individuals providing their support as well.

After nearly two decades of service to ��ҹ�糡, Dr. Talmadge died in 2020. Additionally, he taught at the Billy Graham Center and was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson. His wife, Billie, lives in Florida with family.

“For nearly 20 years, on this campus, Dr. Talmadge influenced, shaped and bettered the lives of countless young minds and the colleagues with whom he served,” said ��ҹ�糡 President Evans P. Whitaker, Ph.D. “It appropriately epitomizes the life of its namesake: an intelligent, wise, kind, thoughtful, humorous, and steady Christian gentleman who was a giant among AU leaders. All his life, Paul quietly, humbly, and thoroughly made life a little easier and more beautiful for those around him.”

The structure is known as a “temple” or “garden folly.” It’s not a temple in the religious sense, but rather as a “temple of ideas” and a testament to Dr. Talmadge’s lifelong commitment to teaching and learning.

The name and inscription add to the campus’s unique identity rooted in its history and values. The rotunda doesn’t just tell a story; it honors Dr. Talmadge and connects the campus to timeless philosophical ideals, becoming a physical representation of the University’s commitment to cultivating not just knowledge, but also personal integrity and the classical virtues around which society is built and grows stronger.

“May this rotunda, the words inscribed on it, and the man for whom it honors always point and remind our students, our campus family, and the Anderson community of the character, love, and perfection of Jesus,” President Whitaker said.

“This great man may no longer be with us, but his impact, contributions and even footprint are yet still evident among us,” he said. “It is this University’s hope that this rotunda—much like Paul Talmadge did in his life—will encourage us and remind us that character is destiny. This holds true in Scripture, in that a person’s moral qualities profoundly shape their life in the here and now.”

The post ��ҹ�糡 Dedicates Talmadge Rotunda of Character appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

“They never forget how you make them feel. I always want all my students to believe they are the best,” Gray said, adding, “Once you’re in my class, you’re always one of my kids.”��

Gray, an ��ҹ�糡 graduate, takes to heart the importance of being a positive mentor to students who come into her classroom at ACE Academy, a new alternative elementary school in Anderson District 5. Photos of every student she’s taught grace a door in her room, serving as a reminder of why she’s there.��

Because of all that, ACE Academy recognized Gray, a graduate of the ��ҹ�糡 College of Education, as their Teacher of the Year. She’s pictured above with Principal Josh Bacchus.��

Gray, who initially received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Resources from Anderson, didn’t initially want to teach. While a student studying human services, she did an internship with the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and worked in the Anderson County Solicitor’s Office. She also was the Drug Court Coordinator for Anderson County, a job she held for six years. ��

When she and her husband talked of plans for starting a family, she decided to go back to school and become a certified teacher. A few years into her teaching career, Gray returned to ��ҹ�糡, where she earned her master’s degree in education.��

“When I decided to go back to school,” Gray recalls, “I was a working adult and was pregnant at the time with my second child. It was so convenient because I was a��teacher at Concord Elementary and went to school (at ��ҹ�糡) at night. It was exactly what I needed. You can’t beat the professors and the help and support that you get.”��

Having been named Teacher of the Year at her former school, Concord Elementary, and at Anderson Adult Education, she jokingly says of her latest honor that the third time is a charm.��

“Now I think after being selected by my peers three times, it’s very clear where I’m supposed to be,” Gray said. “I’m just trying to be an encouragement and a positive role model for all these kids who need me, and I need them just as much as they need me.”��

“I come from a divorced family,” Gray said. “Thank goodness I had a strong steady support system, but so many don’t have that.” Thinking of the children in her classroom today, she reflects, “But for God’s grace, this could have been my life. And so, we’re just here as a team to fully support however we can.”��

��ҹ�糡 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn said, “Lani is a testament to the power of a passionate, dedicated, quality educator who intentionally invests in the lives of her students. Mrs. Gray fulfills the mission of the College of Education at ��ҹ�糡 well. We are proud of her accomplishments!”��

Gray will never forget one experience of being there for one of her students.��

���he brought me a little piece of paper and wrote down when her basketball game schedule was at the rec center. I walk in and her eyes just are like, ‘Miss Gray, what are you doing here?’ I said, ‘Well, I’m here for you. You gave me the calendar.’”��

Looking back on that day, Gray commented, “I think just allowing them to let me come to another part of their life out to the school… It meant a lot to me. I know it meant a lot to her, too.”��

Gray’s oldest daughter Catherine is a junior at Anderson majoring in Nursing. Her in-laws, George and Barbara (Merck) Gray, also attended Anderson. All that said, ��ҹ�糡 is a family tradition. They recently celebrated George and Barbara’s fiftieth wedding anniversary in the Banquet Hall of theStudent Center at��and love coming out to football games in the fall to cheer on the Trojans.����

“It’s really a 360—a circle that’s been completed in lots of ways,” she said.��

The post ACE Academy Names Gray Teacher of the Year appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

In all, 960 supporters provided 1,057 gifts and pledges to put the 2026 A Day total over the million mark.��

“Together, we have shown the true spirit of ��ҹ�糡. To our friends, alumni, faculty, staff, and students—thank you for making A Day a remarkable success. Your generosity and passion have strengthened the bonds that make our university a place we all love,” said Executive Director of Annual Giving Chad Alewine.��

“A Day at ��ҹ�糡 is proof that, when our community comes together with purpose and heart, we can achieve the extraordinary,” said ��ҹ�糡 Senior Vice President for Development and Presidential Affairs Wayne Landrith.��

Every A Day gift impacts one of the following areas: academic achievement, athletic endeavors, campus enhancements, ministry opportunities, student scholarships or the senior class gift.��

Pictured are some of the festivities on campus during the 2026 A Day.

One of the most important days of the year at ��ҹ�糡, A Day was re-instituted as an annual event in 2017. Since then, supporters have generously provided nearly $4 million, helping transform AU into the largest private university in South Carolina and one of the fastest growing private colleges or universities in the United States.��

Please view this special video.��

To give to ��ҹ�糡 or learn more about areas worthy of support, please visit the Office of Development web page. ��

The post More than $1 Million Raised During A Day appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

GREEN Charter Spartanburg celebrated��Goodwin’s��unwavering dedication to special education and her ability to create an environment where every student feels valued and capable of success.��

“I am truly honored to receive the nomination and subsequent awarding of Teacher of the Year for GREEN Charter Spartanburg,”��said Goodwin. “I have always dreamt of being a teacher and advocating for students with disabilities. Having my peers recognize my heart and passion for exceptional students is an honor.”��

As a special education teacher, Goodwin works with students who need extra guidance and encouragement, including managing the school’s self-contained classroom—a role that requires extraordinary patience,��skill��and dedication. Her colleagues say she approaches this demanding responsibility with both compassion and professionalism, ensuring each student receives the individualized support they need to thrive.��

“One of the most remarkable aspects of Lauren’s work is her role in teaching and managing our self-contained class,” said��Chastiva��Henderson, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at GREEN Charter. “Lauren approaches this responsibility with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that her students receive the individualized support and structure they need to thrive. Her ability to balance these demanding responsibilities while still supporting other teachers is a true testament to her leadership and heart for education.”��

But Goodwin’s influence extends far beyond her own classroom. She serves as a resource and an advocate throughout the school, building strong relationships with parents, families, general education��teachers��and support staff. Her collaborative approach ensures that students receive consistent support across all aspects of their educational experience.��

“One of her greatest strengths is the strong relationships she builds with everyone involved in a student’s success,” said Jennie Lewis, a fellow special education teacher. “She fosters trusting partnerships with parents and families, maintains open and consistent communication and collaborates effectively with general education teachers and support staff. Students feel safe, valued, and understood in��her��classroom, which allows them to thrive academically and��emotionally.”��

Lewis added that��Goodwin��often works��beyond school hours��to ensure her students��receive the services,��accommodations��and opportunities they deserve, adding that she��regularly spends��several��hours after work collaborating with colleagues, refining instructional plans, and completing thorough, well-organized documentation.��

For Goodwin, the work is deeply personal and rooted in a fundamental belief about what every child deserves.��

“Every student deserves to have a place where they feel loved,��where they feel��welcomed and where they feel they belong,” Goodwin said. “Every��child should��deserve to feel like they have a future and that the future is possible, no matter their limitations. Being able to support my students and help create a better future that is inclusive and accepting is one of the greatest joys of my life.”��

Through her work, Goodwin reminds the GREEN Charter community daily that success looks different for everyone, and that every student deserves someone in their corner cheering them on. Her patience,��humor��and problem-solving skills have made her an invaluable member of the school family.��

“Your impact reaches far beyond the��classroom��and we are lucky to have you as part of our school family,” the school community shared in recognizing her achievement.��

Lewis summed up what sets Goodwin apart from other educators: “Beyond her technical skill and work ethic, what truly sets her apart is her heart. She approaches her work with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of every child she serves. Her dedication inspires those around her and makes a lasting impact on the students, families, and colleagues fortunate enough to work with her.”��

As Goodwin continues her work at GREEN Charter School, she carries forward the mission she developed during her time at ��ҹ�糡 College of Education—ensuring that every student, regardless of their challenges, has access to an education that honors their potential and prepares them for a bright future.��

Her recognition as Teacher of the Year stands as a testament to ��ҹ�糡’s pillar of Great Academics, as well as to her professional excellence and to the transformative power of educators who��truly believe��in the limitless potential of every child they serve.��

The post GREEN Charter School Names Goodwin Teacher of the Year appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

“We work with��public and��private colleges and universities throughout the Southeast. My day-to-day could be working on renovations or new buildings for technical colleges or four-year universities in the Carolinas, Tennessee, or Georgia.”����

She says that being promoted to a senior associate��is something a designer��attains��in recognition of their commitment to the firm and a desire to continue to strive for design excellence, while helping to mentor younger designers.��

According to School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin, “It’s rare for a graduate to receive a senior associate position within 10 years of their graduation; however, this remarkable accomplishment does not surprise me as Melissa demonstrated remarkable project management skills and talent as a student of interior design as well as leadership in her role as president of the student chapter of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID).”��

Jakobowski says of her promotion,��“It happened naturally, from going out on business development opportunities and career fairs, collaborating with others in the design field and mentoring those that are entering the field soon.��I’m��doing what I love and helping to promote the wonderful work��we’re��doing here at MPS.”��

In 2022, The International Interior Design Association (IIDA)��recognized Jakobowski and her team at McMillan Pazdan Smith for design excellence on a project to enhance a teen space for the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in Conyers, Georgia.��

Jakobowski feels��she’s��achieved��her��project’s��goal when she��gets positive feedback��from��students using spaces she and her team designed.��She’s��gratified��to hear how��the��students are��engaging with��inviting spaces MPS has designed��and how��they’re��excited to show up for their classes and��labs.��

Jakobowski enjoys returning to ��ҹ�糡 periodically to interact with current Interior Design students. She also feels blessed to be able to��work with AU students who enter her firm as interns.����

“We’ve had some Anderson interns over the last few years; we’ve currently got one working with us part time, which has been great, and we take any opportunity we can to review student projects,” she said.��

Jakobowski’s advice to those entering interior design is to be willing to work hard��and also��take every opportunity possible to connect with people in the field.����

“Make those connections, ask questions, stay engaged, always be curious and learning. Don’t wait around for someone to bring something up, but really take that initiative, pushing yourself to grow more,” she said, adding that involvement in professional organizations including ASID and IIDA are invaluable sources of opportunities and experiences to help students grow as designers during their college years and in their subsequent careers. Jakobowski was involved in both organizations as a student and was president for the ASID student chapter at ��ҹ�糡. She continues to be actively involved in IIDA as professional member.��

The����ҹ�糡 School of Interior Design��

The����ҹ�糡 School of Interior Design��is one of only nine such programs to be offered in a Christian institution of higher learning and has graduates working as professional interior designers across the nation and internationally.��

The post Interior Design Graduate Promoted as Firm’s Senior Associate appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

“Growing up, my parents always instilled in me that I could do anything with God on my side,” Bentley said. “God made me unique for a reason. I might look a little different or take a little longer to run, but I was always competitive.”����

That competitive spirit led Bentley to basketball. Growing up in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley and later Greer, South Carolina, he found his place on the court through the camaraderie of team sports. When his peers physically outgrew him, Bentley pivoted to coaching and managing.����

Bentley’s path to ��ҹ�糡 began with an unexpected encounter while he was a student at Greer High School. Then-AU head coach Jason Taylor arrived��to��recruit star players Chandler Hash and another athlete. Greer��Boys Basketball��Coach Jeff Neely was unable to meet with Taylor, so he asked Bentley, the team manager, to run drills with the prospects so they could see them in action.����

“Coach Taylor came back and told Coach Neely, ‘I really like your players, but I want your manager.��What’s��he got��going on?'” Bentley recalled.����

Taylor, who is currently associate head basketball coach at Morehead State University, recalls��observing��Bentley’s “infectious energy” that people��tended��to gravitate toward.������

Though Bentley had his sights set on Division I programs, Anderson’s scholarship��opportunities��and proximity to��home��made��practical sense. The relationships he built on campus made it��life-changing.����

Hash initially played basketball at USC Upstate, but��credits��Bentley’s��encouragement as part of what made him��seek a transfer to Anderson. He admires Bentley’s��commitment to Christ and��a��resilience born out of the struggles��he’s��faced.��And through it��all,��Hash��is inspired by��Bentley’s��consistency in��encouraging��others.��

“He’s a guy that anyone can be around, anyone can have a conversation with.��He’s��going to treat people the same no matter who they are,” Hash said.����

As a Physical Education major, Bentley became a bridge-builder. He forged partnerships between campus safety and athletics, breaking down barriers that��benefited��the entire AU community.����

“Being a little person, Anderson’s campus is straight uphill from the dorms to the cafeteria,” Bentley said. “The officers would pick me up on golf carts. We broke down those walls.”����

Bentley and a campus safety officer working there at the time transformed what the relationship between athletics and security looked like; What began as mutual avoidance became genuine partnership.����

A few years after graduating from ��ҹ�糡, Bentley’s physical difficulties—already a challenge—were getting worse.������

“I couldn’t walk, and I was in a lot of pain,” Bentley said. “The pressure was cutting off communication to my legs.”����

Bentley relied on a wheelchair and holding onto walls to move. He went to see an orthopedist, who quickly��identified��a neurological issue. He ordered an MRI, which revealed Bentley’s spinal canal had narrowed to a pinpoint. The diagnosis was spinal stenosis, a common complication of dwarfism where his spinal cord narrowed, cutting off nerve communication to his legs.������

Bentley underwent surgery in 2016, which relieved the pressure and eliminated the pain.��While Bentley��remains��dependent on his wheelchair, the experience deepened his faith and empathy.����

“I haven’t been in pain since my surgery,” Bentley said. “Whether I’m able to walk again, that’s up to the Lord.”����

Bentley returned to coaching with renewed purpose. In 2018, he joined Upward Stars, where he coaches, runs events, and recruits talent.����

During his time at Anderson, Coach Taylor gave Bentley a nickname that still defines him: “The Glue.”����

Taylor commented, “I nicknamed him ‘the glue’ simply because he��literally had��his hands on everything in our program. He was best friends with our players… Also, he did an incredible job navigating that world of being a full-tme��student assistant manager, friend of the team—and had the integrity to do those things. He kept the trust of all the players and kept the trust of all the coaches—that’s��fairly rare.”����

��ҹ�糡 First Lady Diane Whitaker remembers going to games and��observing��Bentley on the bench and how��set��the tone for the action on the court.����

“He always had a clipboard in��hand��and he would start beating that clipboard,” Whitaker said. “I can remember looking down and going,��‘okay, things are about to get heated because��he’s��out of his seat, clapping on that clipboard and cheering those guys on.’��When David got cranked up, it was��‘go time.’��I loved seeing that enthusiasm. He always had a heart for the game and a heart for his teammates.”��

David Bentley and the Trojans Men’s Basketball Team. Bentley is on the first row, third from left.

��ҹ�糡 Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Dr. William Monts has fond memories of coaching with Bentley and, like Taylor, agrees with Bentley’s being “the glue” because of his special gift of bonding coaches and players.�� ��

“I am absolutely a better person for knowing David,” Dr. Monts said. “He has brought joy to my life through our many conversations about basketball and life. He is an inspiration to many people simply due to his positive and optimistic outlook on life and his faith in Jesus Christ.”����

Key to Bentley’s coaching has been��maintaining��and cultivating caring relationships. He measures success not by wins and losses, but by “living trophies”—former players who become educated, employed, and devoted husbands and fathers.����

Jason Rutland, who was coaching Anderson’s baseball team while Bentley was in college, saw how he befriended members of his team. Rutland, who himself uses a wheelchair for mobility, formed a bond with Bentley at Anderson and beyond��when he��was facing increasing physical��challenges��himself.������

“He’s a wonderful guy. He’s incredibly driven,” said Rutland, who currently serves as associate vice president for parent and family engagement, stewardship and major gifts at ��ҹ�糡. “He has a lot of respect of all those guys—Chandler Hash and Myson Jones and all those guys on that team… When you’re in college trying to figure out who you are and how you fit in… He’s really come into his own just knowing who God made him, what’s that purpose—he’s fully embraced that.” ��

“If they know you care about them and have their best interests, they’ll go through a wall for you,” Bentley said. “The greatest sense of accomplishment is seeing them go on to college, get an education, and become husbands and fathers. One of the highest��accompliments��you can receive is a parent telling you they trust their child with you.”����

Mrs.��Whitaker continued, “From day one, David was all in, and I really appreciate people that that recognize��talent, and��we don’t all have to look the same or have the same gifts to be really valuable.”������

Bentley continues to maintain relationships with former players, texting birthday wishes and celebrating their milestones. Recently, he organized a reunion (pictured above) at an ��ҹ�糡 basketball game, bringing former players back to campus. He hopes there will be more such reunions. ��

Bentley’s ambitions��remain��high. He dreams of coaching at the Division I or NBA level, driven by the same competitive fire that fueled him as a child.����

“If you’re not growing, you’re not going,” Bentley said. “The future is in God’s hands, but I want to see how much success we can achieve at the highest level possible.”����

For the ��ҹ�糡 community, Bentley exemplifies servant leadership and the University’s pillar of Great Purpose.��He proves that while the road may be uphill, the right relationships—and a little bit of “glue”—make the journey worthwhile.����

The post Building Bridges: How Bentley Became “The Glue” appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

Self, a resource teacher at Whitehall Elementary School and Concord Elementary School, said, “I have known I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade. I attended Varennes Elementary in Anderson 5 and had amazing teachers who made learning fun. I also received extra help in the areas of reading, writing and math from a teacher, Mrs. Altman. It was in her classroom and seeing her pour into the students, helping each one overcome their own learning difficulties, I knew I wanted to grow up and be just like her.”��

Self has been teaching for 19 years. She previously served as a second-grade teacher at Calhoun Academy of the Arts before teaching��virtually during��the COVID shutdown. While��teaching with��Anderson��5��Virtual Academy, she made the decision to transition into a new role as a��resource��teacher.����

“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Self said. “I absolutely love being able to support students in a��small��group��setting, meet them where they are, and help them grow.”��

Moved by Self’s dedication in helping their son navigate his learning disability, his father and grandmother nominated her for the . To them, Self was like an angel of mercy—someone who helped him rediscover joy in learning, particularly in reading, writing, and math, areas that had previously been challenging for him. The student’s father shared with WYFF-TV, “He loves school and does not complain. He does his homework, and he is excited about learning now. He is happy about school, and we wanted to recognize Mrs. Self for helping him.”��

Self jokes��about the day she found out she was receiving the Golden Apple Award. Her principal, Missy��McKenzie, had carefully kept the honor a surprise, so��Self had��no idea until a news crew suddenly walked into��her classroom. When WYFF reporter Destiny Chance and her videographer appeared, she looked up in shock and asked, “What are y’all doing here?” Beyond the surprise, Self says she is grateful to those who nominated her and believes any one of her coworkers would be just as deserving. “I work with some of the best teachers,” she said. “It was just��a very��amazing moment.��I’m��very honored to receive this award, especially knowing how few teachers are selected each year.”��

Self is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and sees the potential in every child who walks into her classroom.����

“There is something special and unique about each one of them, and I’m going to find it,” she said. “I want my classroom to be their safe space, and I want to be their person—the one they can cry to, set goals with, celebrate successes with, or simply release frustration.”��

Self finds joy in watching students begin to believe in themselves. Over the years, she has seen many overcome their fears and grow in self-confidence.����

“I love when a student tells me, ‘I��can’t��do this,’ because I see it as a challenge and an opportunity to show them that they��can—and they will—with my help,”��she said. ��

Self loves staying in touch with her former students, living by her motto, “Once your teacher,��always��your friend.” She shared many stories, but a few stood out as especially meaningful. One former student is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Yale, and whenever he is home, they meet up for sushi to catch up. Thanks to technology, he still��FaceTimes��her for pep talks and shares his success stories. Another student, whom Self describes as being “like a daughter,” recently joined her family on a cruise to Jamaica—a trip neither of them will ever forget. Still another former student welcomed a baby two years ago, and Self was invited as a surprise guest to the baby shower and later to the hospital after the baby was born. When the new mother placed the baby in her arms, she smiled and said, “Meet your��grand-student.” Self proudly added, “I’m��a��grand-teacher! I have so many former ‘babies’ I still keep in touch with because, again, that relationship truly matters.”��

After finishing high school, Self had nearly enough college credit to pursue a business degree, but her heart was set on teaching. As she explored her options and visited several campuses, Self ultimately fell in love with Anderson and decided to enroll. She looks back fondly on her professors, who made her feel like more than just a number. “The professors at Anderson teach from the heart—they truly care,” she said. “I saw Jesus in my professors at Anderson, and I want my students to see the same in me.” Self graduated in 2007 with a degree in special education and elementary education. In 2014, she returned to earn a master’s degree in education. ��

“Mrs. Self’s words resonate with the mission of the College of Education and the high quality, devoted, servant leaders we are striving to prepare,” said ��ҹ�糡 College of Education Dean Dr. Channon Horn. ���he understands the lasting impact an educator can have on the life of a child and has spent her career��facilitating��positive change, one student at a time. We congratulate her on her accomplishments and thank her for��representing����ҹ�糡 and the College of Education so well.”��

Self shared��a fun memory from her college days.����

“Have you ever heard the legend of the swings on campus?”��she��laughed. “They say if a couple sits there together enough times, wedding bells will follow—and it worked for my husband and me.”����

Self��lived��in Kingsley Dorm, where her husband would often visit, and the two would sit together on the swing outside.����

“That’s where we shared our first kiss,” she said. Years later, when the��Selfs��were expecting and choosing a name, they knew Kingsley was the perfect fit for their daughter.����

“I love ��ҹ�糡—and I have so many wonderful memories there,”��Self added.��“Kingsley loves visiting campus, I hope that one day she will��walk��those grounds as an AU Student.”��

When asked what advice she would give to future educators, Mrs. Self’s response reflects both her heart and her faith. “Just love those babies. They are precious and so unique,” she said. “I��truly believe��there are no mistakes on��a class��roster. God knows which children are meant to be in your classroom and places you there for a purpose.��Find��the reason that��child��is on your roster and not across the hall, and��you’ll��find your purpose too.��That’s��huge.” ��

It’s��that belief—paired with compassion, dedication, and faith—that continues to shape the lives of her students long after they leave her classroom. For Mrs. Self, teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling.��

Self Named Finalist

On May 23, 2026, WYFF announced that Mrs. Self was named as one of the five finalists for the Golden Apple Award.

The post College of Education Graduate Recognized with Golden Apple Award appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

They addressed the significance of interior designers having a seat at the table in the beginning of the design process with the architect and builder/construction management team, along with critical skills of collaboration and communication throughout the construction management process.��

Pictured from left are Baylie Weeks and Susan Peace-Vernon, both of Tribus Design Studio; AU School of Interior Design Dean Anne Martin; and Jon Warrigton, Vice President of Design, Dillard Jones Builders.��

Peace-Vernon, a 1994 graduate, earned her associate degree when Anderson was a two-year institution, then transferred to Western Carolina for further study, but returned to Greenville, where she married and continued to pursue her design career. When Anderson became a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution, she returned and became one of the first four-year graduates in December 1994, in Interior Design. She is carrying on her family’s legacy of home building and creative pursuits.��

Weeks, junior designer at Tribus, is a 2018 Anderson graduate. During her senior year at Anderson, Dean Anne Martin shared with seniors that Tribus was interested in having students assist with installations of luxury homes during fall break at the Cliffs and The Reserve Lake Keowee. Weeks responded to this request by taking her fall break to assist with these installations, little did she know that experience lead to a part-time job the final semester of her senior year, and she secured full-time employment with Tribus prior to May graduation. Weeks specializes in eclectic, cozy and collected design, bringing vibrancy to spaces through her appreciation for color and statement pieces. She finds Tribus’ projects in diverse geographical locations exciting challenges presented by a broad spectrum of architecture and clientele.����

Peace-Vernon and Weeks, representing Tribus Design Studio, were joined by architect Jon Warrigton, Vice President of Design, Dillard Jones Builders; and DOMA Architects marketing team at the AU School of Interior Design.��

Incidentally, Warrington is the father of AU Junior Interior Design major Liza Warrington. Tribus, Dillard Jones and DOMA have locations in South Carolina at Greenville, Bluffton and Johns Island, Beaufort; and in North Carolina at Asheville and Cashiers.��

“Our students were the beneficiaries of hearing from these accomplished graduates who not only shared their career pathway as well as shared phenomenal success with multiple projects which included collaboration with architects, construction management/builder and landscape architects,” Martin said.��

The post Accomplished AU Interior Design Graduates Share Their Professional Journey with Current Interior Design Students appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.

Crowds donned their Black and Gold and came out Saturday, October 4 to enjoy tailgating in the stadium parking lot of Anderson’s Athletic Campus. ��Then fans gathered for the Trojan Walk to cheer on the AU Football Team arriving at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium on buses provided by Electric City Transport. ��

At halftime, Ada Dooley was crowned Homecoming Queen and D’Andre Hicks was crowned Homecoming King. Also honored were Emily Butts as Ms. Senior, Alex McCain as Mr. Senior; Abby Turlington as Ms. Junior, Weston Pack as Mr. Junior; Peyton O’Brien as Ms. Sophomore, Samuelan Faulkner, Mr. Sophomore; and Camryn Johnson as Ms. Freshman, Romante Adams, Mr. Freshman.��

The Trojans soundly defeated UVA Wise on Spero Financial Field with the final score of 50-7 in a record-setting football game—the highest point total and marking a record-setting number of wins for this point in the season. ��

In other Homecoming competition, the Women’s Volleyball Team defeated Carson Newman 25-17, 25-21 and 25-21.��

Homecoming highlights included a faculty meet and greet outside Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium; also a reception honoring retiring Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management Pam Ross at the Merritt Administration Building. ��

There were also performances of the South Carolina School of the Arts production of the musical “The Prince of Egypt” Friday and Saturday night, and also Sunday afternoon in the Henderson Auditorium.����

Also on Saturday night was an Ivy Leaves Centennial Celebration Dinner and Reading at the G. Ross Anderson Student Center, celebrating a century of the student-produced publication. ��

A week of Homecoming festivities for students included Fall Fest, Homecoming Dance, a movie night, a faculty vs. staff kickball game and a powderpuff football game. ��

��ҹ�糡 is grateful to Homecoming Sponsor South State Bank. Also, promotional and production support was provided in part by funds from the City of Anderson Accommodations Tax (ATAX).����

The post 2025 Homecoming and Family Day appeared first on ��ҹ�糡.