Southern Nazarene University to Host 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremonies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, OK] - Southern Nazarene University will host its 123rd commencement ceremony for 325 graduates
on Saturday, May 2. The day begins with a 10 a.m. ceremony for traditional undergraduate degrees, followed by a 2 p.m. ceremony honoring professional and graduate studies degree recipients. Both ceremonies will take place in the Sawyer Center on the Bethany campus of SNU.
The commencement address will be delivered by Dr. LeEtta Felter, a current City Council Member in Olathe, Kansas, and a two-time graduate of Southern Nazarene University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Doctorate of Education in Administration and Leadership. The morning ceremony will also include the awarding of two honorary doctorates - Rev. Tim Kellerman and Linda Gresham. Kellerman is the current District
Superintendent of the West Texas District with over 40 years of pastoral service in the Church of the Nazarene. Linda Gresham has served the University and its students for 50 years alongside her husband, former SNU President, Dr. Loren Gresham. One of her many contributions to SNU is the creation of New Student Institute (NSI), an annual weekend orientation designed to welcome new students to SNU's campus.
SNU also invites traditional undergraduate commencement guests to a baccalaureate service on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. The service will take place in the main sanctuary of Bethany First Church of the Nazarene and will feature remarks from Dr. Mike Redwine, Executive Vice President and Chief Student Officer of SNU. The service will be immediately followed by SNU’s annual Ivy Ring Ceremony on the Campus Mall around the Lamp of Learning.
For questions regarding parking, accommodations, or livestream access, please visit snu.edu/undergraduate-academic-programs/commencement. The SNU community, partners, and friends are invited to attend.
About Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.