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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (April 29, 2005) — Dr. Paul Stanton Jr., president of East Tennessee State University, will be the keynote speaker at Milligan College’s 2 p.m. commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 8, in Seeger Memorial Chapel. The college also will present Stanton with an honorary doctorate of administration at the ceremony.
Stanton was named president of ETSU in 1997 following nearly 10 years as dean of the James H. Quillen College of Medicine and vice president for health affairs. As the helm of ETSU, he has been instrumental in the establishment of the ETSU Honors College , the President’s Council for Cultural Diversity, the Northeast Tennessee Regional Academic Node, an athletic facility capital campaign, and new proposed doctoral programs in psychology, public health and pharmacy.
A vascular surgeon, Stanton ‘s medical career has been devoted to education. He directed the surgical residency education program and later the medical education department at Georgia Baptist Medical Center, was an assistant clinical professor of surgery at the Medical College of Georgia, and an adjunct professor of medicine at Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy. He came to Johnson City in 1985 and was soon named professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at the College of Medicine.
A native of Atlanta, Ga. , Stanton holds degrees from Emory University and the Medical College of Georgia. His professional memberships are many and his community and statewide service is extensive. He is heavily involved in academic committees and advisory councils, both locally and nationally, and has served as on the Southern Regional Education Board since 1997.
“President Stanton has been a longtime friend of Milligan College and our two institutions often collaborate on efforts to benefit this region,” said Milligan President Don Jeanes . “We’re pleased to honor Dr. Stanton for his accomplishments and contributions to education in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.”
Milligan will graduate 143 students. The spring 2005 graduates include 50 bachelor of arts (B.A.), 83 bachelor of science (B.S.), six bachelor of science in nursing (B.S.N.), two master of education (M.Ed.), and two master of science on occupation therapy (MSOT) degrees. Top majors of study for the Class of 2005 include business administration, communications, biology, nursing and psychology.
Twenty-five graduates have already been accepted to graduate schools, including The University of Kentucky, Auburn University , Princeton Theological Seminary, Drake University School of Law, Michigan State University School of Law, Savannah College of Art and Design, Quillen College of Medicine, University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy, and George Washington University.
A baccalaureate service will be held prior to commencement at 10 a.m. in Seeger Chapel, featuring Dr. Marshall Hayden as keynote speaker. Hayden is a 1966 Milligan graduate and holds a doctorate of ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the senior minister at Worthington Christian Church in Columbus, Ohio, has served on the North American Christian Convention committee, and has published two books, “Pete, You’re God’s Man” and “200 Stewardship Meditations.” He currently serves as chairman of the Milligan College Board of Trustees. Hayden’s two sons, Eric and Ryan, are Milligan alumni, as are his wife, Judy, and sister, Linda Lawson.
Due to limited seating, a ticket is required for entry to the main level and balcony of Seeger Chapel for the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony. General seating will be available in the Walker Auditorium of Lower Seeger, where live viewing will be provided via video projection. Main level and balcony seating will be open for ticket holders at 1:00 p.m. At 1:45 p.m. available seating will be open to non-ticket holders. Tickets are not required for the 10 a.m. baccalaureate service.
A complete schedule of graduation weekend activities is available online at www.milligan.edu/commencement or by calling 423.461.8700.