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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, TN (July 19, 2006) — A record 43 master of education students will complete their coursework and be honored at a graduate hooding ceremony on Friday, July 21. The M.Ed. students complete their coursework this month and will graduate at the college’s December 15 commencement ceremony.
The hooding ceremony is part of a long tradition in higher education involving academic dress. Medieval scholars originally wore the hood as a head covering for bad weather, but over the years it has developed into a small cape that bears even more symbolism than the gown.
The hood’s facing is colored velvet trimming denoting the wearer’s academic discipline – in this case light blue for education. The width of the velvet trimming designates the level of the degree. And the lining of the hood identifies the institution that granted the degree — an orange chevron for Milligan.
During the ceremony, a faculty member will place the academic hood on the student, signifying his or her success in completing the graduate program.
“We are quite proud of our students’ success,” stated Dr. Lyn Howell, professor of education.
“They have completed a rigorous program of study and nearly all have been offered teaching positions already for the fall.”
One of the strengths of Milligan’s M.Ed. program is a full year internship, teaching in several local and regional schools. Howell said this gives students not only good experience but networking for future employment.
Westley Duncan of Church Hill will be teaching in the Hawkins County School System.
“Milligan was a great experience that has definitely equipped me for my teaching profession,” said Duncan . “I really liked the close mentoring relationship I developed with my professors and mentor teachers.”
Meredith Harper will be teaching at her alma mater, David Crockett High School.
“I’m very excited to be returning to Crockett to teach,” said Harper. “The students, staff and principal, Henry Marable, are all wonderful. I hope to continue to develop into a top-rate teacher, and I know Milligan College and the Washington County School System have already provided me with a strong foundation to do just that.”
Milligan’s M.Ed. program may be completed in as little as 15 months. The program is designed for students who have a baccalaureate degree, but not necessarily in education. Fully accredited by the Tennessee Department of Education, Milligan’s M.Ed. program is also accredited by NCATE, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
The graduate hooding ceremony will be held July 21 at 4 p.m. in Seeger Memorial Chapel on the Milligan campus. A reception will follow. The hooding ceremony is in addition to and does not replace the Dec. 15 graduation ceremonies.
For more information contact Karen Hill, Milligan College education department, at 423.461.8927, or KHill@milligan.edu .