Bethel University Confers Degrees During Spring Commencement

McKENZIE (May 3) — Bethel University celebrated the achievements of approximately 300 graduates during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10 a.m. in Crisp Arena. A total of 322 candidates for degrees were listed in the commencement program.

This year’s keynote speaker was Susannah B. Lewis, a celebrated humorist, best-selling author, and alumna of Bethel University, graduating in 2007. Lewis is recognized as a nationally prominent voice in Christian literature and entertainment, having authored multiple USA Today best-selling books, including two works of Christian nonfiction and four fiction titles. Her candid, faith-driven reflections on life and motherhood have garnered her a devoted following, with her work featured in notable publications such as Parents Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and The Bible App. In addition to her writing, Lewis hosts the “Moral of the Story” podcast, produced by K-LOVE, where she shares heartfelt and humorous insights grounded in Christian faith.

During the ceremony, three faculty members were honored for their extensive service at Bethel University:

Dr. James Scruton was recognized upon his retirement after 34 years at Bethel. He started his career as an Assistant Professor of English at Bethel College in 1990 and was subsequently promoted to Associate Professor in 1994 and Professor in 1999. Dr. Scruton served as Associate Academic Dean in 2016 and received the Mary B. Holmes Professor of Literature award. Throughout his tenure, he published six books of poetry and participated in various faculty committees, including division chair and faculty representative to the Board of Trustees. He has been appointed Faculty Emeritus of Bethel University by the Board of Trustees.

Sharon Scruton was also honored as Faculty Emeritus of Bethel University. She began her career as a part-time special services tutor at Bethel College in 1990, was appointed as an Adjunct Instructor in 1995, and later became an Assistant Professor in 1999, an Associate Professor in 2002, and a Professor in 2024. Mrs. Scruton received the Roy and Mary Shelton Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award. During her time at Bethel, she served on various faculty committees, including as the advisor for the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society. She is retiring after 28 years of service.

Ms. Malissa L. Vaughn was honored with the distinction of Faculty Emeritus. She joined Bethel College as an Instructor in 2000, became the Head Volleyball Coach in 2002, and was promoted to Assistant Professor in 2003. Ms. Vaughn served as Faculty Athletic Representative beginning in 2004 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008. She received the Roy and Mary Shelton Teaching Excellence and Campus Leadership Award in 2011 and was honored as the Southern States Athletic Conference Faculty Athletic Representative of the Year in 2019. In 2022, she was appointed Senior Women’s Leader. Ms. Vaughn was promoted to Professor in 2024 and is retiring after 24 years of service at Bethel.

For more information about commencement events or to view the livestream link, please visit www.bethelu.edu/commencement.