Bethel University to Celebrate Class of 2026 at Spring Commencement

McKENZIE, Tenn. — Bethel University will honor 343 graduates during its Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at the Rosemary and Harry L. Crisp II Arena. The program begins at 10 a.m.

The ceremony marks a significant milestone for the university as it celebrates students from the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, and the College of Health Sciences.

This year’s commencement address will be delivered by a familiar face to the Carroll County and Bethel community: Walter Butler.

Butler, who served as Bethel’s president until his retirement in late 2023, returns to the podium as President Emeritus. His storied career in public service spans decades, including 16 years as Carroll County Trustee and a tenure as Carroll County Mayor. On the state level, Butler served as Commissioner of Personnel and State Parks under Governor Don Sundquist, cementing a legacy of leadership that transitioned from the courthouse to the state capitol, to the university’s business office, and then on to the university's executive office.

Class of 2026 by the Numbers

• College of Arts & Sciences, with 151 graduates, the majority of whom (92) are receiving Bachelor of Science degrees.
• College of Professional Studies: 82 graduates will receive degrees, including 65 Bachelor of Science candidates.
• College of Health Sciences: 63 graduates will enter the workforce, including 50 candidates for the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) and 13 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) recipients.
• Graduate Programs: 47 advanced degrees will be conferred, including 32 Master of Business Administration (MBA).

The event will be presided over by current Bethel President Perry Moulds, PhD, who will officially confer the degrees. The ceremony will open with an invocation by Rev. Anne Hames, DMin, and will feature the presentation of candidates by Joseph R. Hames, MD.

Following the commencement address and the conferring of degrees, C. Scott Shepherd, DWS, will lead the graduates in the university's Alma Mater before a final benediction closes the morning's festivities.

University officials encourage guests to arrive early, as seating in the Crisp Arena is expected to fill quickly for the 10:00 a.m. start. For those unable to attend in person, the university traditionally provides a digital stream of the event to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.

About Bethel University

Bethel University, located in McKenzie, Tennessee, is a Christian institution committed to academic excellence and personal growth. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, Bethel equips students to lead with purpose and impact in their communities and beyond.