The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie celebrated a significant milestone on May 2 as it held its 2025 commencement exercises, marking 60 years of academic excellence and service to its local communities. The ceremony honored 144 associate degree recipients and 13 bachelor's degree recipients through the university's partnership with USC's Palmetto College and other USC campuses. The graduates represented 5 states, 4 countries, 30 cities and included 20 high school students. Notably, one graduate maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while earning her degree.
The commencement was a celebration of student accomplishments, uniting graduates, faculty, staff, families, friends, and community leaders. In her welcoming remarks, Dr. April Cone, dean of USC Salkehatchie, expressed her pride in the graduating class and the institution's rich history.
"Today, we celebrate the significant achievements of our graduates. We are proud of the Class of 2025 and all the Salkehatchie alumni who are making a difference across our region, our nation, and the world. " she said. "Today is especially meaningful as we not only honor our graduating class but also a remarkable milestone in our institution's history: 60 years of academic excellence, growth, and service to our local communities."
Palmetto College Chancellor Susan Elkins congratulated the graduates, emphasizing their hard work and the support of their families.
"This is your day, and we are here to celebrate you and your many accomplishments with you, your families, and the community! We realize that you worked tirelessly to earn your degrees, and we are so happy for you to reach this milestone," Elkins said.
Dean Cone encouraged the graduates to maintain a positive mindset as they take the next steps in their lives.
"As you embark on this next chapter, I want to leave you with a simple yet profound idea, a guiding principle that has the power to shape not only your individual journeys but also the world around you: positive attracts positive," she said. "A positive mindset is critical in achieving your educational, career, and life goals. In times when you face obstacles and setbacks, your positive attitude can be the catalyst that transforms a difficult situation into an opportunity for innovation and growth. So surround yourselves with people who uplift and encourage you, who see your potential even when you might not see it yourself. We are truly excited to see all that you will achieve."
During the ceremony, Meagan Olivia Zieman was awarded the 2025 Commencement Scholarship. Zieman, who aspires to earn her doctorate in psychology and become a clinical psychiatrist, was recognized for her resilience, dedication to her goals, and commitment to academics and extracurriculars.
The Dr. Ann C. Carmichael Faculty and Staff Excellence Award was presented to Todd Padgett, maintenance supervisor, for his 14 years of dedicated service to the university. Padgett was honored for his role in maintaining the physical plant and ensuring campus safety, his problem-solving skills, and his positive contributions to the workplace.
Dr. Kirsten Iden, assistant professor of English, was recognized as the 2025 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Professor and Isaac Cubero was recognized as the 2025 USC Salkehatchie Outstanding Student.
As part of the early college partnerships with local school districts, 20 high school seniors earned their associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas. They are: Allendale-Fairfax High School – Arianna Sh'Lon Priester; Colleton County High School - Grace Lynn Breland, Jada Christian, MacKayla Lei Connelly, Allen Johnathan-Pierce Herndon, Nora Sarah Holmes, Taylen Lilly Lyons, Madison Ja’kell Elizabeth Murray, Sean Josue Nunez, Laynie Carolina Sanders, Chace Montgomery Sherrod, Islene Atzury Silva Gutierrez, Shannon Nicole Smoak, Willis Allen Stivender; Hampton County High School - Sydney Michelle Driggers, Brooke Elizabeth Latham, Kimaya Elizabeth McCaskill, Alexandra Faye Rosier, Laney Caroline Vaughn; Andrew Jackson Academy - Rileigh Anne Barnes.
USC Salkehatchie is a regional campus of the University of South Carolina established to encourage higher education in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton counties.