North Arkansas College (Northark) will hold its 2025 Commencement ceremonies this weekend. The Health Professions Commencement is set for Friday, May 9th at 6:00 pm in Pioneer Pavilion on Northark’s South Campus. The Technical and Arts, Sciences, Business and Information Technology ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. in Pioneer Pavilion.
The college will award 575 degrees, certificates, or certificates of proficiency to 421 graduates this year. Fifty-eight students are graduating with honors, and 44 have a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
Of the 575 degrees, certificates, and certificates of proficiency to be awarded, 20 are scheduled for completion this summer, and 555 will be awarded this spring. The 421 graduates will receive 46 associates of arts degrees, 33 associate of science degrees, 13 associate of general studies, 86 associate of applied science degrees, 107 certificates, and 290 certificates of proficiency.
The welcome and invocation for the Health Professions commencement will be provided by Taylor Odom of Harrison, the daughter of Matt and Reyna Odom. She will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. Taylor’s future goal is to shine the light of Jesus throughout her nursing Career.
Lily Emberton of Clinton will perform the National Anthem. She is a Lady Pioneer softball athlete.
The student speaker was selected by Northark faculty and will be Whitney Sutterfield. Whitney is from Big Flat and is the widow of the late Randal Sutterfield. They have four children. Whitney will receive an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing degree. She will transfer to Arkansas Tech this August to complete her BSN and plans to get her master’s degree.
Luis Bathen of Green Forest will give the benediction. Luis is the sone of Esvin Bathen and Annie Gonzalez. He will receive a CNA certificate and his future goal is to become an orthodontist.
The Mace Bearer is Faculty Senate President Mel Klipp. Grand Marshals will be Northark instructors Teresa Paul and Jennifer Usrey.
Mahala Trammell of Valley Springs will deliver the Technical and Arts, Sciences, Business and Information Technology ceremony welcome and invocation. Mahala is the daughter of Josh and Contessa Trammell. She will receive an Associate of Science degree and her goal is to become an elementary teacher.
The National Anthem will be performed by Samantha George of Golden, Missouri. Samantha is the daughter of Jeremy and Tricia George. She plays basketball for the Lady Pioneers. Samantha is on a career path to become a speech language pathologist.
The student speaker is chosen by the faculty. This year’s student speaker is Walker Robinson of Western Grove.
Trustee Linda Pledger will present the Board of Trustees award. This year’s award will be presented to the late Mary Mallett for her many contributions to the college over the 39 years she worked at Northark. Dr. Rick Massengale will present the Presidential Citation to Scott Miller in recognition of his outstanding service to Northark during his 12 years on the Northark Board of Trustees. Northark President Dr. Rick Massengale will award degrees and certificates.