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MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 29, 2023) – Milligan University today held its spring commencement ceremonies in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in Seeger Chapel. A total of 246 degrees were awarded, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
The 10 a.m. commencement ceremony honored 132 graduates of the School of Arts and Humanities, School of Bible and Ministry, and the William B. Greene, Jr., School of Business and Technology.
Five students spoke at the 10 a.m. ceremony: Brealle Davis, of Milligan, Tennessee, earning a master’s degree in divinity; Samir Koko, of Alcoa, Tennessee, earning a master’s degree in business administration; Alexander Windham, of Acworth, Georgia, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration; Madeline Manear of Fallston, Maryland, earning a bachelor’s degree in church leadership; and Isaac Wood, of Marshall, Illinois, who is earning bachelor’s degrees in English and humanities.
The 2 p.m. commencement ceremony honored 114 graduates of the School of Sciences and Allied Health and the School of Social Sciences and Education.
Five students spoke at the 2 p.m. ceremony: Emelie Seeley, of Elizabethton, Tennessee, earning a bachelor’s degree in child and youth development; Joel Duzan, of Bel Air, Maryland, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology; James Burdette of Safety Harbor, Florida, earning a master’s degree in physician assistant studies; Tiara Harvey of Johnson City, Tennessee, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing; and Alexandra Kell of Owensville, Indiana, earning a master’s degree in physician assistant studies.
In addition, Milligan presented its Fide et Amore award to Drs. W. Edward and Billye Joyce Fine. The Fide et Amore award, Milligan’s highest acknowledgement of service, honors the Fines’ loving and faithful dedication to the university and students.
Billye Joyce Fine is concluding an illustrious 60-year career in education, having served as a teacher, principal, and as the Director of Teacher Education and professor at Milligan. She has been a visiting professor to numerous universities and has supervised interns, student teachers and practicum students in most schools in the area. Billye Joyce has received countless awards and recognitions in Florida and Tennessee and is beloved by her students. While teaching at Milligan, she has served with Downtown Christian Church in Johnson City, Imagination Library, Ronald McDonald House, Head Start, Pre-K Council, Delta Kappa Gamma teachers, Monday Club and other organizations. Eddie Fine’s impactful ministry has spanned 65 years from Florida to Tennessee. During that time, he has served as youth minister and teacher, minister of education, associate minister, and senior minister. He has represented Milligan at the North American Christian Convention, Standard Publishing, Gospel Light Publications, and Kentucky Christian University, as he led the Fine Ministries. Eddie was a Milligan trustee for 35 years while in Florida and has been a member of the Board of Advisors for Milligan and the university’s seminary. He has served with the Johnson City Development Authority and the former Appalachian Christian Village (now Abundant Life) board as he ministered with Downtown Christian Church.