ATHENS– Athens State University’s graduation exercises will be held in the Carter Physical Education Gymnasium on Saturday, December 7 with three separate ceremonies.
At 9:00 a.m., the College of Education will commence with Mary Scott Hunter addressing the attendees.
Hunter is a member of the Athens State University Board of Trustees and represents District VIII on the Alabama State Board of Education. Hunter joined Intuitive Research and Technology Company as corporate counsel in 2012 where she leads the company’s business interests in compliance, ethics, and risk.
Hunter earned her Bachelor’s degree in 1995 from the University of Alabama and her Juris Doctorate in 1998 from the University of Alabama School of Law. She also served in the United States Air Force.
At 12:00 noon, the College of Arts and Sciences will present diplomas to their graduates with Stan Pylant serving as the college’s keynote speaker.
Pylant has been with WHNT News 19 for 28 years and currently serves as the President and General Manager. His responsibilities include all station operations, compliance with all FCC regulations, and leading a staff of over 100 employees to continued growth in rating and revenue.
Pylant is an alumnus of Athens State University and was recognized by Athens State with the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year award in 2008. He is a graduate of Leadership Huntsville, a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, Television Bureau of Advertising and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He serves on the executive board for the Alabama Broadcasters Association, is a member of the Burritt on the Mountain advisory board, and is a current member of the Athens State University Foundation Board.
At 3:00 p.m., the College of Business’ graduation ceremony will be held with Major General Frank Turner, III serving as the keynote
speaker.
Turner is the Commanding General of the United States Army Security Assistance Command at Redstone Arsenal. He took on this role in September of 2011 after serving as the 18th Program Manager for the Saudi Arabian National Guard Modernization Program, and as the Deputy Commanding General and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Accessions Command, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Turner was commissioned a Lieutenant of Field Artillery upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. His formal education is consistent with that of a career field artillery
officer and includes graduation from the U.S. Army War College and a Master of Science Degree from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
Approximately 300 students will march, encompassing the graduating classes for the three colleges for the 2013 fall semester.
Athens State’s commencement ceremonies are free and open to the public. For more information call 256-233-8296.
