Jun. 13, 2025
South College celebrated the graduation of 1,140 students at a ceremony held at the Knoxville Convention Center on June 13. The graduates included 365 students who attended classes at a Knoxville campus, as well as 649 students who completed programs online. Another 126 students graduated after completing a Competency-Based Education program, including the first married couple in South College history to graduate from a doctoral program together.
“This celebration of graduates really highlights the vast range of program offerings at South College,” said Chancelor Steve South. “We provide flexibility for students to make advanced degrees achievable, even for those with other professional and personal commitments.”
Married couple Shawna and Neil Norris have supported one another for many years, both as parents of three children and as business partners, offering coaching, consulting and mediation services. While both pursuing doctoral degrees in Business Administration (DBA) may seem challenging enough, the pair encountered an additional, life-altering obstacle when Neil was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which put their educational aspirations on hold for a time while they prioritized his health and recovery.
“For us, the experience reinforced our desire to achieve our goals and earn our doctorates together,” said Shawna Norris. “We want to create a legacy for our children and hopefully inspire others to pursue their dreams, even if they must overcome hardship.”
Shawna and Neil Norris completed their doctorates through a Competency-Based Education program, which allows working professionals to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of course content.
The couple was among 150 students taking part in the South College Hooding Ceremony on June 12, designed to recognize graduates’ success completing advanced degrees.
The South College Pinning Ceremony, which also took place on June 12, included 130 nursing graduates from several programs including Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s) and the Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate programs.
“It’s gratifying to see more than 1,100 students celebrating their academic achievements,” South said. “Our primary goal at South College is to provide a high-quality education and prepare our graduates with the opportunity to achieve their personal and professional goals.”
South College offers many different paths to achievement with modern campuses in nine cities across the country, as well as Online and CBE. The institution headquartered in Knoxville offers a wide variety of programs and concentrations spanning business, healthcare, education, legal studies, technology and more.
To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.
About South College
South College serves more than 16,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.
South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.
