BRISTOL, Tenn., April 16, 2019 — Dr. Craig McDonald, a retired faculty member who enlightened King University students for more than three decades with his vast knowledge of English grammar and British Literature, will serve as guest speaker for the university’s Spring 2019 Commencement exercises on Saturday, April 27.
The 10 a.m. ceremony will be held on the Campus Oval and will honor more than 350 graduates who have earned undergraduate, graduate and professional studies degrees. Craig Streetman, assistant professor of Philosophy, will serve as faculty marshal.
McDonald began his teaching career at Glenville State College in West Virginia and came to King in 1982. Although he left for a brief time to serve as head master at Sullins Academy, a nearby private school, he returned within two years to continue teaching at King until his retirement in 2017. During his long tenure at King, he was well loved and highly respected by students for his focus on the fundamentals of good writing and his lessons on Shakespeare.
McDonald holds degrees from Davidson College, the college of William and Mary, and the University of York. The title of his address is “The Janitor at the Gate.”
Other highlights of the ceremony include the presentation of the M. Jeffrey Byrd Distinguished Service Award, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, and the R.T.L. Liston Award for Academic Excellence.
King University is a Presbyterian-affiliated, doctoral-level comprehensive university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1867 as King College, the University offers more than 90 majors, minors, pre-professional degrees and concentrations in fields such as business, nursing, law, medical and health sciences, pharmacy, education, and humanities. Graduate programs are offered in business administration, education, and nursing. A number of research, off-campus learning opportunities, and travel destinations are also available. King University is a NCAA Division II and a Conference Carolinas member with 25 varsity sports. For more information about King University, visit www.king.edu; for questions related to accreditation, contact SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA. 30033-4097, or call 404.679.4500. King University does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability. King University is certified by SCHEV to operate in Virginia. King’s primary location in Virginia is Southwest Virginia Community College, 724 Community College Rd, Cedar Bluff, VA 24609.
Those unable to attend the ceremony are invited to view it via live streaming at http://webcast.king.edu.