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Northeast State held five ceremonies throughout the day, recognizing students in the college’s six academic divisions and the Adult Education Program. Students earned technical certificates and associate degrees in the academic divisions of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Health Professions, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Technologies.

“Graduates, you are to be commended for your persistence and determination to push forward to graduation,� Northeast State President Dr. Jeff McCord told graduates at the commencement ceremonies. “The faculty and staff of Northeast State are honored to have walked this path with you.�

Graduates received associate degrees and certificates in a wide range of fields, reflecting the college’s commitment to practical and diverse educational opportunities.

The ceremonies featured student speakers who described their experiences at Northeast State. The speakers shared personal stories of growth, resilience and the support they received from both their peers and instructors.

Graduating students Kate Casell, Matthew Hughes, Justin Hubbell, Tina Michael, Ryleigh Nickles and Camilla Paykamian served as commencement speakers.

Casell is from ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ with majors in Digital Media, Psychology, International Affairs, Philosophy, and Economics. Hughes is from Elizabethton and a Psychology and Communication Studies major.

Hubbell is from Kingsport and a Nursing major. Michael is from Gray and a General Transfer major. Nickles is from Hampton with a major in Engineering Design. Paykamian is a Pre-Radiography major from ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ.

“Today isn’t just a celebration of hard work — it’s a celebration of transformation,� Hubbell told his fellow Health Professions and Science graduates. “Celebrate your success. You’ve earned it. I’m proud to be among you.�

Graduation keynote speaker Peter Raber, former Northeast State Foundation board chairman, praised students’ abilities to persevere from admission to graduation. He told students they went forth not only as graduates but as builders of their futures and communities.

“Success is rarely a straight line; it is more like being on a spiral staircase that never ends,� Raber said. “If you keep learning and building, you will get to where you want to be.�

The spring 2025 graduating class featured 113 students graduating cum laude with grade point averages or GPAs of 3.50 to 3.74; 74 students graduating magna cum laude with GPAs of 3.75 to 3.89; and 103 students graduating summa cum laude with GPAs of 3.90 to 4.0.

Northeast State offers technical certificates and associate degrees in more than 130 programs of study. The academic programs prepare students for successful careers and continued academic pursuits.

“I urge each of you to stay connected, support each other, and cherish the memories we’ve created together,� Nickles said to graduates of the Technologies Division. “As we graduate today, let’s not just celebrate our individual accomplishments but the collective journey that has brought us to this moment. Congratulations to the Class of 2025.�