PTS Convenes Graduation Celebration Virtually
Cleveland, TN–On December 5, 2020, the Pentecostal Theological Seminary convened the 45th Graduation Celebration on the PTS campus in the newly repurposed Cross Chapel Studio. Graduates from around the world were directly connected via Zoom. A limited audience of faculty and guests were in-person for the momentous event with appropriate distancing and masks.
PTS President Dr. Mike Baker, said, “Our objective was to utilize the resources available connecting our graduates around the world, provide recognition for their outstanding academic achievement, to formally convene virtual commencement exercises, and commission them for future ministry.”
PTS President Mike Baker, at podium, is joined by special guests and graduates via Zoom (click photo to enlarge)
Special recognitions included Dr. R.C. Hugh Nelson who was recognized as Alumnus of the Year; Bernice Woodard, installed into the Hall of Prophets; and Dr. James Beaty, presented a Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the Board of Trustees awarded four honorary doctorates to the following: PTS Professor Dr. French Arrington; Dr. Carlos Canizalez (posthumously), PTS Professor Dr. Cheryl Johns; and Dr. Gerald McGinnis, former pastor of Park West Church in Knoxville, Tenn. There were more than one hundred graduates from the numerous academic programs. Of special significance was the awarding of degrees to twenty-seven D.Min. Hispanic/Latino graduates.
“The Saturday morning commencement was the first virtual graduation convened at PTS,” Baker stated, “But it was a superb event demonstrating that PTS is the right place!”
Featured speaker for the graduation ceremony was Dr. Paul Conn, chancellor and former president at Lee University.
