More than 317 students accepted their degrees at our Sarasota campus during spring commencement on Saturday, May 12, at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. An audience of proud parents, other family members and friends, along with Keiser University faculty and staff cheered the 2018 graduating class.
“Graduation is always an exciting time for not only our graduates, but for us as a University. To share in the successes of our students as they graduate and more importantly assisting them with placement in their new high demand career field just reaffirms what we do day in and day out to meet the needs in our community and help change the lives of our students. Their excitement at graduation is absolutely contagious.” Campus President Dr. Michele Morgan said.
The student speaker for this graduating class is John Swartz, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree. John enrolled at Keiser University back in 2005 in the AACJ program, but had to withdraw in 2006 because due to being deployed for 3 years. While out on deployment, John served as Sergeant of the guard at a detention facility in Afghanistan. In 2014, he re-enrolled back in to the AACJ program, which he completed and graduated from in 2015 and continued right in to the Bachelor’s degree – all of this while working a full time job as sergeant at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
When we asked John what are his daily responsibilities at his current job he said, “As the Sergeant, my responsibilities included safety and security of youth in my facility, mentoring young adults, effectively communicating, and training with the officers under my command. I assisted in the successful completion of steam lining the recruit training process.” John is currently enrolled in the Master’s degree in Criminal Justice.
The valedictorian for this graduating class was Roger Merritt, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics degree. The salutatorian Matthew Ruffner earned Bachelor of Science in Cyber Forensics. This year’s commencement speaker was Representative Wengay “Newt” Newton, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 70.
For more than 40 years, Keiser University has been a talent development leader providing over 100 doctoral through associate degrees in workforce shortage areas in Florida’s targeted industries. Keiser’s “students first” philosophy combines foundational skills, leadership preparation, financial literacy, student support services – including tutoring, writing and math labs. Campuses throughout the state provide convenient scheduling options for students, many of whom are working adults.
My instructors believed in me. They were more than instructors, they tried to get to know you as a person and tried to understand your goals so they could push you towards them. Student services helped me find a job before I even graduated. Everyone was dedicated to my overall success.
Going to Keiser University was one of the greatest experiences in my life. All of my deans, professors, and staff made me feel that I was a part of something very special, and I am. I would recommend for anyone to get their education at Keiser University.
The instructors at Keiser University impacted my life. They believed in my ability to become a great graphic designer, regardless of how I felt about my skills. KU helped to prepare me for the real world and got me to where I am today.
If not for my education at Keiser I probably would not be where I am today, in both life and career. It is because of going to Keiser and the instructors I had that I joined a club started by Mr. Williams, The Lakeland Shooters Photography Group, which allowed me to venture into an amazing and very creative field that I use to enhance all aspects of my life.
The Design program at Keiser University was filled with real world learning and hands on instruction… Based on the portfolio I created while a student at Keiser University, I landed a job in Graphic Design for a major online retailer immediately after graduation.
The year and a half I spent in the program better prepared me for attaining a job in the field…As a hands-on learner, the project-centered teaching was perfect for me.
Keiser University has given me the opportunity to embrace a career change… It has opened the door for a timely graduation and quick return to the work force…
Without the education I received at Keiser University, I would not be where I am today!
I not only received an excellent education but also encouragement and training that built my self-confidence every day.
I realize the amount of knowledge I gained and feel that the educational experiences have developed me in to a person who can move higher up the career ladder.
Keiser University’s MBA program has renewed my mind, changed the way I think, and given me a new sense of purpose. The professors transformed my attitude and behavior, gave me the self-confidence I was lacking, and restored my energy.
It has been great attending and graduating from Keiser University. Because of the small class sizes, I was able to build good relationships with classmates and professors. The PA professors care very much about the progress and success of the students and have been great advisors every step of the way through the program.
Attending Keiser University and getting my degree was the best decision I have ever made. The small class sizes and personalized attention helped me get my degree quickly. The hands-on experience and the education landed me a job at a neighboring law firm.
I chose Keiser because it had everything—small classes, caring professors, hands-on learning, and counselors that are really there for you. I feel like I’m part of a family here, not just a number.
After being denied for several promotions at my current employer, I decided that I needed to further my education. Since graduating from Keiser with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I have been promoted and I am able to obtain positions that weren’t available to me before.
Beyond the curriculum of the courses, the lessons the instructors have taught me have paid dividends in my real work experiences. How to respond to criticisms, project and time management, interview skills, the list goes on and on. At the end of the day, they not only showed me how to design, but they taught me how to be a professional.
Keiser helped change my life by getting my education at the right school! I had been going to another school before, I dropped out because I felt that I was not getting enough information. When I found out about Keiser, I was pleased because the instructors were great.
My decision to attend Keiser University has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I chose to enroll in the Information Technology program… The one-class-a-month pace helped incredibly with my self-discipline.
The BA for Business Administration at Keiser has to be one of the best in the nation. Keiser takes the basics that are taught at the Associates level and uses them to strengthen your skills and knowledge.
I found that Keiser University’s Nuclear Medicine program of advanced studies and small class size was a perfect fit. I never came across a faculty member who wasn’t truly interested.