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U of M president urges graduates to make 'good choices'


Dr. Shirley Raines, president of the University of Memphis and a University of Tennessee at Martin alumna, urged graduates at the University of Tennessee at Martin summer commencement Sunday to remain loyal to the expectations others have had for them and make good choices – mainly “choosing to be happy.” She also reminded each graduate, “You have great talents. Now you have even more skills because you are a college graduate.

“I’d like you to think, graduates, back to those to whom you need to be loyal,” Raines said. “The ones who had great expectations of you. I know there are some extraordinary people in your lives, perhaps a teacher, perhaps a coach, certainly, your friends and family,” she said. “Think about the people who made a difference in your major decisions in life.”

The speaker also stressed making good choices. “You made a great choice in coming to UT Martin. You made a great choice by choosing to be a college student.” She added, “There’s a choice that I think we make every day that makes a great deal of difference and that’s the choice to be happy. Happiness is not something your parents or your college can give you. In the end, you have to choose happiness.”

Finally, Raines told graduates to give of themselves in service to others, pursuing unselfish activities many began while in college.

Raines became the 11th and first female president of UM in 2001. A native of Bells, Tenn., she received an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She completed the Management Development Program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Knight Institute for Higher Education Program from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. She assumed the presidency at UM after serving as dean of education and vice chancellor of academic services at the University of Kentucky since 1995. Previously, she was an assistant professor and chair of elementary and early childhood education at the University of Alabama; coordinator of early childhood education at North Carolina Wesleyan; and an associate professor at George Mason University.

She is regarded as an expert in early childhood education, having received honors for leadership in teacher education, including the Distinguished Faculty Award at George Mason University and two distinguished research awards from the Eastern Education Research Association. She is recognized for her effective work with legislators on public policy issues related to higher education, literacy projects and community initiatives. Major themes of her higher education leadership have been interdisciplinary research; improving teaching, retention and graduation rates; and building partnerships on and off the campus.

Dr. Nick Dunagan, UT Martin chancellor, welcomed those attending commencement and noted that the 133 graduates represent 34 Tennessee counties, as well as the states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Minnesota and Virginia. International students receiving degrees hail from Bosnia, Brazil and Korea.

“Good luck to each and every one of you graduates. Please be assured that the faculty and staff wish you the best,” Dunagan said. “I also want to acknowledge the parents, spouses and the other relatives and friends who are here today. I don’t think there is any doubt that their support has been critical.”

The chancellor also recognized faculty members telling graduates, “Your successes in life will be greatly impacted by the efforts of these professionals during your time here at UT Martin.”

Chancellor Dunagan presided over the commencement exercises and conferred degrees.