JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE (May 11, 2026) — Shelby Dennhardt, of East Moline, Illinois, has graduated from East Tennessee State University.
Dennhardt is among more than 2,000 students who crossed the Commencement stage on Saturday.
For 2,061 members of East Tennessee State University's Class of 2026, Commencement marked both a milestone and a beginning. It was a celebration of hard work, perseverance and the people and experiences that shaped each graduate's journey.
ETSU President Brian Noland encouraged graduates to carry forward the spirit of service that shaped their time at ETSU.
"During a time in which our world is often dominated by argument and dissent, may the spirit of service and sacrifice that defined your ETSU experience carry you in the years to come," Noland said.
Two accomplished ETSU figures anchored Saturday's ceremonies.
Dr Mike Stoots, the 2025 recipient of ETSU's Distinguished Faculty in Teaching Award and a nationally-recognized public health educator, addressed the morning ceremony. Dr Randy Wykoff, founding dean of ETSU's College of Public Health, spoke at the afternoon ceremony. Wykoff retires this year as the longest-serving dean of public health in the country.
"From my perspective, life is a classroom, one in which we are both student and teacher," Noland told the crowd.
"Each day is a test and each day we receive a passing or failing grade in one particular course, a course called grace."
