From staff reports

NASHVILLE, TN — Kenneth Charles Lauver, of Orange, graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University on May 4. Lauver earned a Bachelor of Arts.

Lauver, with his wife, Andrea, are Co-Youth Pastors at Orange First Church of the Nazarene located at 3810 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Orange.

During the University’s 118th Commencement Convocation, Trevecca conferred more than 1,140 degrees. Dr. Richard Parrott, Trevecca professor of leadership studies, served as the commencement speaker. The author of Leadership Essentials: The Proven Path of Effective Leadership, Finding Your Path in Life and My Soul Purpose, Parrott has served on the University faculty since 2008. He holds degrees from Eastern Nazarene College, Nazarene Theological Seminary, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and Oregon State University.

Three graduates offered short responses to Parrott’s charge: Ryan Gunter representing Trevecca’s traditional undergraduate students, Shana Light representing continuing studies graduates; and Christopher Melendez representing graduate and doctoral students.

In addition, the University presented the Lyla T. Mackey Diakonos Award to Dr. Steve Pusey, university provost, who is retiring after 27 years of service to Trevecca. Pusey will become the fourth recipient of the award, which is only given on rare occasions to individuals who have exhibited extraordinary service to the University community or Christian higher education. Dr. Mary Ann Meiners and Dr. Ruth Kinnersley were awarded emeriti status.