BTC Celebrates Largest Commencement Ceremony in School History

This spring, we celebrated a major milestone at Bolivar Technical College. Our Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony was the largest in school history, bringing together students from our Practical Nursing (LPN), Professional Nursing (RN), LPN to RN Bridge, and RN to BSN Completion pathways.

The ceremony reflected something we are incredibly proud of at BTC: creating opportunities for students to continue advancing throughout their nursing careers. From students taking their first steps into nursing to those continuing their education toward a bachelor’s degree, the event highlighted the many pathways available within our nursing programs.

 

Students Recognized During the Ceremony

We are proud to recognize the following students who participated in our Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony.

BSN Class of 2026

Kimberly Clasby of Bolivar, Sarah Crites of Ozark, and Lindy Stubbs of Humansville.

RN Class of 2026

Ashley Adams of Clever, Nona Adamson of Willard, Amanda Arant of Bolivar, Karen Benavides Barba of Ozark, Iziah Bouling of Bolivar, Jessica Boyles of Stockton, Sam Brothers of Dunnegan, Machelle Coffin of Humansville, Hayley Conner of Bolivar, Elizabeth Dillon of Bolivar, Halle Dinwiddie of Bolivar, Angela Dodd of Bolivar, Heather Evans of Aurora, Natasha Farver of Springfield, Ashley Flesher of Bolivar, Heather Friese of Lamar, Amanda Fugere of Bolivar, Julia Gann of Stockton, Lynsey Garlett of Collins, Sarah Grotheer of Fair Play, Ali Hall of Ava, Jesse Harbour of Ava, Brenna Horton of Marshfield, Layla Huffman of Bolivar, Shawn Kennedy of Seymour, Kasey King of Ash Grove, Melinda Lawless of Elkland, Ashton Lynn of Bolivar, Megan Manley of Lebanon, Jodi McDowell of Mansfield, Charley Norris of Springfield, Sheila Porter of Urbana, Elizabeth Ross of Springfield, Theresa Marie Schafer of Elkland, Sherri Strong of Willard, Tim Tarpley of Niangua, Emma Tennal of Lamar, Racquel Uhlmann of Nixa, Alexina Walsh of Republic, Amy Wasmer of Stoutland, and Rosemary Williams of Humansville.

LPN Class of 2026

Dalton Blackard of Springfield, Canyon Carpenter of El Dorado Springs, Lacey Davis of Willard, Kaycee Hankins of Everton, Brooke McIntosh of Bolivar, Kiah Reese of Willard, Stacey Sharp of Buffalo, Kimberly Taylor of Bolivar, and Tiffani Yelvington of Marshfield.

A Milestone Worth Celebrating

Many of the students recognized during the ceremony balanced demanding coursework with careers, clinical hours, family responsibilities, and countless other commitments while pursuing their nursing goals.

"As we watched students from every program walk across the stage together, it was a powerful reminder of the dedication it takes to become a nurse," shared Erin Mock, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing Education at BTC. "These students worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and we are honored to have been a part of their journey."

For many participants, the ceremony represented more than the completion of one chapter. It also celebrated the next step in their educational journey.

Continuing to Advance

One of the most exciting things we saw this spring was the number of students continuing their education within BTC’s nursing pathways.

37% of those recognized during the ceremony are already enrolled in the next stage of their nursing education at BTC. Many students are moving directly from one nursing pathway to another, continuing to build their skills and advance their careers.

According to BTC Admissions Representative Daniel Leith, summer enrollment has increased significantly within the college’s higher-level programs, including the LPN to RN Bridge, Paramedic to RN Bridge, and RN to BSN Completion pathways. That growth reflects a growing number of students choosing to continue their education and career advancement right here at BTC.

Creating More Accessible Nursing Pathways

Part of that growth comes from recent changes we’ve made to help working adults continue their education more easily.

Within our LPN to RN Bridge and Paramedic to RN Bridge programs, prerequisite coursework has been integrated directly into the nursing program. This approach helps remove barriers for students who previously needed to complete additional coursework before entering a bridge pathway.

We’ve also expanded hybrid course delivery across multiple programs. Hybrid learning combines online lectures with in-person labs, simulations, and clinical experiences, giving students additional flexibility while maintaining the hands-on training standards that nursing education requires.

For many students recognized during this year’s ceremony, these changes helped make the next step in their nursing education possible.

Celebrating Partnerships That Support Student Success

The ceremony also highlighted the determination and perseverance required to succeed in nursing education.

Commencement guest speaker Sara Hennessy, Director of Hospital Nursing Operations at Citizens Memorial Hospital (CMH), encouraged students to recognize that they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and spirit of the nurses who came before them, just as they will one day inspire and support future nurses.

Her participation also reflected the strong partnership between BTC and CMH, a relationship that continues to create opportunities for nursing students to train, work, and grow within the local communities they serve.

Many members of this year’s class participated in the CMH Nurse Apprenticeship Program, which allows students to earn wages while completing clinical hours already built into their nursing education. The program provides valuable hands-on experience while helping reduce financial barriers for students.

16 students recognized during the Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony have already accepted positions with CMH, and that number is expected to grow as more participants finalize their employment plans.

Looking Ahead

Our Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony celebrated more than a record-setting class size. It celebrated resilience, ambition, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others through healthcare.

As these students continue their educational and professional journeys, they will help strengthen healthcare throughout southwest Missouri and beyond. We are honored to have played a role in helping them reach this milestone and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.

 

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Interested in starting your own nursing journey?

We are currently enrolling for upcoming semesters in our Professional Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing (LPN), LPN to RN Bridge, Paramedic to RN Bridge, and 100% online RN to BSN Completion programs.

To learn more or schedule a tour, call 417-777-5062, email info@bolivarcollege.edu, or text 417-771-3543.