More than 1,000 students graduate from South College, including four-time cancer survivor through Competency-Based Education (CBE) program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2026

South College celebrated the graduation of 1,500 students at a ceremony held at Thompson-Boling Arena on June 12. The graduates in attendance included approximately 300 students who attended classes at a Knoxville campus, as well as about 1,000 students who completed programs online. Another 200 students graduated after completing a Competency-Based Education program, including a four-time cancer survivor and a former combat medic.

“This is the highest number of graduates in one commencement ceremony at South College and that demonstrates the wide range of programs we offer for first-time college students and those returning for an advanced degree,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “The commitment and dedication of our graduates allowed them to reach this day, and we will remain flexible to allow students with professional and personal commitments to pursue their educational ambitions.”

Among the graduates was Susan McBryde, a cancer survivor, who earned an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Teaching and Learning through South College’s Competency-Based Education (CBE) program. McBryde, who is from Madison, Wisconsin, is the owner and director of Monkey Business Learning Center, which designs and oversees developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed curriculum to support educators and ensure that classrooms provide safe environments for young children.

McBryde, who also earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees earlier in her career, has a lifelong commitment to early education and the safety and well-being of young children, including serving as director of early childhood at a school for the blind in Pennsylvania and executive director of a child abuse prevention center before opening Monkey Business Learning Center.

“I selected the Teaching and Learning program because it aligned directly with the work I have been doing for decades as a classroom teacher, principal, early childhood director and program owner,” McBryde said. “It offered the perfect balance of advanced scholarship and practical application, allowing me to strengthen the quality of my program while continuing to lead it.

“Given the realities of my life – supporting my elderly mother, surviving cancer multiple times, and maintaining a full professional load – I needed a program that was rigorous, relevant and flexible enough to honor both my personal and professional commitments. Choosing this program was an intentional step toward elevating my practice, expanding my impact and continuing to grow as an educational leader.”

McBryde is among a number of graduates who shared stories of inspiration that impacted their professional pursuits.

South College graduate Demetrius Gregory served for 13 years as a combat medic and noncommissioned officer with the U.S. Army and transitioned into health education, which inspired him to make a deeper impact with students in special education. He completed his Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Teaching and Learning through South College CBE.

Gregory’s time in the military instilled a strong foundation of discipline, leadership and service to others, which ultimately shaped his transition to special education.

“Throughout my journey, I have balanced the demands of teaching, graduate coursework and leadership responsibilities,” said Gregory, a special education teacher at Phenix City Schools in Alabama. “While the path has required sacrifice and perseverance, it has also been incredibly rewarding to see the growth and success of the students I serve.”

Gregory said the flexible CBE program provided a framework that supported him with accountability and structure while accommodating the realities of working professionals.

His long-term goal is to pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and become an instructional leader.

“It’s gratifying to celebrate the academic achievements of so many committed students,” South said. “Our mission at South College is to provide a high-quality education that meets students where they are in their personal and professional lives.”

The South College Pinning Ceremony, which took place on June 11, included nearly 200 nursing graduates from several programs including Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s) and Post-Graduate Nursing Certificate programs.

Additionally, 200 graduates participated in the South College Hooding Ceremony on June 11. The more intimate ceremony recognizes graduates who have completed a master’s or doctoral program to commemorate their transition to a scholar.

South College offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.