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Dr. David Sallee, president of William Jewell College, was the commencement speaker. As part of the traditional commencement celebration, more than 200 graduates took the ceremonial last walk around the Quad led by bagpipers and a color guard.

Dr. Sallee is celebrating his 10th year as president at William Jewell College. He was awarded a doctorate of philosophy in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma in 1993 and a master of science in physical education in 1976 at Pittsburg State University. He earned a bachelor of arts in physical education from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1973, after spending two years at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. He received the Alumni Achievement Award from Oklahoma Baptist University in 2008, the Alumni Meritorious Achievement Award from Pittsburg State University in 2007 and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Missouri Community Colleges Association in 2001. Professional and civic activities include service on the American Humanics Board of Directors; the Center for Practical Bioethics Board of Directors; the Midwest Research Institute Board of Trustees; and the Clay County Economic Development Council.

A baccalaureate service was also held May 15 in John Gano Memorial Chapel on the campus. Speaker for the service was Burt Burleson, chaplain at Baylor University. Burleson holds a bachelor’s degree from Baylor, a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Austin Presbyterian Seminary. After fifteen years in student ministry and pastoral counseling, Burleson became the first pastor of the DaySpring Baptist Church in Waco, where he served for almost 13 years before becoming the chaplain at Baylor University.