Brenau Women’s College, University to award 370 degrees this spring

Commencement ceremonies for Brenau University and The Women’s College will take place Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, to celebrate some 370 degrees awarded this spring. 

Brenau President Anne Skleder, 10th president of the university, will serve as the keynote speaker for ceremonies on both days. 

“It is my honor to speak to this spring’s graduates during Brenau University’s 143rd commencement. For generations, this university has been graduating world-class students who have gone on to transform their lives, their workplaces, their communities and the world,” Skleder said. “Brenau’s mission is to prepare students to live extraordinary lives and to successfully take on the challenges of their professions. I am incredibly proud of our hardworking graduates, and I cannot wait to see the mark they will make on the world.” 

Skleder has held multiple administrative posts in the academic, enrollment, student development and planning areas. She has presented nationally and internationally and published on a wide variety of topics. She received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Arts and Ph.D. in social and organizational psychology from Temple University. She completed the Institute for Educational Management at Harvard.

While at Brenau, Skleder has overseen the elevation of the psychology program to the Lynn J. Darby School of Psychology and Adolescent Counseling, including its new location at the Gainesville Renaissance on the downtown square; significant enhancements to the Downtown Center; and launch of the Miller Institute for Global Education. Skleder also has led a refresh of the university’s vision, strategic plan and branding; creation of a partnership with Panama to bring students to Brenau to study English and earn bachelor’s degrees; and new programs such as physician assistant studies to meet student interest and community need.

Skleder is actively involved in a number of national and regional organizations, where she represents the interests of Brenau and private institutions. She serves as treasurer on the executive committee of the Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education and is a board member for the Women’s College Coalition, the Georgia Independent Colleges Association, the United Way of Hall County and the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. Recently, she was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, an advocacy group representing 1,000 private independent colleges and universities across the country.

The Women’s College will confer degrees on Friday at 4:30 p.m., while those earning undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university will be recognized on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. 

“Celebrating graduates at commencement ceremonies is the pinnacle event at Brenau University, and each one is special,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jim Eck said. “The graduating class of spring 2022 has been certified by the university and approved by the faculty and by the Board of Trustees as having successfully met the requirements for their degrees. On behalf of the faculty, staff and administration of Brenau, we are immensely proud of our graduates and all they have accomplished during their time here.” 

In December, Brenau awarded more than 400 degrees to graduates during two ceremonies.

Both ceremonies will take place on the front lawn. Graduate line up for each ceremony begins an hour prior to the start time in Pearce Auditorium. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved into Pearce Auditorium. More information about inclement weather plans can be found on the Graduation Page. Parking is available in multiple areas on the historic Gainesville campus. Download the Parking Map here

The events will be streamed live and will also be available for viewing after the event. You can stream the ceremonies on Vimeo.