Twenty residents of Palestine were among 607 degree candidates recognized by The University of Texas at Tyler in spring commencement ceremonies May 6.

Palestine residents and their degrees are:

Michael Joseph Hart, M.S., human resource development; Larissa Loveless, M.Ed., educational administration; Blake Baker, B.B.A., marketing; Kyle Anthony Bostic, B.B.A., management; Jarod K. King, B.S., computer information systems; Diane Austin Abbott, Jeri L. Cleveland, Michelle Lynne Freeman, Nicole Herring, Victoria Homann, Carrie Suzanne Hucklebridge, Juanita Ruth Johnson, Desiree Nicole Lee, Jodie Parish Murray, Billy James Parker, Melanie Ann Pickle, Karen Starling and Geraldine Spears Wise, B.S.N.; Frances Michelle Knox, B.S., sociology; and Rachel Ann Pearson Petty, B.S., speech communication.

Commencement remarks were given by Dr. Michael Bell, UT Tyler alumni and president of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. President Rodney H. Mabry certified degree candidates. Presentation of degree candidates was by Dr. Richard Osburn, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and by the representatives of each of the university’s colleges.

One of 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler offers excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 5,300 high-ability students at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine.