The Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Carter and Moyers School of Education honored graduating education students with a Bronze Cording Ceremony at LMU-Cedar Bluff. This event recognized the achievements of students who will graduate on Dec. 14 on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Dr. Susan Wagner, director and associate professor with the MEd with Teacher Licensure program, and Dr. John McCook, assistant dean and associate professor, addressed the graduates and their families, emphasizing the resilience and dedication required to complete their journeys to becoming licensed educators.
“This evening is not just a celebration of your accomplishments but a testament to your strength and perseverance,” said Wagner. “The bronze cords symbolize your transformative journey, resilience, and the strength you’ve cultivated through this program. Each of you represents the kind of teacher we would want for our own children—committed, prepared, and credible.”
The ceremony also highlighted the innovative efforts of LMU’s education programs to address critical teacher shortages in areas like special education. McCook acknowledged the significance of initiatives like the Grow Your Own program, which enables aspiring educators to earn teaching licenses while gaining practical experience. LMU has received multiple Grow Your Own grants from the state of Tennessee, which support students in becoming licensed teachers and address workforce needs.
“As the first private university in Tennessee to achieve approval as an apprenticeship program, LMU is proud to lead the way in advancing the teaching profession,” said McCook. “Our programs ensure graduates are not only licensed but prepared to make meaningful contributions to their schools and communities.”
The bronze cords presented to graduates symbolize the strength, resilience, and transformative power of their experiences at LMU.
“The cords are a tangible reminder of the trials you have overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the community you’ve built together,” Wagner added.
This year’s graduates include a diverse group of individuals, many of whom have transitioned from roles as teaching assistants and school personnel to fully licensed educators. Their achievements reflect LMU’s mission to empower future leaders in education and beyond.
For additional information on our graduate teacher licensure pathways, please contact our Academic Assistant Stephanie Jeffers-Johnson at s.jeffers-johnson@lmunet.edu or call 865-531-4036. We look forward to assisting you and providing further details about our programs and opportunities.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@LMUnet.edu.
