Lubbock Christian University (LCU) celebrated its Fall 2025 Commencement on Saturday, December 13 in the Rip Griffin Center, honoring undergraduate and graduate students as they mark the completion of their academic journeys.
This year’s ceremony is especially historic for the university, as LCU conferred degrees to its inaugural cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) graduates—the very first doctoral graduates in the university’s history. The milestone marks a significant step in the continued growth and advancement of LCU’s academic offerings.
“This graduating class represents more than individual achievement—they represent a defining moment in the history of Lubbock Christian University,” said Dr. LaNell Harrison, Executive Director of the School of Nursing. “Launching our first doctoral program and graduating our first doctoral students reflects LCU’s mission to prepare servant leaders who are equipped to transform healthcare and serve their communities with excellence and integrity.”
The DNP is a terminal practice degree in advanced nursing and represents the highest level of preparation in specialty nursing practice. The degree provides graduates with the necessary tools to be successful leaders and clinicians in an increasingly complex healthcare system. As LCU’s first doctoral program, the DNP program demonstrates the university’s expanding role in graduate and professional education and its dedication to addressing the growing need for highly educated nurse leaders in healthcare systems across the region and beyond.
Dr. Toby Rogers, Dean of the B. Ward Lane College of Science and Health Professions, said, “I’m so excited to celebrate the first doctoral student graduates at Lubbock Christian University and the School of Nursing. This is a testament to the incredible work of our nursing faculty and their valuable contributions to the nursing profession in this region. The Lubbock and surrounding communities will be further blessed to have more LCU nursing graduates from the bachelor’s level through doctoral level helping meet the growing need for nurses in our region. These students embody our mission of ‘transforming the hearts, minds and hands of students for lives of purpose and service.’ In addition, the pioneering spirit of the School of Nursing has paved the way for other doctoral programs at LCU. We are excited to see how God will use these new opportunities to further His kingdom reach.”
LCU President Dr. Scott McDowell shared, “What excites me most about this milestone is the fact that these leaders take an understanding of their place in God’s world into their work. I am grateful for this moment and genuinely excited about the future of these well-equipped graduates.”
Also walking the stage for the first time were graduates of the university’s Master of Human Performance program, a new degree track designed for students interested in pursuing advanced study in kinesiology, exercise science, motor performance, and strength and conditioning.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Mark Funderburk, President and CEO of University Medical Center Health System. A highly respected healthcare leader in West Texas, Funderburk brings decades of experience in hospital administration, community health, and organizational leadership. His insights will help inspire graduates as they transition into their careers and service roles.
Family, friends, and community members gathered for the ceremony as LCU celebrated academic excellence and the accomplishments of its graduates.