May 13, 2023
For Immediate Release
Marshall, Texas

Wiley College celebrated its 2023 commencement on Saturday, May 5, 2023, with a weekend of tradition. The 2023 graduating class of Wiley College is special not only for their achievements but because the year also marks the College’s Sesquicentennial.

“Graduation is always a special time in the College’s history. Celebrating the achievements of our graduates is a joyous occasion. This year was particularly special as graduates can boast they completed their Wiley College academic journey in our 150th year.” – 17th President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr., J.D., Ph.D.

The College honored its 2023 class with a ceremonial African drumming processional and the presentation of special stoles with an image of one of Wiley College’s first graduating classes. Tre’Vion Daniel, outgoing SGA President and 2023 graduate, shared how impactful the commencement experience and his Wiley College experience have been. Tre’Vion Daniels will be attending graduate school in the Fall. 

An additional highlight of the weekend was the Love Letters to the College. Graduate Ms. Sheila Douglas, great-grandmother, wife, mother, and now Wiley College graduate, shared that she returned to College almost 45 years after her initial start and is starting graduate school on Monday as a result of completing Wiley College.

The commencement address was provided by Nicholas A. Perkins, owner of Fuddruckers Restaurants and CEO of Black Titan Investment Group. Growing up, Mr. Perkins shared that he worked in food service and started as a cook, and was often ridiculed for his work ethic. He encouraged graduates with three powerful words, Called, Capable, and Covered, and reminded graduates to focus on what matters to them and not worry about what others think, especially when they are starting out. Mr. Perkins’s focus has paid off, starting with his first endeavor, which he was able to start with $2000 and an AMEX card, to now the CEO of the multi-million dollar Black Titan Investment Group.

The celebration is a time-honored tradition at Wiley College. This year the College honored over 90 graduates and hosted a record-breaking crowd since the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

For more information, please contact Ms. Jasmine Farmer (jfarmer@wileyc.edu).
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About Wiley College:
Founded in 1873 in Marshall, Texas, Wiley College is a historically Black college (HBCU). Wiley College is a premier liberal arts institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, with an intentional focus on social good and leadership. Wiley College is the Home of the Great Debaters.