This is the fourth entry in the Class of 2024 series.
In an arena where he entertained local University of Arkansas basketball fans during his college days, Ernie Murry shared words — rather, ABCs — of wisdom with graduates of Southeast Arkansas College on Thursday.
Among his 26 bullet points:
“A — You’ve got to have a positive attitude.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“B — Be great and be proud of who you are. …”
“E — Put forth your best effort.”
“F — Faith: Always believe in yourself.”
“G — Put God first.”
Murry titled his speech “Market Yourself” as many of the 376 awardees from high school graduates to associate’s degree recipients listened at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The arena was once a secondary home of the Arkansas Razorbacks, whom he helped lead to the NCAA Final Four in the 1989-90 season after winning two state championships at Wabbaseka High School and a solid junior college career at the campus now known as Arkansas Northeastern College.
Graduation turned out to be a family affair for Michael and Maranda Yates. The White Hall couple have been married almost 25 years and have three children.
How they knew to jump into the next stage of their academic careers is, as Michael described, a long story.
“She had been an LPN (licensed practical nurse) for 14 years and was finally ready to make an RN. I had been in IT for the last 12 years and was just ready to get a degree in cybersecurity,” said Michael, who will continue his studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Cybersecurity, he said, is “the future.”
Maranda said she received her LPN degree from SEARK as well. Michael punctuated their latest achievement with a kiss to his wife on the graduates’ aisle after she received her degree.
Interim SEARK President Stacy Pfluger oversaw commencement, a day after the college named current Mississippi Delta Community College leader Tyrone Jackson its new president, effective July 1.
This phlebotomist earned her degree from Southeast Arkansas College. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Former University of Arkansas basketball guard Ernie Murry encourages graduates to market themselves. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
The story of this SEARK graduate is chalked up to a higher power. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Softball standout Chiara Olison receives her associate’s degree from SEARK Interim President Stacy Pfluger. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
SEARK faculty and staff members congratulate graduates during their processional. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
Two SEARK graduates salute their support systems during the processional. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)
These ladies were among 376 awardees of diplomas and certificates from SEARK. (Pine Bluff Commercial/I.C. Murrell)