National Park College (NPC) celebrated the achievements of its 2025 graduates during the annual commencement ceremony held Saturday, May 10.
This year, NPC awarded 824 degrees and certificates to 537 graduates for the academic year 2025. A total of 308 graduates participated in the ceremony, which was attended by nearly 3,600 guests. The college conferred 275 associate degrees, 304 certificates of proficiency, and 245 technical certificates. Summer graduates earned 124 awards, fall graduates received 217, and spring graduates were awarded 483 credentials.
In addition to associate degrees and certificates, 16 students earned Bachelor of Arts degrees through NPC’s “Start Here/Finish Here” partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Eight students completed degrees in education K–6 and eight earned degrees in general business. Three students also earned Bachelor of Science degrees in computer science through a partnership with Southern Arkansas University.
Highlighting the importance of character and continuous improvement, NPC President Dr. Wade Derden shared advice for graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives. “Be a person of integrity who works hard, who celebrates victories, who learns from mistakes and who is kind to others in the process. And be a person who continues to grow your skills and your knowledge.”
The ceremony recognized graduates from a variety of academic pathways. Students were honored for achievements in fields such as health sciences, nursing, business, information technology, education, social sciences, communication and arts, math and science, skilled trades and university transfer programs.
Closing the ceremony with a reflection, Vice President for Student Affairs Darla Thurber
emphasized the lasting value of human connection. “Graduates, I want to remind you
that while your academic achievements are important, they are only part of your story.
Equally important are the friendships you have formed along the way. There is an eighty-year
Harvard study, one of the longest studies on happiness and health in the world, that
revealed something powerful. The number one key to living a healthier, happier life
isn’t wealth, fame or career success, it is relationships,” said Thurber.
View photos from this year's graduation ceremony.
There's a place for you at NPC. For more information, visit np.edu.