MVC to Graduate 292 on May 10

Missouri Valley College will confer 292 degrees to students at its commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 10 at Gregg-Mitchell Field on the MVC campus. The class of 2025 consists of 240 undergraduates, six associate’s degree graduates, and 46 master’s degree recipients.

The commencement speaker will be Dr. Caleb Hickman ‘00, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a leader in wildlife conservation, blending ecological science with cultural stewardship. He is a Supervisory Biologist for the EBCI who leads conservation efforts for culturally and ecologically significant species in the southern Appalachians. His work integrates traditional Cherokee ecological knowledge with modern science, reinforcing the role of tribal nations in shaping the future of conservation.

Hickman is an MVC alumnus who wrestled for the Vikings. His research has been featured in National Geographic, Garden & Gun Magazine, and many other publications. He has published numerous scientific articles and book chapters and delivered nearly 100 professional presentations.

After earning his bachelor’s in biology at Missouri Valley College and receiving the Reed Kepner Biology Award and the Mr. Viking Award, Hickman went on to earn a master’s at Missouri State, and a PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Cynthia Bice, vice president of academic affairs, will present two students with the Charles L. Bacon Distinguished Service Award. The awards are given annually to a senior man and woman. The awards are voted on by the senior class.

The Missouri Valley College ceremony will be livestreamed on the Viking Sports Network. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Burns Athletic Center.