Tennessee Wesleyan University celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 9^th. As part of the ceremony, several awards are given in recognition of the outstanding academic work and service to Tennessee Wesleyan exhibited by members of the graduating class.

      One of these prestigious awards given out annually at the Spring Commencement is the Townsend Award, given to the male and female from the senior class who are chosen by the faculty as exemplary representatives of the University. This year’s winners were Miss Brooklyn Ingram-Nelson and Mr. Kennedy Moore.

      Ingram-Nelson was involved in a variety of clubs and organizations during her four years at TWU. She was the TWU cheerleading captain for three years, the President of the Student Government Association, a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, a student orientation leader as well as a peer mentor, a student ambassador, and a member of Psi Chi Honors Society and concert choir. She also served on the Wellness and Emotional Support Team and was a member/leader for YoungLife. Ingram-Nelson received three different degrees and a minor during her time at TWU, including a B.A. in Psychology as well as in Religion and Philosophy and a B.S. in Christian Ministries.

      “Receiving the Townsend Award was a reflection on the past four years and all of the opportunities I have been given at TWU,” Ingram-Nelson said. “I am grateful to have had the privilege to work with so many clubs and organizations on campus because it meant that I got to meet and know so many people and build lifelong friendships. I am grateful to Tennessee Wesleyan University for this award and the opportunities that led to receiving it.”

          After graduation, Ingram-Nelson shared that she is excited to continue her time in the place that she loves – Tennessee Wesleyan. Starting in June, she will join the staff at TWU as the Director of Student Involvement and as a Success Coach. In addition to joining the staff at Tennessee Wesleyan, she will also be pursuing her Master’s of Business Administration with a marketing emphasis through TWU’s Goodfriend College of Business and Professional Studies.

        Kennedy Moore was actively involved in numerous organizations throughout his undergraduate studies. As a member of the inaugural cohort of the TWU Honors Program, he demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence. Moore was also deeply engaged in worship leadership, serving on the Chapel Band and participating in the Leadership Academy at Trinity United Methodist Church. In addition, he was involved in YoungLife and WES Team and competed as a member of the men’s lacrosse team. He further contributed to campus life by singing in the choir and serving as both a peer mentor and a Welcome Weekend leader.

      Moore received a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Philosophy.

      “Receiving the Townsend Award is a great honor,” Moore said. “I am proud to have been so involved on campus, especially because my involvement spanned many areas, disciplines, interests, and pockets of community. I am very thankful for the way that TWU has allowed me to be formed more fully as an individual. To be recognized as one of the “most representative” students is a source of pride for me, but I am also proud of TWU and the goodness that can come from being engaged in its community. The ‘well-roundedness’ that has been cultivated at TWU is a very valuable thing and I am very thankful to everyone who has made it possible.”

        In July of this year, Moore will be getting married and relocating to Durham, North Carolina, where he will attend Duke Divinity School to pursue seminary studies.