Graceland is glad to welcome back Julia Snethen as the commencement speaker for Fall 2019. Snethen received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Graceland in 1982. She went on to study maternal-child nursing at the University of Texas-Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where she received her Master of Science degree in nursing in the functional tracts of nursing education and pediatric nurse practitioner. Attending school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Snethen completed a doctorate degree in nursing, where her research focused on adolescents’ perspectives of living with end-stage renal disease. Snethen worked with Marion Broome on her post-doctoral fellowship, in which she qualitatively examined the process of informed consent for research with children, from the perspective of the sibling.
Snethen’s research areas have focused on varying aspects of chronic conditions in children from the perspectives of mothers, fathers, children and siblings. In recent years, her focus has been directed at obesity in children, with a strong interest in childhood obesity within the Latino community.
Graceland’s fall commencement ceremonies will be held Dec. 14 at the Community of Christ Auditorium in Independence, Missouri.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Press Release
April 6, 2026
Graceland University is proud to announce that Stassi Cramm, PhD, Prophet-President of the Community of Christ and a distinguished Graceland alumna, will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, in the Morden Center
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
