Commencement Speakers

Graduate Commencement

Alumni Speaker | Shawn A. Smith

Dr. Shawn A. Smith, a native of Indianapolis, is a dedicated and accomplished leader in education. His roots extend to Indiana University—Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education, and Indiana State University, where he received his Ed.S. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. He began his career teaching in Indianapolis Public Schools. He later transitioned into administrative roles in Washington Township, marking the start of a lifelong commitment to student success and academic excellence.

From 1998 to 2003, Dr. Smith was the Principal of Eastwood Middle School, where his leadership earned the school a Four Star School Award. In 2003, he was named District Principal of the Year by the Indiana Principal’s Association and served as President of the Indiana Association of School Principals – District 7. He continued to make an impact in Pike Township as the founding Principal of the Pike High School Freshman Center, later becoming Assistant Superintendent. Since 2014, Dr. Smith has been the Superintendent of Lawrence Township, leading one of Indiana's largest districts with over 16,500 students.

Dr. Smith’s service extends into the community through board roles with the American Heart Association, Communities in Schools, YMCA Ft. Benjamin Harrison, and the Northeast Indianapolis Rotary Club. He currently presides over the Indiana Urban Schools Association and is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Dr. Smith is also a devoted father to three adult children—Olivia, Maya, and Jordan.

Student Speaker | Deleanor Kirkpatrick Murray

Dr. Deleanor Kirkpatrick Murray, is a native of Prairie View, Texas. She began her academic journey as a studentathlete at Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences with a minor in Health Promotion. Driven by a commitment to education and leadership, she continued at OSU, completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership Studies with a focus on Higher Education.

Now graduating with a Ph.D. in Educational Administration with a specialization in Higher Education Leadership, Dr. Murray’s dissertation, Exposing the Disaster Disparities and Experiences on College Campuses, examines the impact of Hurricane Ida on institutions in Southeast Louisiana, offering insights and recommendations for enhancing disaster preparedness. Her research was guided by her dissertation chair, Dr. Kandace G. Hinton.

Balancing her doctoral studies and professional career, Dr. Murray has held roles such as University Registrar at Langston University and currently serves as Assistant Dean of Academic Services at Tulane University Law School in New Orleans. She is actively engaged in professional organizations, including the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the National Network of Law School Officers (NNLSO), and Tulane’s Emerging Leaders Program. Dr. Murray is also a scholar in AACRAO’s ASCEND Leadership Development Program and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Dr. Murray credits the Educational Leadership Program with deepening her critical, reflective approach to both scholarship and practice, shaping her contributions to the field.

Undergraduate Commencement

Alumni speaker | Eric Garrett

Eric Garrett, founder and CEO of The Garrett Companies, is an accomplished Indiana State University alumnus whose strategic leadership has propelled his company into a nationally recognized multifamily real estate firm. Headquartered in Indiana with expansions into Colorado and Tennessee, The Garrett Companies provides comprehensive development, construction, and management services. Eric’s vision and commitment to excellence have driven the company’s success in new construction, infill, and mixed-use developments.

Since moving from multifamily brokerage to development in 1999, Eric has overseen the completion of over 50 projects across 17 states, delivering more than 17,000 units valued at over $4.5 billion. His firm has received national recognition from Fortune and Inc. as a top workplace, celebrated for its people-focused culture and innovative approach to business. The Garrett Companies is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S., highlighting Eric’s leadership in the industry and the firm’s significant impact.

Beyond his professional achievements, Eric is committed to giving back. He serves on the National Multi Housing Council's Board of Directors and actively supports community initiatives through The Garrett Family Foundation. His philanthropic efforts and dedication to fostering community engagement reflect his deep-rooted values and connection to Indiana State University, where he first built the foundation for his remarkable career.

Student Speaker | Hannah Buescher

Hannah Buescher, a nursing major from Charleston, Illinois, has been a dedicated student and active member of the Indiana State University community. Growing up with a love for sports, the outdoors, and her church community, Hannah developed a passion for both service and adventure, spending her time hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and fishing.

At Indiana State, she excelled academically as a member of the Honors College and engaged in campus life through the Student Nurses Association, women’s club volleyball, and various intramural sports. Outside her studies, Hannah has gained invaluable experience working in the Intensive Care Unit at Union Hospital, where she supports patients and families during critical moments. She is also active in student ministry and leads a small group at her local church.

After graduation, Hannah plans to work at Riley Hospital for Children in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care StepDown Unit. She is excited about this next chapter and is grateful for the support of her family, friends, and the Indiana State community, who have encouraged her journey.