The University of North Georgia (UNG) has announced its lineup of keynote speakers for the spring 2025 commencement ceremonies, which will take place on May 14 and 15.
Speaking at the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 14 is Bárbara Rivera Holmes, Georgia’s commissioner of labor. Holmes, who made history as the state’s first Latina constitutional officer when she assumed office on April 4, brings a wealth of experience in public service and leadership.
Her previous appointments include serving on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, appointed by former Gov. Nathan Deal, and as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force under former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.
Holmes has received a Congressional Commendation from U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff and has been recognized by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Georgia Trend for her contributions.
A former journalist, she holds degrees in journalism and Spanish from Florida Southern College and studied at Estudio Sampere Internacional in Spain.
The afternoon ceremony at 3 p.m. on May 14 will feature Derek Schiller, president and CEO of the Atlanta Braves. Now in his 22nd season with the team, Schiller is responsible for overseeing both business and ballpark operations.
His work spans revenue areas like ticket sales, corporate partnerships, broadcasting, and merchandising, as well as service departments including guest services, marketing, communications, and human resources. Schiller also shapes the strategic direction of the Braves and champions innovation across the organization. He earned his engineering degree from Vanderbilt University.
Carol Burrell, recently retired president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), will deliver the keynote at 10 a.m. on May 15. Burrell led NGHS from 2011 until her retirement in March 2025, guiding the organization through a period of significant expansion and success.
Under her leadership, NGHS evolved from a single-hospital system into one of Georgia’s largest healthcare providers, with a $7.5 billion annual economic impact. The system now includes five acute care hospitals, a large physician group, advanced cardiovascular services, and a leading graduate medical education program. Burrell holds degrees from Georgia Southern University, Emory University, and Central Michigan University. She has been recognized as Georgia’s Most Respected Business Leader by Georgia Trend and is a longtime fixture on the 100 Most Influential Georgians list. She is also part of Atlanta Magazine’s 2025 Atlanta 500.
The final commencement speaker, addressing the 7 p.m. ceremony on May 15, is Dr. Parker Hyde, assistant professor of kinesiology at UNG. Hyde was honored with the 2025 Distinguished Professor Award for the Dahlonega Campus by the UNG Alumni Association.
He is a dedicated mentor to students pursuing kinesiology degrees and focuses his research on metabolic therapies for metastatic cancer, as well as human performance and precision nutrition for tactical and elite athletes.
Hyde earned his Ph.D. in kinesiology from The Ohio State University, a master’s from Georgia Southern University, and a bachelor’s from Kennesaw State University.
