Fall 2025 Commencement at Nelson University

Alma Mater
Nelson University our faith is strong and true.
Our service calls us forth by name wherever God may choose.
God’s presence there did I behold and gave my life anew.
His Gospel for the whole world, His love for me, for you.
Nelson University our mission is in view
Bible-guided, Spirit-led, the sun won’t set on you.
Dr. Tyrone Block and Dr. Dan Langston

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Scripture Reading
PSALM 121:1-3, 7-8 (NIV)
I lift up my eyes to the mountains,
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip,
he who watches over you will not slumber.
The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming
and going both now and forevermore

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Student Speaker
Abigail Hope Taylor (Lisbon, Portugal)

The faculty of Nelson University have selected Abigail for the distinguished honor of serving as the Fall 2025 Commencement Student Speaker. She has completed the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Studies, an Associate of Arts in Religious Studies and in Intercultural Studies, and an Associate of Science in Psychology.

Abigail has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement throughout her time at Nelson University, earning regular placement on the President’s List and graduating with the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. She has been inducted into Sigma Chi Pi by the Nelson University faculty and is also a proud member of Theta Alpha Kappa.

Beyond the classroom, Abigail has been deeply involved in campus life. She has served as a Resident Assistant and was inducted into Rho Alpha Sigma for her leadership and service. Her passion for missions and community engagement is reflected through her participation in the Student Missions Association, where she served as a World Prayer Leader and a member of the Treasury Team. She also took part in a university-sponsored mission trip this past summer.

As she looks toward the future, Abigail plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Nelson University beginning in the spring. She aspires to become a licensed play therapist, using her skills to serve children in cross-cultural mission settings.


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Commencement Speaker
Kermit S. Bridges, Ph.D.
University President

Dr. Kermit S. Bridges has served as president of Nelson University since 2000. During his tenure, the university has experienced significant growth, expanded academic offerings, and constructed new facilities, doubling the under-roof square feet of the campus.

He led a multi-year study that culminated in 2024 with the institution’s name change from Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) to Nelson University, honoring P.C. Nelson, founder of the oldest of the three institutions that merged to form the university.

President Bridges is a native Texan and a third-generation Assemblies of God minister. His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree from Nelson University, Master’s degrees from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

He is married to Jan Quistad Bridges (M.Ed.), a native of Minnesota, who has taught in both public and Christian schools, served in educational administration, and worked as a faculty member at Nelson. The Bridges have two sons, James and Forrest, both Nelson graduates, as well as two daughters-in-law and two wonderful granddaughters.