Commencement Speakers and Honorary Degree Recipients

Winter Commencement Speaker

Bethany C. Goodier, Ph.D.

Bethany C. Goodier, Ph.D., is a professor of Communication and Director of the Martin Center for Mentorship in Communication at the College of Charleston. Over more than two decades in higher education, she has inspired students to lead with purpose, communicate with integrity and build meaningful connections that last well beyond graduation.

Her teaching and research focus on leadership, mentoring, and organizational culture—examining how communication shapes the way people find purpose and belonging in their work and communities. Goodier teaches the Capstone in Leadership and Leadership Ethics courses and directs the department’s internship program. Through her leadership of the Martin Center, she dedicates her time to programs that connect students with mentors and professionals, helping them bridge the classroom with the world of work. She also serves as faculty advisor to the College’s chapter of Mortar Board, the national honor society recognizing scholarship, leadership and service.

She previously served as Chair of the Department of Communication from 2010 to 2015 and has been recognized with the College of Charleston’s Distinguished Service Award (2024), the John I. Sisco Career Excellence in Teaching Award from the Southern States Communication Association (2019) and multiple departmental awards for outstanding teaching and service.

Beyond campus, Goodier finds joy in time with her husband and their two children, savoring family life and Charleston’s vibrant dining scene. She believes that leadership begins with listening, grows through connection and flourishes in service to others. She is honored to join the College community in celebrating the Class of 2025 and their extraordinary accomplishments.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Tara Hudson Snyder and Lance Alan Snyder

Lance Alan Snyder is a retired CPA and entrepreneur. He worked in public accounting and as a Chief Financial Officer for a manufacturing company before joining his brother in the family business Palmetto Exterminators in 1999. Snyder earned his BS Degree in Business Administration at Francis Marion University and attended Francis Marion on a full basketball scholarship. He was a four-year Letterman and was captain of the team his senior year.

Tara Hudson Snyder is a retired attorney who practiced law for 16 years in Greenville, SC and Charleston, SC before joining her husband and brother-in-law in the family business Palmetto Exterminators in 2004. She earned her BA in English from Furman University, graduated summa cum laude and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She received her Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Virginia, graduating magna cum laude.

The Snyders met while in high school and have been married for forty years. Throughout their marriage, they were actively involved in their communities and served on various non-profit boards and committees associated with the United Way, the American Red Cross, the Greenville County Disability and Special Needs Board, Furman University and the College of Charleston.  After moving to the Lowcountry in 1999, they became avid supporters of Charleston Athletics giving their time and money in support of especially Men’s Basketball, Baseball and both the Men’s and Women’s Golf Programs serving on various committees over the last 25 years. Mr. Snyder credits his professional success to being given the opportunity to attend college on a full athletic scholarship. The Snyders share a life-long passion for college athletics and supporting student-athletes.