Greenville University Announces Keynote Speaker for 2025 Commencement Ceremony
Published: March 11, 2025
Author: T. Sunderland
GREENVILLE, IL—Greenville University is pleased to announce the keynote speaker for its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, scheduled for May 8 – 10, 2025. This year's theme, "Rise Up, God's Still Rolling Stones," embodies the spirit of the graduating class and the weekend's events.
LaShanna (Sha) Farley, the Chief Human Resources Officer and President of Kenosis Leadership LLC, will deliver the keynote address.
"I had the privilege of meeting Sha while serving on the board of Brotherhood Mutual Insurance, where she is a director," shared GU President Suzanne Davis. "From the first time I heard Sha facilitate an event, I was struck by her presence and her deep spiritual connection with God. More impressive than her extensive resume is the fact that she turned down significant opportunities in corporate America to use her vast skills and experience in top executive HR roles to serve others in ministry through the Young Life organization. Sha has a passion for the next generation, and I believe she will impart great wisdom to our graduating class. I'm thrilled that she has agreed to speak to our 2025 graduates."
Sha Farley is the Chief Human Resources Officer and President of Kenosis Leadership, LLC, a leadership and business consulting firm she founded in 2018. She also serves as a Director at Brotherhood Mutual, a for-profit company that provides insurance and risk management resources to ministries. Recently, she was the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for Allvue Systems, a private equity-backed SaaS fintech firm. Prior to that, she was the CHRO for Young Life, a 501(c)(3) organization operating in 105 countries with the mission of introducing adolescents to Jesus Christ and helping them grow in their faith.
With over 25 years of global experience in Human Resources, Sha has led teams in developing and executing innovative workforce strategies aligned with mission, vision, and values. Before joining Young Life, Sha held leadership roles in the healthcare, technology, and retail sectors for Fortune 100 companies including Walmart and Pfizer.
Sha earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree in human resources and labor relations from the University of Illinois. She is dedicated to living a purpose-driven life, which she defines as a life in Christ enriched by generosity.
The 2025 commencement theme, "Rise Up, God's Still Rolling Stones," celebrates the transformative power of faith and underscores Greenville University's ongoing mission as a life-changing force in the kingdom of God.
More Information:
Terri Sunderland
Assistance Vice President Promotions
Terri.sunderland@greenville.edu | 618-664-7031
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Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with more than 1,000 students, including traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the University is located in Greenville, Ill., 45 miles east of St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, visit www.greenville.edu.
GU thrives as a worldwide learning community of grateful and faithful Christ-followers who warmly welcome students from all over the globe, seeing all persons within our ever-growing reach as bearers of God's image and beneficiaries of God's grace. At GU, students are seen, known, and valued as global citizens fueled by immersive experiences, innovative learning, and a deeply connected community anchored in a transformative relationship with God. Able and trusted guides help them live, learn, and grow into their unique God-given stories and callings.
