Kaiden Bridges of Fort Mill capped the spring 2026 semester at James Madison University with two recognitions, earning a spot on the Dean’s List and then walking across the stage at commencement in May.
Bridges graduated with a bachelor of arts in media arts and design, the same field of study in which the student earned semester honors. The Dean’s List recognition came first, followed by graduation during the university’s spring commencement exercises.
To make the Dean’s List at James Madison University, students must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and post a grade point average between 3.5 and 3.899 for the term. Bridges met that standard while completing the degree program.
Bridges was one of 4,737 students who received undergraduate and graduate degrees during the May ceremonies in Harrisonburg, Virginia. James Madison University, founded in 1908, is a public institution in the Shenandoah Valley.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
