Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc.

05/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/18/2026 11:37

Remarkable Graduates from Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Class of 2026

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We've asked some of the most exemplary graduates of this commencement season about their time at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Read on to learn about the Class of 2026 and where they're headed next.

Payton Aldridge

Aldridge is from Plant City, Florida, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She is planning to begin work as an emergency department nurse and get married after graduation.

Why did you choose your specific degree track?

I chose nursing because I wanted to make a difference in people's lives during their worst moments. After dealing with my own health issues, I know firsthand how a nurse can make or break your hospital experience. I want to be the light of Jesus in the darkest times for my patients.

Why did you choose to pursue your education at PBA?

I chose PBA because of the Christian environment, the amazing nursing program, and of course being by the beach. I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people when I moved away from home, and PBA has provided me with the best friends and atmosphere.

What is your favorite memory at PBA?

My favorite memory at PBA is going to spring formal with my friends and roommates and dancing the night away after a full day at the beach.

Sofia Hage

Hage is from West Palm Beach, Florida, and graduated from PBA's Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy with her doctorate of pharmacy. Next in her career, she will start a position as a pharmacist at Publix.

Why did you choose your specific degree track?

I chose pharmacy after seeing firsthand how meaningful the role can be, especially during uncertain times. In 2020, during COVID, I watched my older sister, who had just graduated from the Gregory School of Pharmacy, continue showing up to work every day for her patients and community. Seeing how she was a steady, reliable presence during such a difficult time really stuck with me.

Why did you choose to pursue your education at PBA?

I chose to attend the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy because so many of the pharmacists I've met and look up to [graduated from] this program. It felt like a place that truly prepares you not just academically, but for the real responsibility of caring for patients.

What is your favorite memory at PBA?

My favorite memory here is the first day of my third year, which also marked my younger sister's first day of her first year of pharmacy school here at PBA. It was the first time since elementary school that we were in school together. Getting to share that experience-watching her grow into it, seeing her in the hallways and hearing from professors about how well she's doing-has been a very meaningful experience for me.

Taylor Nelson

Nelson is from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in international business. Next, he will attend law school and pursue a career in sports, entertainment law, and business law, with the goal of eventually opening his own law firm.

Why did you choose your specific degree track?

I chose my specific degree track in international business because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in business, and adding Spanish as a minor made that path even more meaningful. Since business today is so global, understanding how companies operate across different countries and cultures is extremely valuable. I felt that international business was the perfect fit because it combines my interest in business with my passion for building relationships and working in diverse environments.

Why did you choose to pursue your education at PBA?

I chose to pursue my education at PBA because I was given the opportunity to play indoor volleyball on scholarship. Being able to continue my athletic career while earning my degree at an AACSB-accredited school was very important to me. I was drawn to the strong sense of community, the smaller class sizes, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while competing at the collegiate level.

What is your favorite memory at PBA?

My favorite memory at PBA is Cram Jam during finals week. It is an event where everyone goes to the campus cafeteria late at night to eat pancakes while taking a break from studying for finals. It is a simple tradition, but it makes finals week feel a little less overwhelming.

Emily Turner

Turner was born in Astana, Kazakhstan, and raised in Northwest Arkansas. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in popular music industry and is deciding between pursuing a local worship leadership internship or a full-time worship residency for a megachurch in Denver, Colorado.

Why did you choose your specific degree track?

Originally, I chose another degree plan-politics-but felt that God was calling me to a life of ministry through music. I have always loved music but was trying to seek security instead of being patient and waiting to hear where God wanted me to go.

Why did you choose to pursue your education at PBA?

I chose PBA for a few reasons. When I was a senior in high school, my parents had me craft a list of attributes that I'd like to see in a college. Though I thought it was ridiculous, it was very helpful in my college selection.  Each week, we would review it and eventually narrowed it down to five main points: A school 1) by the beach that 2) was Christian, 3) had small class sizes, 4) was financially viable, and 5) offered my major. PBA checked every box.

What is your favorite memory at PBA?

My favorite memory at PBA was probably getting to sing in Nashville and represent PBA out of state. I had an incredible time learning about the city itself, and I made connections with other students across the country.

Read more stories about the Class of 2026 at https://www.pba.edu/category/commencement/.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Inc. published this content on May 18, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 18, 2026 at 17:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]