Palm Beach Atlantic University

Dr. Jess Moody, founding president of Palm Beach Atlantic University and former pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, will be the featured speaker at Palm Beach Atlantic University's Fall Commencement at 2 p.m. December 18 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The event is open to graduates and guests who hold tickets.

More than 300 candidates for associate, bachelor's and master's degrees from the West Palm Beach, Orlando and Wellington campuses will participate in the ceremony.

Dr. Moody is one of the architects of the University's Workship program, which requires all full-time undergraduate students to volunteer at least 45 hours annually. From 1968 to 1972, he served both as pastor and as president of Palm Beach Atlantic. During his tenure, Chapel by the Lake and the current First Baptist Church sanctuary were built. In recent years, he has gained notoriety as an author and speaker.

His grandson, Sean, is among this graduating class.