Six students with ties to South Carolina graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the winter commencement ceremony.

Southern Seminary conferred degrees to 230 Southern master’s and doctoral students on Dec. 11, 2015.

Russell Freeman, pastor of Warrior Creek Baptist Church in Gray Court, earned a doctor of philosophy degree.

Gary R. Kipe received a master of arts degree in church ministries.

Joshua Michael Miller, of Anderson, earned a master of divinity degree.

Kayla M. Moon, of Greenville, earned a master of divinity degree.

Timothy L. Smith, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Taylors, S.C., was awarded a doctor of philosophy degree.

Richard H. Stark III, of Taylors, was also awarded a doctor of philosophy degree.