Two Historic Virginia Leaders To Deliver Keynote Addresses At Virginia State University’s Spring 2026 Commencement

VSU announces speakers for its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

Virginia State University is pleased to announce the keynote speakers for its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 16. The University will hold two graduation ceremonies featuring keynote addresses from Governor of Virginia Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General of Virginia Jay Jones.

Earlier this year, Governor Spanberger made history as the first woman elected Governor of Virginia. She has dedicated her career to public service, including service with the Central Intelligence Agency and three consecutive terms in Congress representing Virginia’s 7th District.

Since taking office, she has led efforts to strengthen Virginia’s economy, education system, healthcare, and communities. She will deliver the keynote address at the first commencement ceremony, which will begin with a processional at 1:30 p.m. The ceremony will celebrate graduates from the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The University is also excited to welcome Attorney General Jay Jones, who in January 2026 became the first African American elected as Virginia’s Attorney General. Prior to taking office, Jones served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2018 to 2022, representing the 89th District, and as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.

As Attorney General, Jones has focused on protecting the civil and constitutional rights of Virginians and strengthening economic opportunity. He will speak at the second ceremony, where he will be introduced by Delegate Charniele Herring, who has represented the 4th District in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2009.

The second ceremony will begin with a processional at 5:30 p.m. and will celebrate graduates from the College of Agriculture, the College of Engineering and Technology, the College of Natural and Health Sciences, and the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business. All degree recipients will march with their respective colleges.

Virginia State University is honored to welcome these distinguished leaders to deliver inspiring messages to the Spring 2026 graduates. Both ceremonies will be held at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.

To learn more about Commencement or watch the live stream, visit www.vsu.edu/graduation.