Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones have been announced as the commencement speakers for the Virginia State University Spring 2026 commencement ceremony. The ceremony which will be held on Sat., May 16, at the Multi-Purpose Center will feature the two speakers in which they will speak to the students and congratulate them on their achievements.
The press release which was sent out to students, faculty, and staff on Mon., April 13 through an email, mentioned how VSU will have two ceremonies with Spanberger speaking at the first one and Jones speaking in the later one.
“The University will hold two graduation ceremonies featuring keynote addresses from Governor of Virginia Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General of Virginia Jay Jones.”
Spanberger who was elected to office during the Nov. 2025 gubernatorial election, has made history as the first female governor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Since taking office, she has led efforts to strengthen Virginia’s economy, education system, healthcare and communities,” according to the university with regards to achievements Spanberger has made since being inaugurated into office in January.
Jones also made history during last year’s election as he became the first African American Attorney General in the history of Virginia.
As Attorney General, Jones has focused on protecting the civil and constitutional rights of Virginians and strengthening economic opportunity.
Spanberger will be the keynote speaker for the first graduation ceremony which will be held at 1:30 p.m. This graduation will be for the students who are graduating from the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Jones will be the keynote speaker for the second graduation ceremony which will be held at 5:30 p.m. This graduation will be for the students who are graduating 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.
Both commencement ceremonies will be livestreamed on VSU’s YouTube channel for the people who won’t be able to attend the ceremonies in person.
The university also mentioned how having both Spanberger and Jones as the guest speakers is a very big honor for the university.
“Virginia State University is honored to welcome these distinguished leaders to deliver inspiring messages to the Spring 2026 graduates.”
