Today@Sam Article

SHSU Announces Spring Commencement Speakers

April 19, 2022
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

Sam Houston State University welcomes three notable keynote speakers for the Spring 2022 commencement ceremonies on May 12-14 at Johnson Coliseum. Mac Woodward, Harrison Keller and Donna Williams will address approximately 2,493 students who have applied for degrees to be awarded.


Mac WoodwardOn May 12, Mac Woodward will address students from the College of Arts & Media and College of Business Administration at 2:30 p.m.

Woodward served as director of the Sam Houston Memorial Museum for 27 years. Devoted to public service, Woodward was also a City Council member and elected Mayor of Huntsville in 2011. A fellow Bearkat (’70), Woodward served as project manager on the restoration of three historical cabins on the museum grounds. He also helped initiate the creation of the Sam Houston Republic of Texas Presidential Library to be a clearing house for information and artifacts on the life of Sam Houston.


Harrison KellerOn May 13, Harrison Keller will address students from the College of Criminal Justice at 9:30 a.m. and College of Humanities & Social Sciences at 2:30 p.m.

Keller serves as the sixth Commissioner of Higher Education and chief executive officer for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. He is a recognized innovator in policy and programs to improve college readiness and student success, especially for low-income and first-generation students. He is the founder and was principal investigator of the OnRamps dual enrollment initiative that provides college-level courses to high school students across the state


Donna WilliamsOn May 14, Donna Williams will address students from the College of Sciences & Engineering Technology and College of Health Sciences (except Nursing) at 9:30 a.m. and College of Education and School of Nursing at 2:30 p.m.

Williams is vice president and program manager for Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. where she manages two program management support contracts, valued over $96 million dollars, with the City of Houston in support of the Houston Airport System. She has served on Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board since 2018, and is currently vice chair. She was a member of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and served as chair for two terms.


The commencement ceremonies will stream live on SHSU’s main YouTube page and will also be available for viewing after the events.

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