North Carolina governor Josh Stein to speak at HBCU commencement

Governor Josh Stein is set to take center stage at Elizabeth City State University as the keynote speaker for the university’s 182nd commencement ceremony, marking a significant moment for one of the state’s historic HBCUs. His appearance underscores the growing connection between state leadership and North Carolina’s public historically Black colleges and universities, as graduates prepare to cross the stage and step into their next chapter.

The upcoming ceremony will celebrate not only the achievements of the Class of 2026 but also the university’s enduring legacy of academic excellence and community impact. Stein’s address is expected to highlight themes of opportunity, public service, and the critical role HBCUs continue to play in shaping future leaders across the state and beyond.

“We are honored to have Governor Stein address our graduating seniors, their families, and our Viking community at our 182nd Commencement,” said Chancellor S. Keith Hargrove Sr. “Governor Stein’s commitment to service, education, and workforce development will inspire our graduating seniors who are entering the workforce or choosing to further their education.”

Stein currently serves as the 76th governor of North Carolina, bringing a career rooted in public service and advocacy. Guided by early values centered on freedom and opportunity, he has built his leadership around expanding economic opportunity, strengthening public education, developing the workforce, and prioritizing public safety across the state.

Before becoming governor, Stein served eight years as North Carolina’s attorney general, where he oversaw key legal matters and led efforts to protect consumers. He also spent time in the North Carolina Senate, where he championed public education, clean energy initiatives, and public safety legislation.

Though a native of Washington, D.C., Stein moved to North Carolina as a child and has since dedicated his professional life to serving the state. He earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and went on to receive his law and public policy degrees from Harvard University.

Prior to his time in elected office, Stein worked with Self-Help Credit Union to expand access to affordable housing in Durham and partnered with the North Carolina Minority Support Center to help drive investment in small businesses across the state. He later served as senior deputy attorney general for consumer protection in the North Carolina Department of Justice, focusing on safeguarding residents from fraud and scams.

Since taking office, Stein has overseen a period of significant economic momentum for the state, including the announcement of tens of thousands of new jobs and billions in new investments—factors that have contributed to North Carolina earning national recognition for business growth and workforce development.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. inside the Robert L. Vaughan Center, where approximately 255 graduates are expected to be honored.

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