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UVA Wise Announces Commencement Speaker Governor Glenn Youngkin

Dedra Duty
Glenn Youngkin

The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) announced this week that Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will serve as speaker at UVA Wise’s 2025 Commencement. The event will be held on Saturday, May 10 in the David J. Prior Convocation Center in Wise, Virginia, and will begin at 10 a.m. 

“We are excited to gather to celebrate the academic and personal achievements of our amazing class of graduates, and we are incredibly fortunate to have Governor Youngkin serve as our Commencement keynote speaker,” UVA Wise Chancellor Donna P. Henry said. 

“Governor Youngkin has continuously supported UVA Wise students and our mission serving rural Appalachia. It’s an honor to have him on campus,” Henry added. 

Governor Youngkin has a distinguished background in both business and public service. Born in Richmond and raised in Virginia Beach, he holds undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering and managerial studies from Rice University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. Prior to being inaugurated as governor in January 2022, Youngkin worked at the Carlyle Group for 25 years, serving as co-CEO. 

“I am honored to join the UVA Wise community in celebrating the Class of 2025,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “UVA Wise is a pillar of excellence in Southwest Virginia, preparing students with the knowledge and skills to lead and serve. As these graduates step into their next chapter, I look forward to recognizing their achievements and encouraging them to embrace their future opportunities with purpose and determination.”

Since being inaugurated as Governor, Youngkin has made many visits to Southwest Virginia, including several to UVA Wise. He has facilitated significant business investments, leading to job growth as well as prioritized law enforcement and education. 

“This academic year, UVA Wise has experienced its second consecutive year of enrollment growth, expanded the Within Reach Program to provide tuition and fees for Virginia families who earn $80,000 or less and was named an Apple Distinguished School for a second consecutive term. The College also received its’ single largest gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation and opened Virginia Humanities at UVA Wise on our campus. It’s been a great time for growth and celebrating Commencement with Governor Youngkin, who has made many impacts in our region, is a fantastic way to commemorate it,” says Chancellor Henry.