Today's Craig Melvin to Deliver Villanova Commencement Address

The NBC News anchor will also receive an honorary degree from the university.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a plush, velvety red fabric with dramatic studio lighting, conveying a sense of high-end luxury and celebrity style.Melvin's prestigious commencement address at Villanova University will bring a touch of celebrity glamour to the academic proceedings.Columbia Today

Craig Melvin, co-anchor of NBC's Today show, has been selected to deliver the commencement address at Villanova University's 2026 graduation ceremony. In addition to the speaking role, Melvin will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the university.

Why it matters

Melvin's selection as Villanova's commencement speaker is a prestigious honor that recognizes his acclaimed journalism career and prominent role on one of the nation's top morning news programs. The opportunity will also allow Melvin to take a break from his regular Today show duties and spend time with his family during spring break.

The details

Melvin, who graduated from Wofford College in 2001, will deliver the commencement address on May 19, 2026 at Villanova Stadium in Pennsylvania. During his absence, Today co-anchor Hoda Kotb will fill in for Melvin on the show next week. Melvin joined the Today team as a news anchor in 2018 and became a co-anchor in 2025 following Kotb's departure.

  • Melvin will deliver the Villanova commencement address on May 19, 2026.
  • Melvin began a week-long spring break from Today on April 10, 2026.

The players

Craig Melvin

Co-anchor of NBC's Today show and acclaimed journalist who will deliver the 2026 commencement address at Villanova University.

Villanova University

A private Catholic university located in Villanova, Pennsylvania that is honoring Melvin with an honorary degree and commencement speaking role.

Savannah Guthrie

Melvin's co-anchor on the Today show.

Hoda Kotb

Former Today show co-anchor who will fill in for Melvin during his spring break.

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What they’re saying

“I think we live in a time where everything's like this [snaps fingers]. I think the pendulum's starting to swing. There's a real audience for people who want to connect through storytelling, through laughter, through tears. And this is the perfect medium for that.”

— Craig Melvin, Today show co-anchor

“Speaking of tomorrow, Craig, you are heading off on a very well-deserved vacation. You've been holding it down here for a long time. So, you're gonna have a spring break.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Today show co-anchor

What’s next

Melvin will deliver the commencement address at Villanova University's graduation ceremony on May 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Craig Melvin's selection as Villanova's commencement speaker is a prestigious honor that recognizes his accomplished journalism career and prominent role on the Today show. The opportunity will also allow Melvin to take a well-deserved break from his regular TV duties and spend time with his family.