TODAY Co-Host Craig Melvin to Deliver Villanova University's 2026 Commencement Address

Melvin will also receive an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree from the university.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:06am

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An extreme close-up of a luxurious, glittering gold sequin texture, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to convey the sense of glamour and prestige associated with a major university commencement ceremony.The glamour and prestige of Villanova University's commencement ceremony will be on full display as TODAY co-host Craig Melvin takes the stage to inspire the Class of 2026.Columbia Today

Craig Melvin, the co-host of NBC's TODAY show, has been selected to deliver the commencement address at Villanova University's 183rd graduation ceremony in 2026. In addition to the address, Melvin will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree from the university.

Why it matters

Melvin's selection as the commencement speaker for Villanova's Class of 2026 is a significant honor, as he is not a Villanova alumnus. The university is recognizing Melvin's achievements in journalism and broadcasting by inviting him to inspire the graduating class.

The details

Melvin, who joined NBC News and MSNBC in 2011 and became a co-host of the TODAY show in 2018, will deliver the commencement address on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. in Villanova Stadium or Finneran Pavilion in the event of severe weather. The ceremony will mark Villanova's 183rd commencement.

  • Melvin officially joined NBC News and MSNBC in July 2011.
  • Melvin became a news anchor on TODAY in 2018.
  • In 2019, Melvin began co-hosting the third hour of TODAY with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.
  • After Hoda Kotb retired from TODAY in 2025, Melvin was announced as her official replacement as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie.
  • Villanova University's 2026 Spring Commencement will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

The players

Craig Melvin

The co-host of NBC's TODAY show who will deliver the commencement address at Villanova University's 183rd graduation ceremony in 2026 and receive an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree.

Villanova University

The private Catholic university in Villanova, Pennsylvania, that is hosting its 183rd commencement ceremony in 2026 and has selected Craig Melvin as the commencement speaker.

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What they’re saying

“Honored and truly excited to share that I'll be delivering the commencement address at Villanova University for the Class of 2026. See you in May, Wildcats.”

— Craig Melvin

What’s next

It has not been confirmed whether Melvin will be taking time off from his duties on the TODAY show to attend the Villanova commencement ceremony, but it is likely he will be absent from the desk for at least the day of the event, and possibly the day before or after.

The takeaway

Craig Melvin's selection as the commencement speaker for Villanova University's Class of 2026 is a testament to his achievements in journalism and broadcasting, as well as the university's recognition of his ability to inspire and motivate the graduating class, even though he is not a Villanova alumnus.