Commencement Keynote Speakers
Class of 2023
Eboni K. Williams
Commencement Keynote Speaker
Stay tuned for updates.
Dietra Trent earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Hampton University and completed her master’s and doctoral degrees in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has over twenty-five years of experience working to advance equity for Virginia’s most disadvantaged populations. Most recently, she served in several leadership positions at George Mason University, including chief of staff and interim VP for Compliance, Diversity, and Ethics. In 2016, Dr. Trent was appointed as Virginia’s Secretary of Education. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy Secretary of Education, a position she also held during the administration of then-Governor Tim Kaine. Having served in the Administrations of three former Governors (including Mark Warner), as well as the Office of Congressman Bobby Scott, she has a wealth of federal, state, and higher education experience.
Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, Sr.
Baccalaureate Keynote Speaker
Reverend Dr. Jamey O. Graham, Sr. is a native of Andrews, South Carolina. He is the fourth child born to Mr. Paul (the late Feary Mae) Graham. He received his public education in the Georgetown County School District.       Â
Reverend Graham furthered his education by enrolling into Morris College in Sumter,             South Carolina where he graduated number one in his class and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a teaching certification in Social Studies. Upon graduation, Reverend Graham was employed at Mayo High School for Math Science and Technology in Darlington S.C., as a Social Studies teacher.  While at Morris College, Reverend Graham served as Student representative to the Board of Trustees. He served as president of Alpha Kappa Mu National Honor Society, and State President of the Student South Carolina Education Association. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
He has received many honors and awards including a listing in Who’s Who among outstanding students in Colleges and Universities, Presidential Scholar, O.R. Reuben Scholar, Dean’s List, recipient of the UNCF/Andrew Mellon Fellowship, and a recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. honor scholarship at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
