By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University will celebrate the achievements of its spring graduates during the University’s 313th Commencement Convocation on Friday, May 8, 2026.
This year’s keynote speaker is ASU alumna and the CEO of BeeTV Network, April Ross. Ross, a prominent visionary, media entrepreneur and broadcaster, is known for her influence in her field and her dedication to service and community impact.
The Commencement exercises, which will be held in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, will recognize the accomplishments of students across undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs.
Ross will address the graduates at the 8:45 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. ceremonies.
The ceremonies will also honor the members of the Golden Class of 1976, as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their graduation from ASU. Their celebration includes the opportunity to take a second walk across the stage, this time to receive their Golden Certificates.
MORE ABOUT APRIL ROSS
The LaGrange, Georgia, native began her career building a strong foundation in both radio and television. She created and hosted “The Diva’s Den” on K95.7 with Davis Broadcasting, worked as a Production Assistant with WRBL, and later co-hosted “The Morning Show” on HPTV. These experiences helped shape her voice, sharpen her storytelling ability, and deepen her passion for media.
She has provided red carpet coverage for major events, including “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” “Married to Medicine,” Oprah Winfrey’s “Live Your Best Life” tour, the Stella Awards and the Dove Awards.
Ross became the first Black woman to own a low-power FCC-licensed television station in the state of Georgia when she and her husband, Corey Ross, acquired WJCN TV33 in LaGrange, Georgia, establishing BeeTV Network as a broadcast television station reaching more than 600,000 homes across 11 counties in West Georgia and East Alabama.
Beyond her work in media, Ross is deeply committed to community service and leadership.
COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE
8:45 a.m. Ceremony
Students from the following schools will graduate at this ceremony:
The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School
The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
The College of Education
The College of Visual and Performing Arts
The University College
1:45 p.m. Ceremony
Students from the following schools will graduate at this ceremony:
The Harold Lloyd Murphy Graduate School
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
The Dr. Percy J. Vaughn, Jr., College of Business Administration
The College of Health Sciences
COMMENCEMENT INFORMATION
Please note that the University will be enforcing its Clear Bag Policy for all attendees.
For additional information, contact ASU's Academic Affairs office at 334-229-4232.