Inspiring the Future, One Voice at a Time
At Nova Southeastern University, commencement speakers represent the innovation, leadership, and impact our graduates strive to achieve. Each speaker brings a unique perspective shaped by real-world experience, offering insights that inspire our students as they prepare to make meaningful contributions in their fields and communities.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
Relive the highlights from NSU's 2026 Commencement season featuring eight distinguished speakers. Over five days and 10 ceremonies, degrees were conferred across medicine, law, business, education, and more. The students who walked across that stage represent NSU’s deepest commitment: to prepare graduates who do not just enter their fields but elevate them.
Commencement Speakers
Daniel Coyle
Learn About Daniel CoyleDaniel Coyle
New York Times Bestselling Author and Expert on High Performance and Culture
Learn About Daniel Coyle
Sylvia Earle
Learn About Sylvia EarleSylvia Earle
Pioneering Oceanographer and Global Champion for Marine Conservation
Learn About Sylvia Earle
Guy Harvey
Learn About Guy Harvey
Scott Parazynski
Learn About Scott ParazynskiScott E. Parazynski
Astronaut, Physician, and Explorer at the Frontiers of Innovation
Learn About Scott Parazynski
Rowan Parks
Learn About Rowan Parks
Alan Peterson
Learn About Alan PetersonAlan Peterson
Clinical Psychologist, Research Leader, and Advocate for Behavioral Health
Learn About Alan Peterson
Leland C. (Lee) Pillsbury
Learn About Leland PillsburyLeland C. (Lee) Pillsbury
Entrepreneur, Hospitality Innovator, and Venture Capital Leader
Learn About Leland Pillsbury
Jeff Selingo
Learn About Jeff SelingoJeff Selingo
Higher Education Thought Leader and Bestselling Author on the Future of Work
Learn About Jeff Selingo
2026 Commencement Speaker Schedule
Find out who will take the stage at your commencement ceremony. Each speaker brings a unique perspective and message to mark this important milestone. Explore the schedule lineup below to find who will be sharing words of insight and inspiration at your celebration.
Monday, May 4, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Leland C. (Lee) Pillsbury
Entrepreneur, Hospitality Innovator, and Venture Capital Leader
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education & School of Criminal Justice
College of Psychology
H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Monday, May 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Guy Harvey, Ph.D.
Marine Scientist, Conservationist, and Renowned Ocean Artist
Halmos College of Arts & Sciences
College of Computing and Engineering
Shepard Broad College of Law
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Daniel Coyle
New York Times Bestselling Author and Expert on High Performance & Culture
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, , 3:00 p.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Daniel Coyle
New York Times Bestselling Author and Expert on High Performance & Culture
Shepard Broad College of Law
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Friday, May 8, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Scott E. Parazynski, M.D.
Astronaut, Physician, and Explorer at the Frontiers of Innovation
College of Dental Medicine
College of Optometry
College of Pharmacy
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Friday, May 8, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Alan Peterson, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist, Research Leader, and Advocate for Behavioral Health
H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship
College of Computing and Engineering
College of Psychology
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Sylvia Earle, Ph.D.
Pioneering Oceanographer and Global Champion for Marine Conservation
Halmos College of Arts & Sciences
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Rowan Parks, M.D., FRCSEd, FRCSI
Global Surgical Leader and Professor of Surgical Sciences
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Jeff Selingo
Higher Education Thought Leader and Bestselling Author on the Future of Work
Ron and Kathy Assaf College of Nursing
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Health Care Sciences (Master’s Only)
Click here for the commencement recap video.
Thursday, May 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m.
Rick Case Arena
Speaker: Jeff Selingo
Higher Education Thought Leader and Bestselling Author on the Future of Work
Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
College of Health Care Sciences (Professional & Doctoral Only)
Click here for the commencement recap video.
