We’ve reached one of the most exciting and meaningful weeks of the year at Missouri State University: commencement.

It’s a day filled with pride, reflection and anticipation. It’s also a reminder of why we’re here.

On May 8 and 9, we’ll gather to celebrate our spring graduates at four commencement ceremonies – three on Friday on the Springfield campus and one on Saturday on the West Plains campus.

At each of the ceremonies in Springfield, we’ll hear from an outstanding graduating senior who represents the very best of Missouri State.

Springfield campus, Great Southern Bank Arena

The 9 a.m. ceremony will feature College of Business, Darr College of Agriculture and Interdisciplinary Academic Programs graduates. We’ll hear from marketing major Madelynn Jared, who leaned into opportunity here at Missouri State, from revitalizing a student organization to expanding her horizons through study abroad.

The 1 p.m. ceremony will bring together graduates from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services. The speaker, Lana Janson, is a physics major whose work in cancer drug delivery research highlights the depth of undergraduate discovery happening on our campus. She also competed as part of a Missouri Valley Conference championship swim team, showing both academic excellence and resilience.

Then at 5 p.m., the ceremony will recognize graduates from the College of Education and the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. The speaker, journalism major Maddux Radosevic, stands out for his strong commitment to service, scholarship and student engagement across campus.

West Plains campus, West Plains Civic Center

At 2 p.m. May 9, graduates of all programs at the West Plains campus will join in a shared celebration. The keynote speaker is Sen. Brad Hudson, offering remarks to close out spring 2026 commencement.

To our graduates: Thank you for choosing Missouri State and letting us be part of your story. We’re proud of you and excited to see what comes next.

To our faculty and staff: Thank you for investing in our students every day. Your dedication makes moments like this possible.

To our families and supporters: Thank you for walking alongside our students on this journey.

Join me in celebrating our graduates and all they’ve accomplished.

Thanks for checking in. It’s a great day to be a Bear!

Biff