Ray Lewis, Gwendolyn Boyd and Dena King to Address NCCU Graduates

North Carolina Central University  (NCCU)will celebrate a new class of changemakers prepared to soar into their next chapter during its 147th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, 2026, at McDougald-McLendon Arena, 700 E. Lawson St.

The  graduate  and professional ceremony will begin Friday at 9 a.m. Baccalaureate ceremonies will follow on Saturday, with the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at 9 a.m., and the College of Health and Sciences, School of Business and School of Education at 2 p.m.

This year's distinguished speakers - Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, pioneering engineer and higher education leader; Dena King '06, former U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina; and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis - will challenge graduates to lead with purpose, resilience and impact in their communities and beyond.

Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd
Graduate and Professional Ceremony (May 8, 9 a.m.)

The Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd is an engineer, educator and nationally recognized advocate for STEM education, known for her leadership, speaking and ministry. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, she graduated summa cum laude from Alabama State University and became the first African American woman to earn a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Yale University. She also holds Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Howard University. Boyd spent more than three decades at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she held key leadership roles and advanced diversity initiatives. She later served as the 14th and first female president of Alabama State University, where she expanded academic offerings and strengthened institutional standing. Appointed by former U.S. President Barack Obama to national education leadership roles, Boyd has been a champion for expanding access and opportunity in STEM fields. An ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she is also a sought-after speaker and mentor. Boyd previously served as the 22nd national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., leading transformative initiatives in education, technology and global engagement. She continues to serve on numerous boards and has received widespread recognition for her contributions to engineering, education and community service.

Atty. Dena King '06
Baccalaureate Ceremony for College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities
(May 9, 9 a.m.)

The Honorable Dena J. King served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina from November 2021 to February 2025, following her nomination by former U.S. President Joseph Biden Jr. and confirmation by the U.S. Senate, becoming the first person of color to hold the position. With nearly two decades of public service, she led an office of approximately 100 prosecutors and staff serving more than three million residents across 32 counties, overseeing a broad portfolio of criminal and civil matters. During her tenure, she advanced initiatives focused on civil rights protection, public safety, fraud prevention and the prosecution of violent crime, while strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and community stakeholders. She launched innovative outreach efforts, including the 'Think Again' campaign to reduce illegal firearm purchases and a U.S. Attorney's Office Summer Law Camp to inspire future legal professionals. Prior to her appointment, King held several prosecutorial and enforcement roles at the federal and state levels. She now serves as a partner at Parker Poe Adams and Bernstein LLP, advising clients on white collar defense, investigations and compliance, while remaining active in professional and community organizations, including the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Piedmont Chapter of the Links Inc., and the Board of Directors for Safe Alliance. She earned a bachelor's degree in business management at North Carolina State University and juris doctor from NCCU School of Law.

Ray Lewis
Baccalaureate Ceremony for College of Health and Sciences, School of Business and School of Education
(May 9, 2 p.m.)

Ray Lewis is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, leading the Baltimore Ravens to Super Bowl victories in 2000 and 2012 and earning Super Bowl MVP honors in 2000. A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 13-time Pro Bowl selection, he is among the most decorated linebackers in league history. Since retiring, Lewis has become a New York Times best-selling author for his memoir, "I Feel Like Going On," and a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and personal growth. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, he has also pursued business and philanthropic endeavors while remaining committed to community impact.

View and download photos of the speakers here.

Security and Streaming:  
To ensure the safety of guests and graduates, NCCU will conduct security screenings and enforce its clear bag policy. Permitted bags must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC, no larger than 12 x 12 x 6 inches. Small clutches no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" x 1" are allowed. Exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs.  

Both ceremonies will stream live on the university's websiteand YouTube  channel.   

For more information about NCCU's 147th Commencement Exercises,  visit nccu.edu/commencement.