Voorhees University proudly announces that Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and chief executive officer of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2.
A nationally respected leader in higher education and a steadfast advocate for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Dr. Lomax has led UNCF for more than two decades. Under his leadership, the organization has raised more than $4 billion and helped more than 300,000 students earn college degrees.
“Dr. Lomax has dedicated his life to expanding access to education and strengthening HBCUs across the nation,” said Ronnie Hopkins, Voorhees President & CEO. “It is both an honor and a privilege to welcome him to Voorhees University as we celebrate the achievements of our graduates and prepare them to lead at the next level of excellence.”
A native of Los Angeles, California, Dr. Lomax entered Morehouse College at age 16 and went on to earn advanced degrees from Columbia University and Emory University. His distinguished career spans academia, public service, and higher education leadership. He has served as a faculty member at Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, and president of Dillard University before assuming leadership of UNCF in 2004.
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony marks a significant milestone for graduates as they transition from students to leaders prepared to impact their communities and professions.
For more information about Commencement, please visit www.voorhees.edu
supporting the Division II student-athlete experience. It is comprised of college and university president and chancellors, athletics directors, coaches, student-athletes, faculty members, and conference personnel. With his appointment to the committee, Watts will provide a key voice in carrying out the mission of the committee.
Watts earned his appointment to the committee after building a terrific career at Claflin. He has led the Panthers cross country team to a pair of top five finishes in Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championship competition. He also led the Panthers to back-to-back CIAA Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championships and a runners-up finish in the 2026 season. He also led the Lady Panthers indoor track & field
Coach Malcolm Watts team to a runners-up finish in the 2026 CIAA Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championship Meet as well.
For more information on Claflin University Cross Country/Track & Field, contact the Claflin University Office of Athletics Media Relations at (803) 535-5548 or log on to www.athletics claflin.edu.
