Berea College Celebrates 236 Graduates
May 10, 2026
BEREA, Ky. – Berea College today celebrated the achievements of its graduating class, honoring 236 graduates during its annual baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies. The events brought together students, families, faculty and distinguished guests to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
The commencement ceremony featured a keynote address from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Elected in 2019 and reelected in 2023, Gov. Beshear has focused his administration on expanding economic opportunity, improving education and workforce development and strengthening public health and infrastructure across the Commonwealth. He guided the state through the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, earning respect for his commitment to serving all Kentuckians.
Prior to serving as Kentucky’s 63rd governor, Gov. Beshear served as Kentucky’s attorney general, where he gained national attention for his work on consumer protection and public advocacy.
In his remarks, Gov. Beshear delivered an inspiring message focused on leadership, resilience and service, encouraging graduates to use their education to uplift their communities and create meaningful change.
“It is always an honor to celebrate graduates who have worked so hard to achieve their goals, and that is certainly true for the Berea College Class of 2026, who are on their way to their next, exciting chapter,” Gov. Beshear said. “For more than 170 years, Berea College has been an indispensable center for higher education in Kentucky, and today’s graduates will forever be a part of this institution’s story. Their hard work brings me joy and hope for the future, and I wish them all the best.”
Berea College President Cheryl L. Nixon praised the graduates for their perseverance and commitment to Berea’s values.
“Class of 2026, you leave Berea not only with your diploma, but with a deep understanding of what it means to build community and create belonging,” President Nixon said . “You have shown us that a Berea education is not something you achieve alone—it is something you live out with and for others. We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see the meaningful impact you will make in the world.”
The commencement ceremony highlighted the distinctive Berea experience, where all students receive a tuition-free education, and most receive support for housing and meals as well. The Berea financial aid model also strives to take loans off the table. One of the special moments of every Berea commencement occurs when graduates are asked to stand and be recognized as the first in their families to receive a four-year college degree.
At Berea, every student participates in Berea’s nationally recognized federal Work College program, where they work in a variety of campus and community roles that build professional skills, leadership capacity and a strong work ethic, preparing them for the world of work that awaits them.
Founded in 1855, Berea College holds a unique place in American higher education history as the first interracial and coeducational college in the South. The College enrolls students of great promise and limited economic means, primarily from Kentucky and Appalachia, and integrates academics with work, service and community engagement. Berea’s mission emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also the development of integrity, social responsibility and a commitment to serving others.
A replay of Gov. Beshear’s commencement address is available at https://vimeo.com/event/5854548
For more information about Berea College and its mission, visit www.berea.edu