Acclaimed actress and director Meagan Good will deliver the keynote address at Old Dominion University’s 142nd Commencement ceremonies this May. The 43-year-old entertainment veteran will speak to more than 2,000 graduating students at the Norfolk, Virginia campus on May 10, 2025. University officials announced their excitement about Good sharing her story of perseverance and success with the Class of 2025.
The undergraduate ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Kornblau Field in S.B. Ballard Stadium. Professor John Ford will address graduate students at a separate Advanced Degree Ceremony the evening before on May 9. Both events mark significant milestones for the Class of 2025 after years of academic dedication.
Hollywood Success Story to Share Empowering Journey with ODU Class of 2025
Old Dominion University President Brian O. Hemphill expressed enthusiasm about Good’s selection as commencement speaker. “We are honored to welcome Meagan Good to Old Dominion University,” he stated in the official announcement. The university leadership believes her message will resonate powerfully with graduates.
President Hemphill further emphasized the significance of Good’s appearance: “The Class of 2025 has worked hard to get to this pivotal moment in their lives, and hearing about Ms. Good’s remarkable career and message of self-empowerment will propel them to step out into the world inspired and ready to make a difference.” This sentiment underscores the university’s focus on preparing students for impactful futures.
The undergraduate ceremony will celebrate students from nine different colleges and schools across the university. These include the Batten College of Engineering and Technology, Darden College of Education and Professional Studies, Ellmer College of Health Sciences, and the Strome College of Business, among others.
From Child Actor to Award-Nominated Star: Meagan Good’s Inspiring Career Path
Good began her entertainment journey as a child actor, first gaining recognition in the critically acclaimed film “Eve’s Bayou.” Her early start laid the foundation for a diverse and enduring career spanning television, music videos, and major motion pictures. This background offers graduates a compelling example of long-term professional growth and evolution.
Her filmography includes roles in successful franchises like the “Think Like a Man” series and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” Most recently, Good has earned praise for her lead performance in Tracy Oliver’s hit Amazon series “Harlem,” which showcases her continued relevance in today’s entertainment landscape.
The actress’s performance in “Harlem” earned her a nomination for the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series. This recognition highlights Good’s artistic achievements and her significance as a prominent Black woman in the entertainment industry.
Norfolk Campus Prepares for Major Celebration of Academic Achievement
The May 10 commencement ceremony will transform Kornblau Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium into a celebration of academic accomplishment. With over 2,000 students already registered to attend, the event promises to be one of Norfolk’s largest academic gatherings of the year.
The university has organized comprehensive ceremonies spanning two days to properly honor all graduates. While Good will address the undergraduate students on Saturday morning, Professor John Ford will speak at Friday evening’s Advanced Degree Ceremony for those earning master’s and doctoral degrees.
Ford, a professor of Marketing and International Business, serves as an Eminent Scholar and Haislip Rohrer Fellow at ODU. His academic expertise will provide graduate students with valuable insights as they advance into specialized professional roles.
Graduates to Receive Message of Self-Empowerment and Perseverance
Good’s life story embodies themes of persistence, professional evolution, and breaking barriers. These elements make her an ideal speaker for students preparing to navigate their own career journeys. Her message of self-empowerment aligns perfectly with the transitional nature of commencement.
Throughout her decades in entertainment, Good has successfully transitioned from child actor to adult roles and expanded into directing. This career evolution demonstrates the importance of growth and adaptation—valuable lessons for new graduates entering a rapidly changing job market.
Recent news also reports that Good has entered a new personal chapter, having recently married actor Jonathan Majors. This additional life experience may further enrich her perspective on navigating life’s transitions and challenges—themes highly relevant to graduating students.
Old Dominion University Continues Tradition of Impactful Commencement Speakers
By selecting Meagan Good as this year’s speaker, Old Dominion University continues its tradition of bringing accomplished professionals to address graduating classes. The university consistently seeks speakers who can connect with students while providing meaningful guidance for their futures.
The commencement ceremonies represent the culmination of years of academic work for thousands of students. For many families, this celebration marks a significant milestone and the beginning of new professional journeys for graduates across diverse fields of study.
Old Dominion University, founded in 1930, has grown into a major research institution serving approximately 24,000 students. The Norfolk-based university maintains a strong commitment to preparing graduates for success through both academic excellence and inspirational guidance from accomplished professionals like Good.
