Beshear to deliver commencement speech at Central Kentucky college
Kentucky’s governor will deliver Berea College’s commencement speech this year.
Andy Beshear will deliver remarks May 10 at the Madison County school, celebrating the class of 2026, according to an email from Berea College President Cheryl L. Nixon obtained by the Herald-Leader.
“His leadership approach resonates deeply with our Berean mission and out Great Commitments, which is why we are so proud that he will be joining us on Berea’s graduation stage,” Nixon’s email said.
According to the school’s website, Berea College’s great commitments are a moral framework for its students, staff and institutional purpose. The principles are educational opportunity, liberal arts, Christian values, dignity of labor, kinship of all people, gender equality, supportive and sustainable living, and serving Appalachia.
Nixon highlighted in the email that Beshear’s first book, titled “Go and Do Likewise,” releases later this year and is a reflection on faith, compassion and kindness.
“This work echoes so much of what we strive for at Berea: honoring our Great Commitments, caring for one another, leading through service, and working toward the common good,” Nixon’s email said. “Governor Beshear understands and enacts the power of education, hard work, and public service. His story — and his leadership — reflect the very values we hold dear at Berea College.”
In May 2025, Beshear delivered the commencement address at the University of Virginia’s School of Law graduation. He graduated from the school in 2003. That same month, the governor was supposed to deliver a speech at Northern Kentucky University’s Chase College of Law, but due to travel, was replaced with Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman.
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