Meagan Good to Speak at Old Dominion University Commencement

Norfolk, Virginia – Award-winning actress, producer, and director Meagan Good will be a featured speaker at Old Dominion University’s 142nd Commencement exercises on May 9 and 10, 2025.

Good, who began her career as a child actor, has made her mark in television shows, music videos, and feature films, including the “Think Like a Man” series and “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.” More recently, she starred in the Amazon series “Harlem” and the feature film “Divorce in the Black” directed by Tyler Perry.

“We are honored to welcome Meagan Good to Old Dominion University,” said ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “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.”

The Main Undergraduate Ceremony is set to take place at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Kornblau Field in S.B. Ballard Stadium. This event will celebrate graduates from nine colleges, including the Batten College of Engineering and Technology and the College of Arts and Letters.

Approximately 2,100 students have registered to participate in the outdoor ceremony. If the weather does not cooperate, the undergraduate degrees will be awarded at Chartway Arena, with times to be announced 24 to 48 hours prior.

The Advanced Degree Ceremony for graduate students will occur at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, also at Chartway Arena. About 650 students are set to receive education specialists, master’s, and doctoral degrees during this ceremony.

John Ford, Ph.D., a Professor of Marketing and International Business, will address graduates at the Advanced Degree Ceremony. Dr. Ford has been a part of Old Dominion University since 1985 and has earned recognition for his contributions to the university and the field of marketing.

“Over the course of four decades, Dr. Ford has distinguished himself as a scholar, educator, and leader of the highest caliber,” said President Hemphill. “He has earned the deep respect and true admiration of generations of students and colleagues through his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and his enduring dedication to Old Dominion University.”

The Class of 2025 Advanced Degree Ceremony for Eastern Virginia Medical School and EVMS School of Health Professions is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Chartway Arena. A livestream of the May 9 and 10 ceremonies will be available, and additional details can be found on the university’s FAQ section.