NCWU Commencement Ceremony
Our 2026 Spring Commencement is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Rocky Mount Event Center. We look forward to witnessing our very own Battling Bishop students and their family and friends witness this great accomplishment. Our commencement speaker will be announced in the near future.
May 2026 Commencement Speaker
Jessica Harrison
is a dedicated public servant and civic leader with a passion for empowering communities and driving meaningful change. She currently serves as Mayor of the Town of Zebulon, North Carolina, having been appointed to the Board of Commissioners in February 2022 and subsequently elected by the community in November 2023 as commissioner and again in November of 2025 as the first woman to serve as Mayor in the History of Zebulon. In her role, Jessica has been recognized for her strategic leadership, commitment to inclusive governance, and advocacy for policies that strengthen families, economic development, and youth engagement.
Beyond her local government work, Jessica has served as Regional Director for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and as Assistant Secretary for the North Carolina Black Elected Municipal Officials, demonstrating her influence and leadership at both state and national levels. In 2024 she was awarded the 40 Under Impact by the National League of Cities. She is also the Founder and CEO of , an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping women to recognize their potential, overcome stereotypes, and engage fully in their communities. Alongside her husband Jessica owns and operates the Harrison Institution a Nonprofit and Leadership Development Firm.
Jessica holds a Bachelors in Psychology from 麻豆原创 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc., and alongside her husband, she serves as Care Pastor at Life Worship Center in Raleigh.
Her highest honors are her roles as wife to Tory and mother to TJ, Tyler, and Jordyn. Guided by her faith and the scripture Matthew 7:12, Jessica approaches both public service and community engagement with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Can鈥檛 Join us for Commencement? Watch our Live Stream.
Many graduates have friends and family that are unable to attend this important milestone. So, we have set up a live broadcast of the ceremony. Live feed begins around 9:50 am ET on day of commencement.
Directions to Rocky Mount Event Center
Parking at the Event Center
The attached map outlines parking directions for all graduates.聽 All graduates will park in 鈥淟ot A鈥 or 鈥淟ot B鈥 at the rear entrance of the Event Center. Please bring your student ID if possible to show to the officer that will be working 鈥淟ot A鈥 and 鈥淟ot B鈥.
There will be additional parking around the facility for your friends and family.
