As we begin a week of reflection surrounding Commencement, we are reminded not only of the milestones achieved, but of the relationships cultivated, the challenges overcome, and the enduring impact of Florida’s first independent institution of higher learning on the graduating Class of 2026.
Your academic journey reflects discipline, resilience, and purpose. The long hours, sacrifices, and commitment required to reach this moment have not gone unnoticed. Edward Waters University takes great pride in celebrating your accomplishments and the legacy you helped strengthen during your time here with The Pride.
Wherever your next chapter leads, may you continue to lead with integrity, serve with distinction, and carry forward the spirit of eminence that defines being an Edward Waters Tiger.
Edward Waters University Department of Student Success and Engagement recently hosted the Brown Sugar Brunch, offering students, faculty, and staff an opportunity to gather in recognition of the Spring 2026 graduating class.
The event created space for reflection on the determination, growth, and personal milestones that have shaped each student’s academic journey. Surrounded by peers, mentors, and supporters, graduates were celebrated not only for reaching the finish line, but for the character and commitment displayed along the way.
As commencement approached, the Brown Sugar Brunch served as a meaningful reminder of the power of community, the value of perseverance, and the bright future awaiting the next generation of EWU alumni.
Still taking in the last 72 hours. 🙌🏾
Over the past several days, First Lady @lady_faison Tyciee Faison and I have reflected deeply on just how faithful God has been through this journey called life, leadership, and purpose. From walking the halls of Vanderbilt University during Commencement weekend as I formally completed the Doctor of Education degree at one of the nation’s premier institutions of higher learning, to returning home to celebrate another historic graduating class at THE Edward Waters University, the moment has honestly been difficult to fully put into words.
As we walked hand-in-hand following the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, we carried with us the weight of sacrifice, perseverance, and legacy. These moments were never simply personal milestones. They represent generations of people who believed in us, poured into us, prayed for us, and made sacrifices long before the world ever noticed.
For me personally, this season has also served as a reminder that leadership must remain rooted in growth. Even while serving as President of this great University, I wanted our students to see that learning never stops, discipline still matters, and purpose requires continual investment in oneself. This was about modeling perseverance, scholarship, and lifelong learning before the very students I have been entrusted to lead.
And perhaps just as importantly, we hoped in some small way to demonstrate that you do not have to diminish your authenticity, your culture, your faith, or your Blackness in order to operate and excel at the highest levels. You can be intellectually rigorous and culturally grounded. You can be deeply credentialed and still unapologetically yourself. Excellence and authenticity are not mutually exclusive.
To our graduates, know this: you are forever woven into the living story of this historic institution. You graduated during one of the most transformative eras in our University’s history as EWU continues its ascent as Florida’s “Destination Institution” of Emerging Eminence. You met the moment with resilience, brilliance, excellence, and unwavering Tiger pride.
We are incredibly proud of you all!! 💜🧡🐅🐅
I was the commencement speaker yesterday at @ewc_tigers and the First Lady @lady_faison whom I’ve known over 20 years, mentioned she saw a post of mine after a workout wearing another Florida UNCF member’s gear and she wasn’t having it. She outfitted me- shirts AND shorts. I’ll be EWU “down to the socks” as Biggie would say! Thanks Tyciee!
Happy Mother’s Day to the Blueprint 🤎🥹
I love and miss you more than words could ever explain. Every step I take, every goal I reach, carries your love with me. This graduation is for you 🎓 Until we meet again, your legacy lives through me forever. 🎓🌹 #GuardianAngel #2ndGen #TrueBoss
Today, we celebrate the women whose strength, sacrifice, wisdom, and unconditional love shape generations.
Happy Mother’s Day to every mother, grandmother, mentor, and mother figure. Your impact reaches far into the hearts of every Tiger you inspire.
Thank you for all that you do. 🧡💜
Dear old Edward Waters University, you truly mean the world to me. 🤍🎓
It’s so hard to believe that my time here has come to an end. Walking onto this campus years ago, I had no idea how much this university would shape me into the woman I am today. EWU became so much more than just a school, it became home.
From the friendships and bonds I created, to the organizations that helped me grow, to the faculty and administration who supported and encouraged me along the way, every part of this journey has meant something special to me. I experienced so many moments here that helped me grow not only academically, but personally, emotionally, and professionally as well.
Edward Waters gave me opportunities to lead, to serve, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to discover strengths within myself that I didn’t even know I had. Through every accomplishment, challenge, lesson, and memory, this university continuously reminded me of the importance of resilience, faith, leadership, and community.
As I prepare to walk across that stage, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making this chapter of my life so meaningful. The memories, lessons, laughter, and love I gained here will stay with me forever.
No matter where life takes me next, a piece of my heart will always belong to EWU. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. 🐅✨🎓
#classof26🎓 #edwardwatersuniversity
I didn’t just earn this degree, I survived it. Every late night, every tear, every moment I wanted to give up but didn’t… this is what resilience looks like.
After countless prayers, late nights, sacrifices, and perseverance, I can finally say I did it. This journey was not easy, but God’s grace carried me through every challenge. I earned this degree not only for myself, but for my daughter, my family, and everyone who believed in me. I moved in silence and graduated with purpose. The best is yet to come. 🎓💜🧡🙏🏾
T-12 hours
