MEDIA CONTACT:
Kenyon “KJ” Askew, Jr.
Director, Marketing & Strategic Engagement
klaskew736@nashcc.edu
252-451-8235

Nash Community College Announces 2026 Commencement Speaker

ROCKY MOUNT, North Carolina (March 25, 2026) – Nash Community College has announced that Cecilia Holden, president and chief executive officer of myFutureNC, will serve as the keynote speaker for the college’s 2026 commencement ceremony.

Holden leads myFutureNC, a statewide initiative focused on increasing educational attainment across North Carolina. In this role, she works with education, business and government leaders to help more North Carolinians earn high-quality credentials and degrees that align with workforce needs.

“Holden’s leadership and commitment to expanding educational opportunities across North Carolina make her an outstanding choice for our commencement speaker,” said Dr. Lew K. Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Her work aligns closely with our mission to prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving workforce, and we are honored to have her share her insights with our graduates.”

Holden brings extensive experience in both public service and the private sector. She previously served as chief of staff for the North Carolina Department of Commerce and as director of government and community affairs for the State Board of Education. Her private sector experience includes a career with IBM as well as work with a registered investment advisory firm.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from Duke University, a certificate in public administration from the University of North Carolina School of Government, and a Bachelor of Science in computer science and business from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

NCC’s commencement ceremony celebrates the achievements of graduates who have completed degrees, diplomas and certificates across a wide range of academic and workforce programs.

The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will be held on May 15 at 12 noon and 6 p.m. on the NCC campus in the Brown Auditorium.

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About Nash Community College 
Nash Community College’s mission is to provide an affordable educational environment which prepares students for university transfer and rewarding careers. Through quality instruction and services, technology, work force development, and community partnerships, Nash Community College provides lifelong learning opportunities to individuals, communities, and organizations. Nash Community College is a public community college in Nash County, North Carolina. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System.