U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner to deliver Commencement keynote address

The 19th U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner will address the Class of 2026 as the keynote speaker at Liberty University’s Commencement Main Ceremony on May 15.

“We’re honored to welcome Secretary Scott Turner to keynote our 53rd Commencement celebration. He is a proven leader deeply committed to his faith and dedicated to helping American families thrive,” said Liberty President Dondi E. Costin. “Secretary Turner’s powerful example of living boldly for Christ in his own life and career is sure to inspire the Class of 2026 as they accept the challenge to live as Champions for Christ across the country and around the world.”

Secretary Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate on Feb. 5, 2025. During President Donald Trump’s first term, he served as Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), where he led the interagency Opportunity Zones Initiative working with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments across the country to revitalize economically distressed areas, promote affordable housing, and the creation of new businesses. A lifelong Texan, Secretary Turner also served as an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, and represented the 33rd District in the Texas State Legislature from 2013-17. Prior to his career in public service, Secretary Turner played nine seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.

“Commencement is always a special time where we come before God and thank Him for His work on Liberty Mountain and in the lives of our students,” said Liberty Chancellor Jonathan Falwell. “Our speaker this year is a man of God who will inspire and challenge our graduates to leave this mountain with a heart to serve others and to love their neighbors, as Secretary Turner models for us every day.”

Commencement 2026 is expected to be one of the largest in the school’s history. Liberty is preparing for over 70,000 graduates, family members, friends, and other special guests to participate in Commencement events on campus. The university will celebrate over 32,000 graduates in the Class of 2026. Individual degree presentation ceremonies will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 14-16. The Commencement Main Ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Williams Stadium.