For many graduates from WVU’s online programs, attending the 2026 commencement signifies the culmination of years of balancing classes, full-time work, and real-life responsibilities.
Most online graduates are meeting the people they’ve shared discussion boards or group projects with in-person for the first time. While no two students share the same story, they do share the feelings of pride in earning their degree and the Mountaineer spirit of community that’s hard to ignore at an event like this.
The theme of the weekend was encapsulated by Paul Kreider, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, during his final commencement address at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences ceremony: Perseverance. He encouraged the graduating class to pause and reflect on the hard work and sacrifice that went into completing their degrees and to be sure to celebrate the huge accomplishment.
Image: A full house at the WVU Colosseum for the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences Commencement Ceremony 2026.
Among those who graduated this past weekend was Tracy Smith, a graduate of the online Health Administration, M.H.A. program and director of imaging services at WVU Medicine Camden Clark.
She shared that “Returning to college at my age and finishing a degree and going through graduation is exciting.” Tracy was unable to attend graduation when she earned her bachelor’s degree, so she was thrilled to be able to celebrate her accomplishments in person with her family. “I told them I was walking at graduation and that they were in charge of the celebration,” she said. “And it better be a good!”
Another M.H.A. graduate, Eric Reed, described his journey which stretched across more than two decades before arriving at graduation. After starting college in the early 2000s and leaving school before completing his degree, serving in the military, and a career in healthcare, he eventually returned to complete his education.
“It took me forever to finish my bachelor’s degree. But here I am two years later, already finishing my master’s.” Now that he’s graduated, Eric is excited to continue his work supporting underserved communities throughout West Virginia and keep moving forward with his academic journey.
For students balancing careers, family obligations and other responsibilities, online learning provides the flexibility to fit higher education into an already busy life.
Wyatt Woodburn, a Residence Life Specialist at WVU and graduate of the online Communication Studies, M.A. program, explained that “having a program that could fit around the 40-hour week was really nice. It was a great schedule with great professors.” He went on to say, “I never thought I'd get a master's degree until I applied just a couple of years ago, and I'm really glad I did.”
"I never thought I'd get a master's degree until I applied just a couple of years ago, and I'm really glad I did." Wyatt Woodburn, communication studies, ma '26
We also spoke with Abigail Carey, who completed the Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S. program as part of the DINFOS partnership while serving in a public affairs role with the U.S. Army, and she described the professional impact of the coursework.
“The IMC program gave me the tools and training to grow myself as a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Army,” she said. “It challenged me to look at each piece of the communications puzzle individually and know how to put them together.”
Abigail is not the only graduate who is excited to put what she learned into practice. Tawnisha Thomas, a Social Work, M.S.W. graduate, reflected on how her experience informed the impact she wants to have on the world.
When asked about her future goals, Tawnsiha said “I want to go into clinical counseling, but this program has really expanded my thoughts about what other things I might be interested in. I want to bring programs and resources to rural communities to help folks in need.”
One other person who deserves the spotlight is Regent’s Bachelor of Arts, R.B.A. graduate Adrianne Dering. She wants to use her R.B.A., as well as minors in Public Relations, Journalism, and Religious Studies to do policy and activist work.
Her graduation weekend was busier than most, as the day before Adrianne walked at her own commencement, her family drove to Purdue University in Indiana to attend her daughter’s graduation ceremony with her bachelor’s in plant studies, cementing how important education is to her.
We asked her how she plans to celebrate her accomplishments, and she said she’ll be rewarding herself with a nap and making time to read some books that aren’t academic for a change to give her brain a rest after a busy few weeks.
Image: A celebratory video is playing on the screen at the Hope Colosseum before the graduates take their seats for the 2026 Commencement ceremony.
Speaking of celebrations, Wyatt Woodburn and his family planned to commemorate his graduation by going out for ice cream. In case you were curious, French vanilla is his favorite flavor.
As graduates reflected on their journeys, advice for future students shared the same themes of persistence and the need to believe in yourself.
Eric Reed’s advice for students was “Don’t give up. Keep moving forward and don’t let anyone discourage you along the way.” Adrianne Dering echoed that statement by telling students on the fence of returning to or continuing school “Stick to it. It can be done. It’s never too late.”
"Don’t give up. Keep moving forward and don’t let anyone discourage you along the way." Eric reed, MHA '26
Congratulations again to the Class of 2026.
If you’re feeling inspired by these incredible graduates and want to start your own journey, explore the available online programs to see which one is the right fit for you.