Former NASA Astronaut John Herrington to Deliver Keynote Address at UNC Pembroke Spring Commencement

UNC Pembroke will welcome Dr. John Herrington, a former NASA astronaut and member of the Chickasaw Nation, as the keynote speaker for its Spring Commencement ceremonies on May 8 and May 9.

Herrington will deliver the keynote address at both ceremonies and will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of his distinguished career in science, education and public service.

The graduate ceremony will be held on Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. on the Quad between Livermore Library and Old Main. The undergraduate ceremony will also take place on the Quad on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.

Both ceremonies will be live-streamed.

A trailblazer in space exploration, Herrington made history in 2002 as the first enrolled citizen of a federally recognized American Indian tribe to fly in space. During the STS-113 mission aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour, he logged more than 330 hours in space and completed three spacewalks totaling nearly 20 hours.

Herrington’s career spans decades of leadership and achievement. A retired U.S. Navy commander and naval aviator, he has logged more than 5,000 flight hours across more than 30 aircraft. Following his NASA career, he has remained dedicated to advancing education, particularly in STEM fields, and encouraging Native American youth to pursue careers in science and engineering. He currently serves as an ambassador for the Chickasaw Nation.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering and a PhD in Education, with research focused on engaging Native American students in STEM disciplines.

Herrington is also familiar with the UNCP community. In September 2024, he visited campus as a featured speaker hosted by the Museum of the Southeast American Indian, where he shared his journey to space and emphasized the importance of representation and opportunity in STEM fields.