Spring 2026 Commencement: Honoring Over 500 Graduates

More than 500 students crossed the stage during Dallas Baptist University’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies, celebrating the completion of their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty on University Hill, graduates marked an important milestone after years of academic achievement and spiritual growth. The celebration was made even more meaningful through inspiring messages from distinguished commencement speakers, who encouraged graduates as they begin new seasons of leadership, service, and purpose.

10:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony, Thursday, May 14

During Thursday morning’s ceremony, Bob Doll received the Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree and addressed the graduates and guests who were in attendance. For years, Bob has faithfully served the Lord and His Kingdom through his leadership in the finance industry.

Bob Doll has led numerous financial companies and now serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crossmark Global Investments, providing strategy and direction for the faith-based company. In addition, Bob continues to serve as a commentator, speaker, board member of several national and international Christian organizations, and in his local church.

In his commencement speech, Bob encouraged graduates to live their lives in such a way that is marked by character, faith, and purpose. As he shared seven major lessons, he emphasized the importance of being transformed by God rather than conforming to the world or being defined by achievement. “It’s more about who we are, our character, and how we do things than what it is we do,” Bob said. In his closing remarks, Bob reminded graduates that while accomplishments and success matter, what matters the most is their faith, love, integrity, and character.

10:00 a.m. Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 15

In Friday morning's Commencement Ceremony, the honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities, was conferred upon Lee Roy Mitchell, co-founder of Cinemark USA and a pioneering innovator in the movie theatre industry.

Through his servant leadership and prioritizing people’s needs over profits, Lee Roy continues to be a voice for national theatre owners on several boards and gives back to the community through supporting multiple organizations, including Dallas Baptist University and the Carter School of Business Capital Campaign, STAND FIRM. STAND OUT. Lee Roy and his wife, Tandy, have also received the Russell H. Perry Free Enterprise Award in 2015 for their dedication to their communities and the Lord’s Kingdom.

Giving Friday morning’s commencement address, Dr. H. Rick Jordan, DBU’s Chair of Undergraduate Management and Assistant Professor of Management in the Carter School of Business, spoke to the graduates. Dr. Jordan, who earned his Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Dallas Baptist University, has built a distinguished career spanning both higher education and the banking industry, where he simultaneously managed multiple financial institutions.

During his speech, Dr. Jordan spoke about the importance of having a plan for life; financially, physically, and spiritually. He pointed out how students should be intentional in planning for consistent prayer, time in Scripture, and in how to steward the resources God provides.

Throughout this plan, Dr. Jordan reminded graduates that there will be uncertainties and difficulties that arise, but God has a greater purpose. “God is working out His plan,” Dr. Jordan expressed. “It’s the plan that God has in our lives, moving these pieces and orchestrating all these things to be where we are.” Highlighting multiple examples of individuals and institutions who have faced difficulties, including DBU in its early challenges, Dr. Jordan shared how perseverance, faith, and trust in God’s plan can lead to more growth and transformation than one can imagine.

3:00 p.m. Commencement Ceremony, Friday, May 15

The Friday afternoon commencement address was also given by Dr. H. Rick Jordan, speaking directly to the 2026 Carter School of Business graduates. Throughout his years teaching at DBU, Dr. Jordan has continually encouraged, mentored, and equipped students with strong knowledge in the business world and highlighted how to apply faith into the professional world, allowing students to be successful both in their careers and personal lives.

In his address, Dr. Jordan emphasized how crucial relationships are, whether it be a personal, professional, or spiritual relationship. He challenged students to surround themselves with people who would strengthen their faith, character, and purpose. “You are who you hang around,” Dr. Jordan stated. “The friends that are going in the direction that they’re supposed to be going, and honoring God, and living the way that they’re supposed to do, hang around those friends.”

Dr. Jordan also spoke on the importance of mentorships. He emphasized how mentors will provide a source of encouragement and wisdom that will shape the direction of their lives. In addition, Dr. Jordan pointed out how there will be opportunities where graduates will be called to be mentors themselves, allowing them to pour into others and guide future generations.

As the Spring 2026 Commencement concluded and graduates were sent off to begin the next chapter of their lives, the Class of 2026 was left with the encouragement to strengthen their relationships, develop a plan, and above all else, trust the Lord in every circumstance. The class now joins the global DBU network as alumni, equipped to make an impact and serve beyond the DBU campus.