May 19, 2026
BATON ROUGE – More than 200 dual enrollment students earned their associate degree from Baton Rouge Community College, the most dual enrollment students in a single graduating class from any higher education institution in Louisiana history, during BRCC’s 30th Commencement Ceremony Tuesday in the Raising Cane’s River Center.
BRCC celebrated more than 4,000 graduates and completers in total across all programs from the Summer 2025, Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters, including a school-record number of students from the Division of Technical Education.
“Graduates, this is your moment,” BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith Sr. said. “Look around at the people cheering you on and the classmates who walked this journey beside you. You did not just make it here; You earned it.
“You faced challenges, battled responsibilities and pushed through moments of doubt, and today we celebrate not only what you have achieved but who you have become along the way. Congratulations, Class of 2026. Let’s celebrate this incredible achievement.”
Regina Davis, ExxonMobil Baton Rouge Complex Operations Manager, delivered an inspiring keynote address that challenged the graduates to remember the “three Ps” of purpose, people and progress.
“You all have a purpose,” Davis told the graduates during her speech. “That’s not a job, not a position, not a title. It’s a reason, a ‘why,’ and it’s bigger than your circumstances. One thing I have learned is that purpose is often found at the intersection of what you love and what you’re talented in, so remember when life gets hard – and it will – purpose is what keeps you going.”
Davis also challenged the graduates to build relationships that are uplifting, seek mentors that challenge them, create networks that will support them and be a person who lifts others because success is never a solo journey.
Finally, she spoke to the graduates about progress using a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to urge the graduates to move forward.
“Keep growing in the good times,” Davis said. “Keep growing in the hard times. Keep growing because if you’re not growing, you’re falling behind. So, graduates, as I leave you here today, I want you to carry this with you, those three Ps.
“Stay grounded in your purpose. Know that you have a why that is bigger than a paycheck, a position or a title. Value people. You can’t do it alone. Build relationships, seek mentors and give back. Commit to progress. Keep learning, keep growing, keep striving for excellence because when you bring these three together, you create not just success but impact.”
The commencement ceremony streamed live on the BRCC YouTube channel and can be watched on demand.
About BRCC
Baton Rouge Community College is a leading higher education institution located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that offers more than 100 academic and workforce programs for traditional and non-traditional students. The college generates an annual economic impact of more than $300 million, and 98% of graduates reside and contribute to the workforce in Louisiana. Through partnerships with regional employers and national organizations, BRCC provides hands-on, industry-aligned training that meets Louisiana’s evolving workforce needs.