Elizabeth City, N.C.—Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is turning up the volume for its 180th Commencement Ceremony, announcing 20–time Grammy Award-winning gospel music legend Kirk Franklin as the keynote speaker. Held Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. in the R.L. Vaughan Center, the celebration will honor a projected spring graduating class of 215 students and fuse the academic achievements with the energy and inspiration Franklin is known to have.

Best known for revolutionizing contemporary gospel music—seamlessly blending soul-stirring gospel with rhythm and blues, hip-hop and pop—Kirk Franklin’s voice and vision have transcended generations and genres for over 30 years. With a resume that reads like a hall-of-fame playlist—including his latest Grammy-winning single, “All Things” from the acclaimed album Father’s Day—Franklin is more than a musical icon; he’s a cultural architect.

Now, the same voice that brought us “Stomp,” “Revolution,” and “I Smile” is bringing his signature blend of gospel, hip-hop and R&B to Viking territory for the class of 2025 as they walk the stage with tassels turned and futures focused—this time not with music but with a message.

Franklin‘s record speaks for itself. From his SiriusXM channel Kirk Franklin’s Praise to headlining the star-studded Reunion Tour 2.0, to starring in TV and film projects like BET’s Kingdom Business and Lifetime’s Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas, to becoming the first artist to hit 100 weeks atop Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters chart—his influence goes beyond music, redefining the gospel industry. He has embodied pushing past limits, a fitting message for graduates to enter a world ready for bold voices and fearless leaders.

Beyond the stage, Franklin champions the next generation through initiatives like Camp Lotus and advocates for global causes through partnerships with organizations such as Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Whether mentoring rising musicians or collaborating with superstars like Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake and Chance the Rapper, Franklin uses every platform to uplift and inspire.

As ECSU graduates prepare to close one chapter and begin the next, Kirk Franklin is set to send them onward—not just with pomp and circumstance—but with purpose and power.

Additional information about the graduation ceremony, including accommodations and accessibility options, is available here.

 

ECSU to Hold 180th Commencement Ceremony for Class of 2025

WHAT:

180th Commencement Ceremony and Commissioning Ceremony

WHEN & WHERE: 

Commissioning Ceremony: Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. | Fine Arts Center

Commencement Ceremony: Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. | R. L. Vaughan Center

 

About Elizabeth City State University  
Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education. A constituent member of the University of North Carolina System, ECSU develops courageous, resilient, and empowered leaders through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. ECSU offers baccalaureate, professional, and master’s degrees across a wide variety of disciplines. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu