May 13, 2026
Contact: Cary Littlejohn, carylittlejohn@missouri.edu
Photos courtesy of Alex Sanderson and Dagen Jones
When Alex Sanderson crosses the stage at University of Missouri commencement this weekend, she’ll be carrying forward a legacy of Mizzou pride that spans generations.
Her grandfather, Norman “Jerry” Barrier, served as chair of Mizzou’s history department, one of the reasons she wanted to become a Tiger. Now — after earning a degree from the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and four years of involvement in the MU International Trade Center, Trulaske study abroad programs and other organizations — she’s made her own mark.
“Coming to Mizzou felt like continuing something bigger than myself; it was about honoring a legacy of leadership and service,” Sanderson, who now plans to pursue the Crosby MBA at Mizzou, said. “Being here has allowed me to build my own path while carrying forward the values my grandpa embodied: curiosity, commitment and the power of education.”
Sanderson is one of nearly 6,000 Tigers reaping the benefits of higher education this weekend during spring commencement ceremonies, which begin Friday and continue through Sunday.
Graduating students will be awarded with 4,737 bachelor’s degrees, 1,020 master’s degrees, 454 professional degrees, 207 doctoral degrees and 14 education specialist degrees. Some students are receiving more than one degree.
For some graduates, including Dagen Jones, this will be their second Mizzou commencement after graduate education. Jones earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Health Sciences in 2022 and this year will add a degree from Mizzou’s School of Medicine. He is now heading to Springfield, Missouri, where he’s been selected to be part of the first cohort of integrated family medicine residents through a partnership between Mizzou’s Springfield Clinical Campus and CoxHealth.
“The Class of 2026 is extraordinary, and thanks to a world-class Mizzou education, our graduates are prepared to achieve success and make a positive impact for our state and nation,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “It’s an honor to recognize their commitment to excellence alongside the entire Tiger community.”
Spring commencement will also recognize more than 1,836 students receiving the Honors Certificate and more than 790 who completed courses through Mizzou Online.
"Our Mizzou Tigers are the next generation of leaders and changemakers," Todd Graves, chair of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, said. "We can't wait to see the valuable contributions they will make in their communities and beyond as alumni with their hard-earned degrees in hand."
The Class of 2026 comprises more than 1,100 first-generation students, 80 active-duty military or veteran students and 74 student athletes.
"Mizzou's Class of 2026 represents the academic excellence and rigor displayed on the University of Missouri campus each day," Matthew Martens, provost and executive vice chancellor of academic affairs, said. "Our Tigers have shown that their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm will no doubt be influential as they move forward in their journeys.”
Schedule of Ceremonies
May 15-17, 2026
Friday, May 15
College of Education & Human Development
1 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
College of Veterinary Medicine
2 p.m. | Jesse Auditorium
College of Engineering
4 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
Sinclair School of Nursing
6 p.m. | Jesse Auditorium
Missouri School of Journalism
7 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
Saturday, May 16
College of Health Sciences (Undergraduate)
8:30 a.m. | Mizzou Arena
School of Medicine
10 a.m. | Jesse Auditorium
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
12 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
College of Health Sciences (Professional/Clinical)
2:30 p.m. | Jesse Auditorium
College of Arts & Science
3:30 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
Majors: Ancient Mediterranean Studies; Anthropology; Architectural Studies; Art; Art History; Communication; Digital Storytelling; English; Film Studies; General Studies; Geography; German; Graphic Design; Interdisciplinary Studies (includes emphasis areas of Black Studies, Environmental Studies, Peace Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies); International Studies; Linguistics; Music; Music Education; Philosophy; Religious Studies; Romance Languages (includes emphasis areas of French and Spanish); Russian; Textile and Apparel Management; Theatre
6:00 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
Majors: Majors: Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Constitutional Democracy; Data Science; Economics; Geological Sciences; History; Mathematics; Physics; Political Science; Psychology/Psychological Sciences; Public Administration & Policy; Sociology; Statistics
School of Law
5:30 p.m. | Jesse Auditorium
Sunday, May 17
Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
9:00 a.m. | Mizzou Arena
Graduate School: PhD/EdD
12:00 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
Honors College
1 p.m. | Jesse Auditorium
Graduate School: Master’s/Education Specialists
3:00 p.m. | Mizzou Arena
ROTC Commissioning of Officers
Air Force ROTC & Naval ROTC Joint Ceremony
May 15
8:30 a.m. | Jesse Auditorium
Army ROTC
May 17
2:30 p.m. | Monsanto Auditorium, Bond Life Sciences Center
