Mike D. Johnson, PNC Regional President, is tapped to inspire the newest batch of graduates as the 2025 Spring Commencement speaker at Nashville State, according to Nashville State's announcement. With a ceremony scheduled for May 13 at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena, Johnson will address the grads, starting at 6 PM.
While PNC, under Johnson's guidance since 2018, has been growing its presence in Tennessee with six Middle Tennessee branches launched, he has not been standing, making a significant impact in local education. Having played an instrumental part in the PNC Foundation's grant to establish an Early College partnership program at Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Whites Creek High School, students there have seen material benefits, reaping diplomas and college credits well before their peers.
Nashville State President Shanna L. Jackson expressed her enthusiasm for having Johnson as a speaker, highlighting his alignment with the college's values and efforts. "It is an honor to have Mike Johnson joining us as our commencement speaker this year," Jackson told Nashville State. "Mike demonstrates an exceptional ability to lead while making a real difference in the communities PNC serves, and those are the same values we strive to instill in our students every day."
The impact of the PNC Foundation's philanthropy has been evident, with the first cohort of Whites Creek students achieving their college degrees alongside their high school diplomas—an achievement unheralded before the program- and over a dozen others earning credits toward a degree. Johnson, recognizing the significance of this moment, shared his thoughts. "Addressing Nashville State’s graduates and recognizing all of the outstanding students alongside their families is an honor," Johnson remarked to Nashville State. "Supporting education means supporting growth, and I’m excited to be part of a team that invests in the success of the next generation."
With the rite of passage set for May 13, graduates can expect to celebrate their academic journey's climax in the presence of friends and family, with each being afforded six tickets—though additional tickets can be sought through coordination with peers. The event promises to be one of reflection on hard-earned achievements, a sentiment captured by Jackson's words on the occasion. “Commencement is a celebration of all of our students hard work, tenacious dedication to self and family, and serves as their next step to economic mobility,” said Jackson. Students unable to make it to the venue or additional family members can still partake in the festivities, thanks to the event being live-streamed by Lipscomb.
