General Xavier T. Brunson to headline FSU spring 2026 commencement ceremony

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., — Fayetteville State University (FSU) is proud to announce that Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea, will serve as the keynote speaker for the university’s Spring 2026 Undergraduate Commencement ceremony. The undergraduate ceremony will be held Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. at the Crown Coliseum.

A Distinguished Military Leader: Gen. Xavier T. Brunson

Brunson serves as the Commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Throughout his military career, Brunson has held numerous leadership roles across conventional and special operations forces. His operational experience includes service in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Freedom’s Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve. 

Commissioned as an Infantry Officer after graduating from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Brunson also earned a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategic Studies from United States Army War College. 

“We are incredibly honored to have Gen. Brunson at our commencement and know that he will deliver an inspirational message to our graduates,” said Darrell T. Allison, chancellor at FSU. “Born at Fort Bragg and raised in Fayetteville, I can think of no one better person to speak to FSU’s largest graduating class in history. Gen. Brunson’s military career is a living example of dedication and service for all of us, and especially for our graduating class.

Brunson’s distinguished service has been recognized through numerous awards and honors, including the Trailblazer Award from the National Park Service’s Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, as well as multiple regimental honors across Army branches. Brunson is married to Colonel (retired) Kirsten Brunson, and they have two daughters and one son. 

FSU will graduate more than 1,241 over the course two days, who will begin their careers in the workforce, military service or continue with their graduate studies. For more information, visit our Commencement webpage.