OU to Award Honorary Degrees at 2026 Commencement Ceremony May 15 at Lloyd Noble Center

The University of Oklahoma will confer honorary degrees on three distinguished individuals during its 2026 Commencement ceremony, recognizing their significant contributions to sports, film and tribal governance.

The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. On Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, where the university will honor Sherri Coale, Ron Howard, and Bill G. Lance, Jr. For their exemplary achievements and service.

Sherri Coale, a legendary figure in Oklahoma sports, transitioned from a small-town basketball player to a premier collegiate coach at OU before becoming a professional writer and speaker, leaving a lasting impact on the state’s athletic community.

Ron Howard, an Academy Award-winning director and one of Hollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers, is being honored for his critically acclaimed work, including the Oscar-winning dramas A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13, as well as numerous influential films and television series.

Bill G. Lance, Jr. Serves as Secretary of State for the Chickasaw Nation, a federally recognized sovereign nation with approximately 83,000 citizens, where he has dedicated his career to advancing tribal sovereignty through economic development, healthcare leadership, and principled governance.

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to confer the university’s highest honor upon these three remarkable individuals. Their contributions to the world around us and dedication to excellence are profound and will continue to impact lives for generations to come.

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr.

The honorary degrees reflect the university’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose work aligns with its values of excellence, service, and impact across diverse fields, from athletics and entertainment to Indigenous governance and community leadership.

This year’s commencement ceremony will celebrate not only the academic achievements of graduating students but also the enduring legacies of honorees who have shaped culture, sports, and sovereign nations through sustained dedication and visionary leadership.