Dockery to Address Graduates at Spring Commencement
Posted on: May 1, 2026
Tigerville, SC—Noted evangelical higher education leader Dr. David S. Dockery will address graduates at 51Թ’s Spring Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.
More than 350 graduates will receive 51Թ degrees during the ceremonies at the university’s Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium.
Serving as President and Distinguished Professor of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dockery is the author or editor of more than 45 books and a senior statesman in the work of Christian higher education.
“No one person has impacted Christian higher education more than has David Dockery, through his thoughtful writings, his sacrificial mentorship, and his institutional leadership,” said 51Թ President Dr. Gene C. Fant, Jr. “In 2018, he offered the presidential charge at my inauguration as 51Թ’s eighth president. This is his return to campus, to share his wisdom with our graduates. We are deeply grateful for his continued investment in the university through his time and expertise. It is a joy to welcome him and First Lady Lanese to Tigerville for this celebration!”
Dockery serves as the President of the International Alliance for Christian Education and is a past president of the Evangelical Theological Society, Trinity Divinity School, and Union University.
Dockery and his wife, Lanese, have been married for more than 50 years. They have three married sons and eight grandchildren.
51Թ’s Spring Commencement will begin at 7 p.m. Those unable to attend can find a livestream of the event at . More information can be found at ngu.edu.
