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Spring 2026 Commencement

2025 commencement

Class of 2026

Congratulations 2026 Pamplin Graduates

Celebrating your hard work, growth, and everything you have achieved.

Pamplin College of Business

Thursday, May 14

Lane Stadium

12:00–2:00 p.m.

Ceremony One

Lane Stadium

Programs

  • Accounting and Information Systems
  • Business Information Technology
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Business Analytics
  • Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Global Business Analytics
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Accounting and Information Systems

4:00–6:00 p.m.

Ceremony Two

Lane Stadium

Programs

  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Real Estate

2026 Commencement Speaker: Melissa Taylor

Spring 2026 Commencement speaker

Melissa Taylor is the Vice Chair of Clients & Markets and member of the U.S. Management Committee at KPMG LLP, a U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm. As a trusted leader focused on creating long-term value, Melissa is at the forefront of driving firm wide growth by bringing the full breadth of KPMG together, strengthening client relationships, and elevating the KPMG brand across sectors and geographies. Her leadership is centered on listening closely to clients, tackling their most complex challenges, and empowering them to navigate change with confidence.

With a career spanning more than three decades at KPMG, Melissa has a proven track record of working alongside leaders of large, global companies, primarily in the Life Sciences and Consumer & Retail sectors. She has led some of the firm's most significant audit engagements and held several senior leadership roles, including serving on the KPMG Board of Directors and as Audit Sector Lead for Life Sciences.  Her extensive global experience includes a four-year secondment in London and time as a former member of the IFRS Advisory Council Board (IASB/ISSB) and KPMG Global Board Audit Quality Committee.

Melissa’s time at Virginia Tech laid the foundation for the career and values that continue to guide her today. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Pamplin College of Business, where she discovered not only a passion for accounting, but also the importance of community and mentorship. 

What continues to motivate Melissa today is developing the next generation of leaders and helping others realize the power of relationships in shaping meaningful careers. She remains an active supporter of Virginia Tech and mentor to students and alumni.

Melissa resides in Virginia with her husband and daughter. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and is an avid Hokie sports fan.

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For questions

For questions, please contact the Office of Special Events at SpecialEventsOffice@vt.edu or 540-231-5027.