Nationally recognized education scholar and reform leader Dr. Pedro Noguera will serve as the commencement speaker for the Class of 2026. The graduation ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 20, beginning at 1:00 p.m., in the university’s iconic Golden Dome and will also be live‑streamed for remote viewers.

As part of the ceremony, MIU’s Board of Trustees will confer upon Dr. Noguera the degree of Doctor of Education honoris causa, in recognition of his lifelong service and leadership in advancing educational equity, engagement, and opportunity for the nation’s youth.

A sociologist whose work has focused on how schools can become more responsive to students’ academic, emotional, and social needs, Dr. Noguera is one of the country’s leading voices on urban education, school reform, and the social conditions that shape student success.

He is currently the Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California.

The importance of student engagement and well-being

Throughout a career spanning more than four decades, Dr. Noguera has emphasized that academic achievement cannot be separated from student engagement and well-being.

In a recent interview, he noted that schools have “focused so much on measures of student achievement” while overlooking the fact that “the path to achievement is getting kids more engaged in learning.” He has consistently argued that meaningful learning begins when educators connect emotionally with students and inspire them to become self‑motivated learners.

Dr. Noguera has also spoken about the importance of practices that help students develop emotional regulation and inner stability — principles that resonate strongly with MIU’s educational philosophy.

“Transcendental Meditation is one tool that schools can draw upon to help kids get some control of their emotions.”

— Dr. Pedro Noguera

“Transcendental Meditation is one tool that schools can draw upon to help kids get some control of their emotions and bring calm to the individual and by extension the classroom,” he said. He emphasized that “anyone can meditate,” calling it an “incredible resource” in a society that focuses heavily on constant activity rather than cultivating “groundedness and peace of mind before we engage in doing.”

A prolific scholar, Dr. Noguera has written or edited 13 books and has published more than 250 research articles, chapters, and reports. His commentary on education frequently appears in major national media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times. He has also served on the boards of numerous national and local education organizations.

“His work exemplifies a commitment to educating the whole person.”

— Dr. Tony Nader

MIU President Dr. Tony Nader said the university is honored to welcome Dr. Noguera. “His work exemplifies a commitment to educating the whole person,” Dr. Nader said. “His vision speaks directly to the kind of graduates MIU seeks to educate — thoughtful, engaged, and grounded individuals prepared to uplift society.”

Members of the MIU community, families, and guests are invited to attend the ceremony in person or via live stream as the university celebrates its graduates and honors a distinguished leader in American education.

Click here for an interview with Dr. Noguera on Enjoy TM News.

* * * * *

Photographs: https://www.pedronoguera.com/.