School of Education

2026 School of Education Commencement Ceremony Livestream

Ceremony Schedule

Processional
National Anthem
Announcement of the Assembly
Greetings from the Class of 2026
Student Recognition
Keynote Address
Individual Recognition of Graduates
Salute to Parents, Families and Faculty
Recessional

Ceremony Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Asya Johnson, EdD '20
Graduate Speaker: Jadzia Watsey, MS teaching, learning and curriculum '26
Undergraduate Speaker: Tasneem Motan, elementary education '26

Message from the Dean

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Education, I want to say that it has been an honor to teach and support you on your educational journey at Drexel. We know that the path to this day was not easy. Your commitment to your studies is admirable, and we are inspired by your unwavering spirit to achieve your educational goals.

We wish you the very best as you embark on your careers. Remember, you may be leaving Drexel with your degree, but you will always be a Dragon! You are now part of the School of Education alumni family. I encourage you to keep in touch with your faculty and advisors. Let us know how you are doing and if we can support you. We love hearing from our alumni!

Best Regards,

Aroutis Foster, PhD
Interim Dean and Professor
School of Education

About the Keynote Speaker

Asya Johnson, EdD '20, is an educational leader and scholar-practitioner with more than 20 years of experience advancing equity-centered school transformation, early college access and culturally responsive leadership. She is the creator and founding principal of HBCU Early College Prep High School in Queens, New York, the first early college high school model centered on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in a major metropolitan district. Through a partnership with Delaware State University, students can earn a tuition-free associate degree while completing high school, expanding postsecondary access for historically underserved communities.

Johnson began her career as an educator in North Philadelphia and later led Longwood Preparatory Academy in the Bronx, New York, where she implemented a successful school turnaround grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, resulting in New York Certificate of Good Standing. Her research on culturally responsive teacher development continues to guide her leadership.

Her experience spans charter and district settings, including serving as principal of a Harlem charter school and director of special education programs for the New York City Department of Education, where she designed educational programming for incarcerated youth on Rikers Island. She has also built strong community partnerships, including initiatives addressing food insecurity, student access to resources and creative arts and wellness programming.

Johnson holds a Doctorate in Educational Management and Leadership from Drexel University, where she mentors doctoral students. She also serves as an adjunct professor at New York University and has contributed to educational policy through service on New York City's School Diversity Advisory Group and national equity initiatives. A recognized leader, she has received numerous awards and fellowships honoring her impact on educational innovation and equity.

You're a Forever Dragon Now!

Don't Miss the University-Wide Commencement on June 11!

We hope you'll join us for this special event at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m. We look forward to celebrating our graduates at the University-wide Commencement ceremony, where our newest Forever Dragons will get the chance to participate in a procession around the baseball field and have their degrees conferred before being officially welcomed into the ranks of Drexel alumni.