Eric Church, a ten-time Grammy-nominated country music star, will deliver UNC’s 2026 spring commencement address. The ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. in Kenan Stadium.
“Being asked to be the Commencement speaker at North Carolina is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had,” Church said in a press release. “Being a Tar Heel ‘born, bred, dead’ and knowing what the school has meant to me and my family, it’s surreal.”
Church is a North Carolina native hailing from Granite Falls, who grew up a Tar Heel fan. He has released eight studio albums, with the most recent being May 2025’s “Evangeline vs. The Machine.” Throughout his musical career he has stayed loyal to Carolina, even canceling a 2022 concert to watch UNC men’s basketball take on Duke in the NCAA tournament. He said he’s excited at the prospect of being a part of the story of UNC’s class of 2026.
“To be able to be there and celebrate the future, the students at the University of North Carolina as they go onto their next journey, I’m honored to do it, and I can’t wait to see everybody there.”
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts shared his excitement as well.
“A proud North Carolinian and one of country music’s most influential voices, Eric Church has long been a devoted Tar Heel fan and supporter of our University,” said Roberts. “A true legend, he has shaped the music industry and inspired generations of artists and audiences alike. His significant efforts to help rebuild western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene reflect his steadfast commitment to his hometown and our state. I am confident his perspective will encourage the Class of 2026 as they begin the next stage of their lives.”
Church is currently on tour to support his latest record. His next show in North Carolina will be in Greensboro on March 6, 2026, at First Horizon Coliseum.
On October 4, 2024, following flooding from Helene in Church’s native Western North Carolina, he released “Darkest Hour (Helene Edit),” the final version of which ended up as the fifth track on “Evangeline vs. The Machine.” On October 26, he and fellow country music star Luke Combs put on the “Concert for Carolina” at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, where they raised a collective $24 million for disaster relief. Church is also a recent recipient of the North Carolina Award, the state’s highest civilian honor. He received the award in 2022.
Featured image via AP Photo/Mark Humphrey
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