W
est Virginia State University (WVSU) hosted its spring commencement on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center.
The ceremony recognized approximately 240 spring graduates, including the first doctoral degree program graduates in the school’s history.
WVSU alum Mike Taylor, who currently serves as the vice president, team marketing and business operations, for the National Basketball Association (NBA), served as the commencement speaker.
In his role with the NBA, Taylor helps drive profitability and long-term business growth across the NBA, WNBA, and the NBA G League.
Before joining the NBA in 2016, Taylor spent five years with Palace Sports & Entertainment, where he oversaw the Group Ticket Sales department across the Detroit Pistons, The Palace of Auburn Hills, and DTE Energy Music Theatre. He also held sales roles with the Atlanta Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers, and began his NBA career as a sales intern with the Chicago Bulls.
Taylor earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management from WVSU. He was also captain of the men’s basketball team, leading the Yellow Jackets to a conference championship while earning Division II All-American honors.
In 2014, Taylor was inducted into the West Virginia State University Sports Hall of Fame. After college, he spent three years playing professional basketball in Europe, including stops in The Netherlands, Germany, and Austria.
WVSU holds commencement ceremonies in December and May of each year.
