FCPS Superintendent Cheryl Dyson, Political Science Chair Tamelyn Tucker-Worgs to Speak at Hood Commencement Ceremonies

Hood College is proud to announce that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Cheryl Dyson, DOL’22, and Associate Professor of Political Science Tamelyn Tucker-Worgs, Ph.D., distinguished leaders in education and public service, will serve at the featured speakers for the College’s 128th Commencement Ceremonies.  

This year, Hood will host two ceremonies, one each for the undergraduate and graduate student bodies. Both ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 17, within the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center, with the undergraduate ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. and the graduate ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. Dyson will speak at the graduate ceremony, while Tucker-Worgs will speak at the undergraduate ceremony.  

Dyson, an accomplished educator and administrator of more than 25 years, has dedicated her career to fostering student success and equity in education. As superintendent of FCPS, she oversees one of Maryland’s largest and most innovative school systems, working under the mantra of “every child, every day,” highlighting the uniqueness in every student and aligning resources necessary to support their specific needs. Dyson is a Hood alumna, having earned her doctorate in organizational leadership from Hood’s Graduate School in 2022. 

“Education has the power to transform lives and communities, and I am proud to stand alongside the graduates who will go on to continue shaping the future,” said Dyson. 

“As a product of Hood College’s Graduate School, I know firsthand the value of the rigorous education and strong leadership foundation it provides. Hood’s commitment to excellence in education, paired with the dedication of its graduates, ensures that their impact will be felt far beyond their time at Hood. I am excited to see the positive change they will bring to our schools, our communities, various industries and the world.”

Tucker-Worgs, an esteemed researcher and educator at Hood for more than 20 years, serves as the Virginia E. Lewis Professor, chair of the Department of Political Science and Global Studies, and director of the African American studies program. Tucker-Worgs is known for her research and activism in urban politics, social justice and public policy. Her work as an educator and advocate helps to shape discussions on civic engagement and policymaking both within the academic sphere beyond.  

“It has been my greatest joy to teach and learn from the incomparable students at Hood College for the past two decades,” said Tucker-Worgs. 

“Being asked by the Class of 2025 to be the Commencement speaker is the greatest honor of my career here at Hood. "I do not take it lightly. I hope to congratulate them on their significant accomplishment, wish them well as they venture out into the world to make their mark and remind them that Hood will always be home.”

The Hood College Commencement Ceremony is a time-honored tradition that brings together students, faculty, families and friends to celebrate the academic and personal achievements of the graduating class. More details about the event, including full schedules, regalia orders and live updates are available at  hood.edu/commencement.

Media Contact