Morehouse College Celebrates Academic Excellence of 2026 Valedictorian and Co-Salutatorians

Morehouse College will celebrate the achievements of Valedictorian Yamir Richmond, Co-Salutatorians O’Rell Roberts and Mario Wells, and 2026–2027 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award recipient Dr. Keisha E. Tassie during the College’s 142nd Commencement exercises on Sunday, May 17, at 9 a.m. on its Century Campus.

Valedictorian Yamir Richmond, a mathematics major and data science analytics minor from Chantilly, Virginia, earned the highest academic distinction in the Class of 2026 through exceptional performance in advanced mathematics coursework and research. A dedicated musician and flutist, Richmond also pursued rigorous academic opportunities through programs at Georgetown University and the Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute, along with internships at Georgia State University and the University of California, Berkeley. He served as a math tutor for fellow Morehouse students, is an SSS-STEM scholar and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Pi Mu Epsilon, and the National Society of Black Engineers.

Richmond’s academic success was supported in part by his participation in the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative, which he credits as the most integral program to his development at Morehouse. “The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative provided scholarship support as well as the resources and guidance needed to navigate upper-level research,” Richmond said. “It played a critical role in shaping my academic journey and preparing me for advanced study.”

Following graduation, Richmond is weighing multiple graduate school offers, including from Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as opportunities in actuarial science.

Co-salutatorian O’Rell Roberts, a psychology major from San Bernardino, California, distinguished himself as the top scholar in the College’s psychology program. Roberts is a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, a Social Justice Scholar with the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. He also served as a New Student Orientation leader and treasurer of the Morehouse College Association of Black Psychologists.

Roberts credits his participation in the Social Justice Scholars program as one of the most transformative experiences of his academic journey. “The Social Justice Scholars program broadened my understanding of global and domestic justice issues and challenged me to think more critically about identity, history, and psychology’s role in liberation work,” Roberts said. “Studying civil rights and conflict in Ireland deeply shaped my perspective on justice and social change.”

Following graduation, Roberts plans to earn certification in horticultural therapy at the University of Florida, deepening his work in creating restorative spaces for individuals in recovery and marginalized communities.

Co-salutatorian Mario Wells is a psychology major and education studies minor from Sugar Hill, Georgia. During his time at Morehouse College, Wells earned Dean’s List recognition and received second-place honors at the 27th Annual AUC Psychology Research Symposium and the Second Annual Summer Undergraduate Research Expo. A member of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program, Psi Chi, and the STEM Identity and Black Male Achievement Program, Wells also served as co-president of the MCEE Literary Society. He further expanded his research experience through competitive programs at the University of Georgia and the Florida State University–American Psychological Association Summer Scholars Program.

Wells credits the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program as the most integral part of his success at Morehouse. “Being an Oprah Winfrey Scholar was foundational to my success,” Wells said. “More than a scholarship, it shaped me as a leader and a man, grounding my experience in service. It refined my character and deepened my commitment to leading with intentionality.” Following graduation, he will pursue a master’s degree in psychology at New York University.

Associate Professor of Communication Dr. Keisha E. Tassie will receive the 2026–2027 Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of her impact on student leadership, communication, and critical thinking. Since joining the Morehouse faculty in 2013, Dr. Tassie has become known for dynamic, real-world-centered teaching and mentorship. Her research focuses on women of color in leadership, media representation, race and communication, and social media. Dr. Tassie has served the College as Interim Department Chair, Chair of Faculty, and Faculty Trustee, continuing her longstanding commitment to academic excellence and the development of Morehouse Men.

For commencement updates, a complete list of events, and supporting information, visit morehouse.edu/commencement.