As a Deaf student, Beth Smiley faced unique challenges in the classroom, both in person and online. When additional health issues surfaced, her TXST classmates and professors stepped up.
Every commencement tells the story of student achievement. This one also tells the story of a university on the rise.
This summer, we celebrate more than degrees. We celebrate ambition, resilience, and the journeys that brought our newest Bobcat alumni to this moment. As Texas State continues to grow and serve more students than ever before, each graduate joins a community whose impact reaches every corner of Texas and beyond.
This moment is a testament to a university transforming lives and helping shape the future of our state.
Ceremony Details
When: Saturday, August 1, 2026. See the ceremony schedule for details.
Where: Strahan Arena at the University Events Center on our San Marcos Campus.
Graduation Stats for Summer 2026
1,104
bachelors' degrees
333
master's degrees
32
doctoral degrees
“My commitment to that doctoral path became deeply personal just one week before classes began when my mother passed away,” Smiley said. “I promised her I would finish my degree and that I wouldn't let her loss hold me back.”
We practiced throughout that summer, and I kind of just already had 70 of my best friends around me,” Baggs said. “They were like a family at that point. I knew going to school that I was going to always have at least one of them in my class.”
Taking a Leap of Faith
After taking a leap of faith and transferring to TXST after his sophomore year, Garrett Baggs quickly found a community with cheer and a fresh mindset.
The communications major wanted to compete at the D1 level, and head cheer coach Ryan Riley recruited him and provided him with that opportunity.
I’ve seen people come in and leave, but the thing that stayed the same was the bond,” Ward said. “Everybody wants to be here. They show up for each other. That’s all you can ask for within a community.”
Showing Up For Community
Kaison Ward has been involved with campus life since the moment he arrived in San Marcos as a freshman.
The digital media innovation major and Galveston native joined the Black Student Alliance, Black Men United, Black President’s Council, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council early on, many of which he has been involved with since he was a freshman.
Honorary Degrees Awarded in May 2026
Commencement Traditions
From the commemorative challenge coins to the iconic river jump, see what makes commencement at TXST a day to remember.
