Keene State College will recognize United States Senator Maggie Hassan and Dr. Melinda Treadwell at its 2026 Commencement ceremonies, according to an April 23 announcement. The event is scheduled for May 9 on the college’s campus, where both leaders will be honored for their service to New Hampshire.
The recognition highlights the impact of public service and leadership within the state, as both honorees have contributed significantly to government, higher education, and civic life. Interim Keene State College President Donald L. Birx said, “Senator Hassan and Dr. Treadwell exemplify the very best of public service, leadership, and commitment to New Hampshire. Through their work, in government, higher education, and civic life, they have strengthened communities across our state and inspired generations of students. We are proud to recognize their lasting contributions.”
Senator Maggie Hassan will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the ceremony. She has served New Hampshire for more than twenty years in various roles including as a state senator beginning in 2004, governor starting in 2012—becoming only the third woman elected governor—and then as a United States senator from 2016 onward. As governor she oversaw economic growth initiatives such as Live Free & Start for startup businesses; expanded Medicaid access; combated opioid addiction; and advocated for public higher education by restoring university funding leading to a tuition freeze.
In her current role as senator, Hassan has focused on bipartisan legislation including shaping infrastructure law that provided investments like bridge repair funds and rural broadband expansion for New Hampshire residents. She also worked on ending surprise medical billing practices; secured increased federal support for substance use disorder programs; championed science research efforts—earning her the Science Coalition’s Champion of Science Award in 2024.
Dr. Melinda Treadwell will receive the Granite State Award—the college’s highest non-degree honor—for outstanding achievement benefiting New Hampshire’s welfare. Treadwell joined Keene State faculty in 2000 before serving as dean, interim provost, vice president for academic affairs, and ultimately its eleventh president during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her tenure emphasized student success initiatives alongside workforce partnerships throughout the Monadnock Region while advocating lifelong learning opportunities at Keene State College nationally through organizations like Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC), NCAA Division III Management Council,and New England Commission of Higher Education.
More information about Keene State College’s upcoming commencement can be found at http://www.keene.edu/commencement.
