Western Piedmont Community College Announces Nation Hahn as 2026 Commencement Speaker
Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) is proud to announce that Nation Hahn, Managing Director at the John M. Belk Endowment and a leading voice in education and workforce development across North Carolina, will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Commencement Ceremonies.
A native of Burke County, Hahn has built a distinguished career at the intersection of education, workforce innovation and community resilience. In his leadership role at the John M. Belk Endowment, he oversees strategic initiatives designed to strengthen the state’s talent pipelines and expand economic opportunity. He co-directs Good Jobs WNC, a long-term recovery and workforce development initiative in Western North Carolina that mobilizes partners and resources to support resilient communities and strong local economies.
Hahn is also the co-founder of EducationNC (EdNC), the statewide nonprofit news organization launched in 2015. During his tenure, he secured more than $17 million in support for EdNC and built statewide partnerships through an innovative model that combined leadership development, theory of change and immersive learning experiences for decision-makers. He led EdNC’s work covering North Carolina’s postsecondary education and community colleges, authoring the award-winning Awake58 newsletter and visiting all 58 community colleges on multiple occasions.
Throughout his career, Hahn has served in numerous leadership and board roles focused on addressing education access, housing and food insecurity. His work earned national recognition when Southern Living named him a Southerner of the Year in 2016.
“Nation Hahn’s lifelong commitment to education, workforce innovation, and community resilience reflects the very mission we uphold at Western Piedmont Community College. His work has strengthened opportunities for individuals and communities across our state, and we are honored to welcome him as our 2026 Commencement speaker,” WPCC President Dr. Joel Welch said. “Our graduates will benefit greatly from his insight, his experience, and his deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.”
Known for forging connections in every region of the 100 North Carolina counties, Hahn brings both a statewide perspective and personal connection to the communities WPCC serves. He has long championed the role of community colleges in strengthening families, fueling local economies and expanding access to opportunity.
WPCC’s Commencement Ceremonies will take place on May 14, 2026, at CoMMA Performing Arts Center located at 401 South College Street, Morganton, NC 28655. Additional details can be found online at wpcc.edu/graduation
Published: 3/24/2026