Penn State Lehigh Valley will celebrate its spring 2026 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m., featuring Marline Francois-Madden, a nationally recognized mental health expert and assistant professor at Morgan State University in Baltimore, as the keynote speaker.
Francois-Madden has built a distinguished career as a thought leader in mental health, a licensed therapist, and the bestselling author of The State of Black Girls. With more than 18 years of experience, she is widely regarded for her work on adolescent mental health, racial identity, and equity in care. A 2007 graduate of Penn State Lehigh Valley, she will return to campus to address the Class of 2026.
Francois-Madden has presented at universities, community organizations, and national conferences, and her work has been featured in major media outlets including Forbes, Essence, ABC, CBS and WebMD. Her mission centers on advancing equity in mental health while addressing the complex intersection of identity, policy and access to care.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State, a master of social work from Rutgers University–Newark, and a doctorate in family sciences and human development from Montclair State University. Francois-Madden was named the 2020 Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers–New Jersey Chapter and received the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award from Penn State Lehigh Valley.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Dr. Marline Francois-Madden back to campus as our commencement speaker,” said Chancellor Tina Richardson. “She represents the very best of Penn State Lehigh Valley—an alumna whose journey began here in our community and whose work is now making a meaningful impact on a national level. Her success is a reflection of the talent, determination and purpose that define our students and our University.”
Francois-Madden reflected on the opportunity to return to the campus where her academic journey began.
“I am so honored and excited to be selected as the commencement speaker,” Francois-Madden said. “As an alum of Penn State Lehigh Valley, I look forward to sharing insights and words of encouragement with the graduating class of 2026.”
Penn State’s land-grant mission continues to guide its focus on accessibility, opportunity and community impact across Pennsylvania. Through its geographically distributed campus system, including Penn State Lehigh Valley, the University provides students with the opportunity to pursue a Penn State education within their home region while remaining connected to a broader statewide and global network.
“Penn State’s campus system is designed to provide access to a world-class education across the Commonwealth,” said Ryan Abramson, director of strategic communications at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “Campuses like Penn State Lehigh Valley play an important role in serving their local communities while connecting students to the resources and opportunities of the University as a whole.”
Abramson noted that commencement reflects both the local and systemwide impact of the University.
“Commencement highlights the importance of a local presence, where students are able to complete a Penn State degree while remaining engaged in their region,” he said. “It also reflects the ongoing connection between alumni and the campus, as graduates continue to contribute to their professions and communities.”
Francois-Madden currently resides in Maryland with her husband and son and remains actively engaged in her community, serving on boards that support youth development and mental health initiatives.