Parson to serve as HLGU commencement speaker

Published 5:32 pm Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Hannibal-LaGrange University has announced that Michael L. Parson, who served as Missouri’s 57th governor from 2018 to 2025, will deliver the keynote address at the University’s 2026 Commencement ceremony.

Parson, born in 1955 in Wheatland, was raised on a farm in Hickory County, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agricultural and rural life.

A 1973 graduate of Wheatland High School, he joined the United States Army in 1975 and served six years as a military police officer.

In 1980, Parson married Teresa Seiner.

Together, they have two children, Stephanie House and Kelly Parson.

Parson began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy sheriff in Hickory County before transferring to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1983.

There, he became the department’s first criminal investigator and later served as Polk County sheriff from 1993 to 2005.

In addition to his public service, Parson has been a small business owner and a third-generation farmer. Since 1985, he has operated a cow-calf operation in Bolivar.

His career in elected office began in the Missouri House of Representatives, where he represented the 133rd District from 2005 to 2011. He later served in the Missouri Senate for the 28th District from 2011 to 2017.

In 2017, he was elected Missouri’s 47th lieutenant governor before being sworn in as governor on June 1, 2018, a role he held until January 2025.

During his tenure as governor, Missouri reached historic economic milestones, including record-low unemployment, strong wage growth, thousands of new jobs, and billions of dollars in business investment through public-private partnerships.

His administration emphasized workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and investments in education, often with bipartisan support.

Parson has consistently emphasized rural values throughout his public service, including a commitment to agriculture, local communities, and rural health care.

HLGU looks forward to welcoming Parson to campus as he addresses the Class of 2026 and their families during this significant milestone celebration.

The ceremony will be held in the Mabee Sports Complex.

Doors will open for guest seating at 9 a.m., and tickets are not required.

Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The ceremony will begin promptly at 10 a.m.