A well-known name in American television and theater is headed to Huntsville this spring.

Oakwood University has announced that award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad will serve as its 2026 commencement speaker, bringing a nationally recognized voice in arts and education to the city.

The ceremony is scheduled for May 8 at the Von Braun Civic Center, where graduates and their families will gather to mark the occasion.

The university shared the news in a late-night post, calling Rashad “legendary” and noting that the announcement was too big to wait until morning.

Rashad is best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” along with a long career on stage and screen that includes multiple Tony Awards and Emmy nominations. She most recently served as dean of the College of Fine Arts at Howard University.

For Oakwood, a historically Black university in Huntsville, the selection reflects its continued focus on leadership, service, and academic excellence.

The event also brings a recognizable national figure to Huntsville, with the ceremony set to take place at the city’s downtown venue.

For the Class of 2026, the ceremony will be more than a milestone — it will be a moment shared with one of the most recognizable voices in American entertainment.

Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.