HILLSDALE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Hillsdale College has booked its 2027 commencement speaker.

Conservative political commentator Michael Knowles will address the class of 2027 on May 8, according to the college provost’s office.

“Michael Knowles is witty, quick, and profound,” Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn said in a statement. “He studied serious things at Yale, and he has improved his knowledge and his faith by intense effort as he has built a career of public commentary.”

Knowles earned a bachelor’s degree from Yale University, where he studied history and Italian literature.

He has lectured at colleges and universities across the country and hosts “The Michael Knowles Show” at The Daily Wire and “The Book Club” at PragerU, a nonprofit media organization that promotes conservative viewpoints and American values.

Hillsdale’s commencement ceremony is closed to the public but will be available via livestream.

At its May 2026 commencement ceremony, Hillsdale College awarded honorary degrees to conservative activist Charlie Kirk and his widow, Erika Kirk, who delivered the commencement address. Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University.