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Captain Janet Days to Deliver Spring 2025 Commencement Address
Commander of Naval Station Norfolk is first black female executive and commanding officer
University News | July 15, 2024
Virginia Wesleyan University is pleased to share that the Spring 2025 Commencement keynote speaker will be Captain Janet Days, Commander of Naval Station Norfolk. Capt. Days reported to Naval Station Norfolk as Executive Officer in September 2021 and assumed command as the 51st Commanding Officer in February 2023, making her the first black female executive and commanding officer of the world’s largest naval base. She will retire from her post in August 2024. 
Before being stationed in Norfolk, she served as the executive officer and commanding officer of USS McFaul (DDG 74). She has also served as the executive officer of Surface Warfare School (SWOS) Command in Newport, Rhode Island, and as director of maritime warfare at SWOS, where she was responsible for the training and development of all surface warfare department heads.
A Chicago native, she graduated summa cum laude from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and received her commission through Naval ROTC via the Enlisted Commissioning Program. She holds an MBA from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Naval War College command and staff diploma. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Joint and Combined Warfighting School at Joint Forces Staff College and is a qualified joint specialty officer.
Her personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and various other medals, unit awards, and campaign ribbons.
VWU enjoys a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with all local military bases, reflecting its commitment to supporting service members and their families. Additionally, the University was proud to announce its new partnership with Navy ROTC in the spring, further solidifying its dedication to fostering leadership and academic excellence among future Navy officers.
Spring Commencement will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in TowneBank Arena in the Jane P. Batten Student Center.