Officials at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) announced today that Sen. Brad Hudson will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 commencement ceremony.
The event will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, at the West Plains Civic Center.
Hudson took the oath of office Jan. 8, 2025, and represents Missouri’s 33rd Senatorial District. He serves on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council and the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Board. He previously served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025.
In addition to his legislative duties, Hudson is the pastor of Blessing Heights Worship Center. Before being elected to the legislature, he served as Stone County assessor from 2009 to 2018.
Hudson is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Table Rock Lake and a past president of the Southwest Missouri Assessors Association. He also served for several years as coordinator of the Stone County National Day of Prayer.
Chancellor Zora Mulligan said she is excited to welcome Hudson as this year’s commencement speaker.
“Sen. Hudson brings a strong record of service and a deep connection to the communities he represents,” Mulligan said. “We look forward to the insight and encouragement he will share with our graduates as they take the next step in their journeys.”
Hudson received a bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Midwest College of Theology in 2011. He also completed more than 350 hours of education and training during his tenure as Stone County assessor.
A lifelong resident of southern Missouri, Hudson grew up on his family’s small farm near Cape Fair, where he still resides with his wife, Carissa. They have two children, Bethany and Daniel.
For more information about the 2026 commencement ceremony, contact the MSU-WP Office of University Communications at 417-255-7960.