Distinguished alumni and global leaders to address Auburn’s Spring 2026 graduates

Michielle Sego-Johnson

A 1988 political science and speech communication graduate, Michielle Sego-Johnson is a senior executive at United Airlines, where she serves as vice president of inflight services and catering operations for the world’s largest airline. In this role, Sego-Johnson oversees an inflight services organization of more than 30,000 employees, leads inflight training across eight locations in the United States, Guam and London and directs United’s global catering operations, supporting flights through more than 145 kitchen locations worldwide.

Following her graduation from Auburn, the Montgomery, Alabama, native initially planned to attend law school but instead chose to take a gap year, a decision that led her to become a flight attendant and ignited a lifelong passion for aviation and service-based leadership. That unexpected step launched a career in the airline industry spanning more than 35 years, including nearly two decades at Delta Air Lines. During that time, Sego-Johnson advanced through numerous roles and became known for her leadership in both service and safety which included serving on an industry working group that developed aviation security procedures following 9/11. She also played a key role during the operations integration of the Delta–Northwest merger.

Since joining United Airlines in 2009, Sego-Johnson held a similar role during the merger of United Airlines and Continental Airlines. In 2022, she was named vice president of inflight services and catering operations. In this role, she ensures front line teams and leaders have the support and resources to make safety a priority while delivering industry leading customer service. Over the years, Sego-Johnson has developed a reputation as a leader who makes employee engagement and serving others a priority. These priorities plus her drive for innovation and the customer experience guides her leadership daily.

Returning to Auburn as a commencement speaker holds special significance for Sego-Johnson, whose ties to the university span generations. Her father, Frank Sego, was an Auburn graduate and served as the university’s sports information director in the 1940s, and her family’s Auburn legacy continues through her husband, Mike and their children and son-in-law.

“I am honored to return to Auburn and deliver the 2026 Commencement address.” Sego-Johnson said. “Auburn University is a special place. I credit Auburn with setting the foundation for me, giving me the knowledge, experiences and relationships that have led me to where I am today personally and professionally.”

Sego-Johnson will deliver remarks during the undergraduate ceremonies for the College of Liberal Arts and University College at 6 p.m. on May 1 and the Harbert College of Business at 8 a.m. on May 2.

Jason Thompson, MD, PhD, FACC

Dr. Jason Thompson ’93, a board-certified cardiologist and Auburn engineer, will serve as a commencement speaker during the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering ceremony at 1 p.m. and the combined ceremony for the Colleges of Agriculture, Architecture, Design and Construction, Human Sciences, Nursing and Veterinary Medicine at 6 p.m. on May 2.

A managing partner at Birmingham Heart Clinic, Thompson provides cardiovascular care and clinical leadership while overseeing advanced diagnostic and treatment programs. With a medical practice grounded in engineering principles, Thompson has built a reputation for clinical excellence through a rigorous, systems-based approach to patient care and program development.

A native of Trussville, Alabama, Thompson is a 1993 chemical engineering graduate who later returned to Auburn to complete a doctorate in chemical engineering before earning his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, or UAB.

Following the completion of his internal medicine residency at UAB, Thompson served as chief medical resident, followed by the completion of a cardiovascular disease fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. While a resident, Thompson was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and completed his medical training while undergoing chemotherapy, an experience that influenced his perspective on medicine, leadership and patient care.

Today, Thompson integrates engineering principles into cardiovascular medicine, emphasizing evidence-based practice, innovation and service, key values he hopes to inspire in Auburn’s newest graduates. “My journey through medicine and engineering taught me that real growth comes from taking on difficult challenges, remaining curious and showing up for others,” Thompson said. “Auburn provided me with the foundation to think critically and lead with rigor and compassion, lessons that have shaped my career and continue to guide how I care for patients and serve others.”

Mark Peters, PhD

With a distinguished career spanning science, leadership and public service, Dr. Mark Peters, ’86, has helped shape national and global innovation across energy, security and advanced technology. An Auburn University geology graduate, Peters will deliver the commencement address during the May 3 ceremony for the Graduate School at 1 p.m. and the combined bachelor’s ceremony for the Colleges of Education; Forestry, Wildlife and Environment; and Sciences and Mathematics at 6 p.m.

Peters serves as president and chief executive officer of MITRE, a global not-for-profit technology company that leads six federally funded research and development centers for the nation. In this role, he heads a multidisciplinary workforce of nearly 7,000 professionals advancing mission-driven solutions across artificial intelligence, aerospace, cybersecurity, health, transportation, defense and intelligence.

A nationally recognized expert in nuclear energy and national security, Peters has held significant advisory roles across government, research and industry. Currently, he serves as vice president/president-elect of the American Nuclear Society, an organization at the forefront of advancing nuclear science and technology for the betterment of others. He previously acted as chair of the National Laboratory Directors’ Council, coordinating initiatives and advising the U.S. Department of Energy on issues critical to the nation’s scientific enterprise. His leadership and contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2023 Henry DeWolf Smyth Nuclear Statesman Award.

Prior to joining MITRE in 2024, Peters spent more than 25 years leading major science and technology organizations. He served as executive vice president for laboratory management and operations at Battelle Memorial Institute and as director of Idaho National Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier multipurpose research facilities focused on nuclear energy, national security, and environmental science. He previously held senior leadership roles at Argonne National Laboratory.

“I am honored to be selected as a speaker for Auburn’s Spring 2026 commencement,” Peters said. “As a proud Auburn graduate, I recognize the significance of this milestone—a moment when students are entrusted to serve as thoughtful stewards of the education and values instilled by our university.”

A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Peters earned his doctorate in geophysical sciences from the University of Chicago and continues to draw on the analytical foundation developed at Auburn to advance innovation in the public interest.

Doug Hoey, RPh, MBA

B. Douglas Hoey, chief executive officer of the National Community Pharmacists Association, or NCPA, will serve as the commencement speaker for the Harrison College of Pharmacy professional ceremony on May 4 at 1 p.m. NCPA represents nearly 19,000 independent community pharmacies nationwide, employing more than 235,000 people. Under Hoey’s leadership, the association has become a leading national advocate for community pharmacy, advancing policies that support independent pharmacists and expand access to patient-centered care.

A licensed pharmacist in Oklahoma, Virginia, and Texas, Hoey brings decades of experience in community pharmacy practice, including work in his family’s pharmacy. He joined NCPA as its first chief operating officer and was named chief executive officer in 2011. Since then, he has emerged as a nationally recognized authority on issues affecting community pharmacy, including drug supply challenges, prescription drug pricing, and patient access to care, and is frequently cited by national media on pharmacy and health policy matters.

Hoey has also contributed to pharmacy education, developing and teaching pharmacology courses at George Washington University and Marymount University. His professional leadership includes service as president of the World Pharmacy Council, co-chair of the Surescripts Board of Directors, chairman of the NCPA Innovation Center, and vice chair of the CPESN® USA Board of Managers.

“The Auburn spirit has always been rooted in service, and I am inspired by the compassion, resilience, and dedication I see in this year’s class,” Hoey said. “I am honored to be invited to be a part of Auburn’s Harrison College of Pharmacy graduation ceremony as these new graduates prepare to launch careers that will shape the health and well being of our communities for years to come.”

Janet D. Donlin, DVM

The weekend’s ceremonies will conclude with the professional ceremony for the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Janet D. Donlin, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Medical Association, or AVMA, will serve as the commencement speaker. Since 2016, Donlin has led the AVMA as the first woman to hold the association’s highest staff leadership position since the role was established in 1922. In this capacity, she works closely with veterinary leaders nationwide to advance the profession and support veterinarians as they navigate an evolving professional landscape.

Donlin’s career spans more than three decades of leadership across veterinary medicine, professional advocacy and industry. She began her tenure with the AVMA in 1991 and held a series of senior leadership roles over the next 17 years, including associate executive vice president and assistant executive vice president. From 2000 to 2001, she served as interim chief executive officer of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues, overseeing its transition into an independent nonprofit organization.

From 2007 to 2013, Donlin served as chief veterinary officer for the Global Veterinary Business Channel of Hill’s Pet Nutrition before returning to the AVMA in 2013 as chief executive officer of the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust. A licensed veterinarian in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, she is the first veterinarian to earn the Certified Association Executive credential.