When Fran Harris returned to Moody College as the 2026 commencement keynote speaker, she brought the perspective of a proud alumna whose path has stretched from the Forty Acres to broadcast booths to entrepreneurial ventures.
A 1987 journalism graduate, Harris first made her mark at The University of Texas as captain of the undefeated 1986 Longhorn women’s basketball team. She went on to play in the WNBA, work as a sports broadcaster and TV analyst, and become an entrepreneur and author of more than 20 books. But before Moody’s newest graduates, she focused less on accolades than on the losses, lessons and relationships that shaped her life.
Harris’ return was a full-circle reminder of what a communication education can make possible. Her message was clear: Setbacks will come, but so will opportunities.
“Moody graduates, the world doesn’t need more content. It needs more courage, more truth. More bold storytellers. More good troublemakers. That’s YOU,” Harris said. “So, when life throws you a fastball when you least expect it—and it will—don’t duck. Swing. And if you miss? Swing again. Because what starts here changed our lives so that we can CHANGE the world.”