AUSTIN, Texas — Renowned director and screenwriter Taylor Sheridan is set to deliver the keynote address at the University of Texas’ 142nd Commencement Ceremony on May 10.
The ceremony is expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees to DKR Texas Memorial Stadium.
Sheridan is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, an Emmy-nominated producer and the creator, director, writer and executive producer of several record-breaking television series, including “Yellowstone,” “Mayor of Kingstown,” “Tulsa King,” “1883,” “Lioness” and “Landman.” His work is known for portraying the motif of the American frontier, as well as Indigenous and rural communities.
“As a native Texan and a visionary storyteller, Taylor Sheridan has redefined the modern Western genre while remaining deeply connected to the spirit and resilience of our great state,” UT interim President Jim Davis said in a Thursday news release. “His journey to the top of the entertainment field is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity and staying true to one’s roots — values that resonate deeply with Longhorn Nation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Forty Acres as this year’s ceremony speaker.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to speak at the UT Austin commencement,” Sheridan said. “This University has long been known to champion excellence, integrity and bold ideas, and I’m excited to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they step into the next chapter of their lives.”
Sheridan is a North Texas native and briefly attended Texas State University before dropping out in 1991 to pursue a career in acting. Some of his acting credits accrued over a 20-career include “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “Party of Five,” “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,” “Star Trek: Enterprise” and “Sons of Anarchy.”
Last month, Texas State announced that they would award Sheridan an honorary degree from the university.
Sheridan has also been an advocate for bringing the film industry to Texas, advocating in front of lawmakers at the Texas Capitol in October on the need to expand investment in the Texas film and television tax incentive program, which the Texas Legislature has since implemented.
Sheridan made his debut as a writer and director with the critically acclaimed film “Wind River,” which earned him Best Director honors at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. He also wrote “Hell or High Water,” which was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay.
In 2021, Sheridan was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame for his contributions to Western heritage and culture.