Hoda Kotb is heading back to school.
The former TODAY host will be the commencement speaker at Fordham University at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx on May 16. She will also receive an honorary degree from the university.
“We are proud to announce that our 181st Commencement Speaker is Hoda Kotb!” the school announced in an Instagram post. “Celebrated broadcaster, bestselling author, and CEO Hoda Kotb will receive an honorary degree at Fordham University’s 181st Commencement on May 16 at the Rose Hill campus.”
Tania Tetlow, president of Fordham, lauded Kotb for her immense accomplishments as an acclaimed journalist.
“She has led a truly kaleidoscopic media career, boldly reporting on world events and sharing others’ stories—as well as her own—with utmost integrity,” Tetlow said in a statement. “We at Fordham are blessed to have her as our commencement speaker.”
KOTB RECENTLY LEFT THE TODAY SHOW
Kotb, who began at Today in 2007, left the morning show in January 2025. In September 2024, she made her official announcement about her departure.
“I know I’m making the right decision, but it’s a painful one,” she said in a letter shared. “They say two things can be right at the same time. And I’m feeling that so deeply right now. I love you, and it’s time for me to leave the show.”
“My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful; a new decade of my life lies ahead,” she continued. “And now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.” Kotb is mother to daughters Hope and Haley.”
Recently, Kotb came back to TODAY to host with Savannah Guthrie in April, temporarily filling in for Craig Melvin. She also returned to the show in February to sub in for Guthrie “during the ongoing investigation into her mother Nancy’s disappearance.”