Michael Knowles, the conservative political commentator, bestselling author, and host of The Michael Knowles Show, will deliver the keynote address at Hillsdale College’s 175th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 8, 2027. The college officially announced his selection on September 3, 2026, welcoming him back to its Michigan campus.
The invitation is especially meaningful because Knowles already has an established relationship with Hillsdale. He addressed students during a 2021 lecture on free speech, and his work frequently explores the classical literature, American constitutional principles, and religious traditions emphasized in the college’s curriculum.
His selection follows commencement appearances by Erika Kirk, Victor Davis Hanson, and Pat Sajak. For the Class of 2027, Knowles brings a combination of media experience, academic interests, public debate, and an earlier commencement address delivered at Ave Maria University.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael John Knowles |
| Profession | Political commentator, author, podcast host |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1990 |
| Age at 2027 Commencement | 37 years |
| Education | Yale University, Class of 2012 |
| Wife | Alissa Mahler Knowles |
| Marriage Date | June 2018 |
| Children | Four |
| Main Program | The Michael Knowles Show |
| Commencement Date | May 8, 2027 |
| Ceremony | Hillsdale College’s 175th Commencement |
| Location | Hillsdale, Michigan |
| Previous Hillsdale Lecture | September 21, 2021 |
Michael Knowles Joins Hillsdale’s Distinguished Commencement Speakers
Hillsdale College has a longstanding tradition of inviting influential figures from politics, education, journalism, and public life to address graduating students. Knowles joins a recent group of speakers whose backgrounds range from constitutional scholarship and television broadcasting to conservative activism.
The 2027 ceremony marks Hillsdale’s 175th annual commencement, continuing a graduation tradition maintained since 1860. His selection places a prominent political media personality alongside speakers known for scholarship, institutional leadership, and public communication.
| Year | Commencement Speaker | Professional Background |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Michael Knowles | Political commentator and author |
| 2026 | Erika Kirk | CEO of Turning Point USA |
| 2025 | Victor Davis Hanson | Historian and classical scholar |
| 2024 | Pat Sajak | Television host and Hillsdale trustee |
These selections illustrate Hillsdale’s interest in speakers who engage with questions of leadership, character, citizenship, and public responsibility. Knowles approaches those subjects primarily through conservative commentary, religious philosophy, and discussions of Western intellectual history.
Hillsdale College’s 2027 Graduation Date and Ceremony Details
The 2027 commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 8, three days after Hillsdale’s spring examination period concludes on May 5. Graduates will participate in an established academic tradition that recognizes their achievements and marks their transition from college into professional and personal life.
Hillsdale has announced that the ceremony will be closed to the general public but available through a livestream. The college has previously hosted commencement activities at the Margot V. Biermann Athletic Center, a campus facility also used for major institutional gatherings.
The upcoming ceremony will be especially significant for students completing their studies during the college’s 175th commencement year. It will combine formal degree conferral with the traditional address, which gives an invited speaker the opportunity to offer graduates advice about life beyond college.
Why Hillsdale College Selected Michael Knowles
Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn praised Knowles when announcing the invitation, describing him as “witty, quick, and profound.” Arnn also highlighted his education at Yale, his growth in religious understanding, and his ability to combine intellectual discussion with entertaining public commentary.
Those qualities help explain the selection. Knowles frequently draws on Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine, and other influential thinkers when discussing current political issues. His arguments often connect contemporary controversies with older questions about morality, freedom, and the purpose of government.
The connection extends beyond his speaking style. Hillsdale emphasizes a classical liberal arts education centered on history, literature, philosophy, and constitutional government. Knowles’s interest in these subjects makes him a recognizable choice for an institution committed to studying the Western intellectual tradition.
The college’s independent educational model also distinguishes it from many American universities. Founded in 1844, Hillsdale declines federal and state taxpayer subsidies, including indirect support through student grants and loans, as part of its commitment to institutional independence.
Michael Knowles’s Memorable 2021 Hillsdale College Lecture
Knowles previously spoke at Hillsdale on September 21, 2021, addressing a crowded audience in Plaster Auditorium. His lecture challenged conventional conservative arguments about unrestricted expression and explored the relationship between free speech, censorship, and shared cultural standards.
He opened with the provocative declaration “Free speech has gone mad.” His central argument was that freedom cannot be separated entirely from moral judgment. Rather than treating every restriction on expression as inherently harmful, he questioned how societies establish standards for acceptable behavior.
The lecture generated discussion among students, who asked questions about conservatism, libertarianism, cultural influence, and the responsibilities of citizens. Knowles also signed copies of his book Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds following the event.
That appearance established a direct connection between Knowles and Hillsdale’s students. His return as commencement speaker gives him another opportunity to address an audience already familiar with the philosophical and political questions explored throughout his career.
Michael Knowles explores how political language shapes public opinion, cultural values, and free speech in this PragerU presentation, Control the Words, Control the Culture.
His 2025 Commencement Address at Ave Maria University
Hillsdale will not be Knowles’s first experience delivering a university commencement speech. On May 10, 2025, he addressed more than 350 graduates at Ave Maria University in Florida, where he also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
His address emphasized religious faith, humility, and the responsibilities of graduates entering the wider world. Rather than encouraging students to measure their lives solely by public achievement, Knowles urged them to think about how ordinary actions and personal commitments contribute to a meaningful life.
The speech demonstrated a different side of his public work. While his regular program focuses heavily on political disputes, his commencement remarks concentrated on enduring questions about character, purpose, and moral responsibility.
The Claremont Institute Connection Behind His Academic Interests
An important connection between Knowles and Hillsdale involves the Claremont Institute, an organization dedicated to studying American political principles and statesmanship. Knowles was selected as a Lincoln Fellow in 2020, joining a program that examines political philosophy, history, and the American founding.
Hillsdale President Larry P. Arnn served as president of the Claremont Institute from 1985 to 2000, before assuming leadership of Hillsdale. The shared institutional connection places Knowles and Arnn within overlapping conservative intellectual traditions.
This background matters because Hillsdale’s educational approach extends beyond partisan political discussion. Its curriculum emphasizes classical texts, constitutional principles, and historical understanding, areas Knowles also incorporates into his writing and university lectures.
The relationship shows why his selection carries more context than a conventional celebrity commencement invitation. His work intersects with educational institutions and scholarly networks concerned with the ideas that shaped American government and Western civilization.
Michael Knowles’s Role in Hillsdale’s 2026 Revolutionary America Project
The connection between Knowles and Hillsdale became even more visible in 2026, when he participated in Revolutionary America, a historical documentary produced by Hillsdale Studios. The film examines the American Revolution and the political ideas behind the struggle for independence.
Narrated by Tom Selleck, the documentary features Hillsdale faculty members and public commentators, including Knowles. It received a theatrical release from May 31 through June 2, 2026, before becoming available for streaming through Hillsdale’s educational platforms.
Knowles also contributed to Revolutionary America: From Subjects to Citizens, a six-episode online course released in 2026. The program explores colonial resistance to British authority, the Revolutionary War, and the constitutional settlement that followed American independence.
His participation gives the 2027 commencement invitation additional significance. Rather than appearing only as an outside commentator, Knowles has contributed directly to Hillsdale’s educational programming on American history and constitutional government.
Michael Knowles’s Academic and Professional Background
Michael John Knowles was born on March 18, 1990, in Bedford Hills, New York. He attended Fox Lane High School before enrolling at Yale University, where he studied history and Italian literature. He graduated in 2012, developing interests that later influenced his political commentary and writing.
His university experience included academic work, theater, and involvement in conservative student activities. He also studied acting and performed in stage productions, gaining communication skills that became valuable in broadcasting and public speaking.
Building His Career at The Daily Wire
Knowles joined The Daily Wire in 2016 and began hosting The Michael Knowles Show in 2017. The program focuses on American politics, religion, culture, and current events, combining interviews, commentary, humor, and discussions of philosophical ideas.
In 2020, he helped launch Verdict with Ted Cruz, a political podcast that attracted a large audience during the first impeachment trial of President Donald Trump. Knowles co-hosted the program until October 2022, when the production moved to iHeartMedia and Ben Ferguson became Cruz’s regular co-host.
Books and Political Writing
His first major publishing success came with Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide, released in 2017. The book became a bestseller through its unusual satirical format, presenting largely blank pages as a political joke about the Democratic Party.
In 2021, Knowles published Speechless: Controlling Words, Controlling Minds. The book explores political language, censorship, and cultural power from a conservative perspective. Many of its themes also appeared in his Hillsdale lecture later that year.
Michael Knowles’s Wife, Alissa Mahler, and Their Family Life
Michael Knowles is married to Alissa Mahler Knowles, his longtime partner and high school sweetheart. Their relationship began during their teenage years in New York, before Knowles became a nationally recognized political commentator. The couple married in June 2018, following more than a decade together, and have maintained a family life alongside his broadcasting career.
Alissa Mahler earned a Ph.D. in Psychological Science from the University of California, Irvine, in 2019. Her academic research examined adolescent development, expectations about the future, and criminal behavior. Michael and Alissa have four children, with their youngest arriving in October 2026. Their family life is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Michael Knowles’s Religious Beliefs and Family Values
Roman Catholicism plays an important role in Knowles’s personal life and political commentary. He frequently discusses Christian moral philosophy, traditional social values, marriage, and the influence of religious beliefs on American society. His commitment to faith also shapes his views about family responsibilities and personal character.
As a husband and father, Knowles regularly emphasizes marriage, parenthood, and moral responsibility in public discussions. These subjects also appear in his university speeches, where he encourages young adults to consider the importance of strong relationships and meaningful commitments.
His Growing Influence in Conservative Media
By October 2026, The Michael Knowles Show had established a substantial digital audience. His YouTube channel had approximately 2.61 million subscribers and more than 1.42 billion lifetime views, demonstrating the reach of his political commentary beyond traditional television and radio.
The program also ranked No. 27 on Spotify’s United States News podcast chart at the time Hillsdale announced his commencement appearance in September 2026. Its content combines political reactions with longer discussions about religion, philosophy, and social issues.
Knowles expanded his historical programming in 2025 with The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II. The four-part documentary series examines Pope Pius XII, the Vatican, and Nazi Germany, drawing on historical archives and interviews.
His public commentary has also generated criticism, particularly over his statements about gender identity and transgender issues. These controversies are part of his broader national profile, while his Hillsdale invitation centers on his work as a commentator, author, and public speaker.
What Michael Knowles’s Message Could Mean for the Class of 2027
Commencement speeches traditionally encourage graduates to consider how their education will influence their future decisions. Knowles’s earlier speeches and writings suggest that faith, intellectual discipline, civic responsibility, and moral conviction are subjects closely associated with his public work.
His 2025 address at Ave Maria placed particular emphasis on humility and personal responsibility, while his 2021 Hillsdale lecture explored the importance of shared moral principles. These experiences provide useful context for understanding the perspective he will bring to the 2027 ceremony.
Hillsdale graduates are educated through a curriculum that encourages engagement with enduring works of philosophy, literature, and history. Knowles’s familiarity with these traditions positions him to speak about applying intellectual principles to family life, professional responsibilities, and citizenship.
The occasion will also mark another milestone in his relationship with the college. As commencement speaker, he will address a graduating class preparing to carry Hillsdale’s educational traditions into life beyond the campus.
Michael Knowles’s Social Media Presence and Online Audience
Knowles maintains an active presence on YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, using these platforms to distribute commentary, interviews, podcast clips, and event announcements. His YouTube audience alone exceeded 2.6 million subscribers in October 2026, making it an important part of his media career.
His primary accounts include @MichaelKnowles on YouTube, @michaeljknowles on X and Instagram, @notmichaelknowles on TikTok, and michaelknowlesshow on Facebook. His official website, michaeljknowles.com, provides another point of contact for his professional work.
Interesting Facts About Michael Knowles
- He translated a Renaissance play at Yale. His 2012 university work included an English-language stage translation of Niccolò Machiavelli’s Andria.
- He contributed to a conservative literary classic. Knowles wrote the introduction to the 70th-anniversary edition of William F. Buckley Jr.’s God and Man at Yale in 2021.
- He appeared in a comedy film. Knowles played Drake Diamond in the 2023 movie Lady Ballers.
- He developed a political party game. In 2026, his Yes or No franchise introduced an America 250 Expansion Pack celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
- He once guest-hosted a major radio program. In 2020, Knowles filled in on The Rush Limbaugh Program, an experience that preceded the expansion of his own show into syndicated radio.
What to Expect at Hillsdale’s 175th Commencement in May 2027
Michael Knowles’s appointment as Hillsdale College’s 2027 commencement speaker brings together several established parts of his career: political commentary, classical education, religious philosophy, and public speaking. His previous Hillsdale lecture and participation in the college’s 2026 historical programming give the upcoming appearance a particularly direct institutional connection.
On May 8, 2027, the Class of 2027 will gather for Hillsdale’s 175th commencement ceremony, with Knowles delivering the address. For graduates and livestream viewers, the occasion will offer an opportunity to hear how a contemporary conservative commentator approaches the enduring questions of education, responsibility, freedom, and life beyond college.
FAQs
When will Michael Knowles speak at Hillsdale College?
Michael Knowles will deliver the 2027 commencement address on May 8, 2027, during Hillsdale College’s 175th graduation ceremony.
Who is Michael Knowles’s wife?
Michael Knowles’s wife is Alissa Mahler Knowles. They married in June 2018 and have four children together.
Can the public attend Hillsdale College’s 2027 commencement?
The May 8, 2027, ceremony will be closed to the general public. Hillsdale College plans to provide a livestream for viewers.
Has Michael Knowles spoken at Hillsdale College before?
Yes. Knowles delivered a lecture on September 21, 2021, in Plaster Auditorium, discussing free speech and cultural standards.
How old will Michael Knowles be at the 2027 commencement?
Michael Knowles will be 37 years old when he addresses Hillsdale’s graduating class. His birthday is March 18, 1990.
