Friday, December 12th, 2025 at the Pete P. Gallego Center in Alpine, TX.
The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m.
Students have been instructed to be at the Graves-Pierce Complex at 4:30 p.m. for line up.
Commencement will be available to watch online here:
LINK TBA
Mike Flynt grew up in Odessa, where he graduated from Permian High School in 1966. As the starting defensive back on the legendary 1965 State Championship football team, he played a part in the legacy that later inspired the book and film Friday Night Lights.
Earning a full football scholarship to Sul Ross State University, Mike went on to receive his degree in physical education and business. His passion for athletic performance led him to the University of Nebraska, where he served as Strength and Conditioning Coach and completed postgraduate studies in the Physiology of Exercise.
Mike became one of the original founders and a lifetime member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), which now boasts more than 70,000 members worldwide. He made history as the first Strength and Conditioning Coach in the PAC-10 at the University of Oregon, overseeing training for 16 men’s and women’s intercollegiate sports, while also serving as Regional Director for the NSCA. His career continued at Texas A&M University, where he coached strength and conditioning for 18 intercollegiate teams.
An inventor and innovator, Mike holds two registered U.S. patents. His expertise also reached the highest levels of service, training members of the U.S. Military inside the Pentagon on how to build and maintain strength in the field.
In 2007, at the age of 59, Mike made national headlines when he returned to his alma mater, Sul Ross State University, to play his senior year of college football, becoming the oldest linebacker in NCAA history.
A Certified Master of Fitness Sciences through the International Sports Sciences Association, Mike is also the author of two books, The Senior and The Power-Based Life, published by HarperCollins. His remarkable life story was adapted into a major motion picture, The Senior, produced by Wayfarer Studios and released nationwide by Angel Studios on Sept. 19 in more than 2,400 theaters.
Today, Mike continues to inspire audiences across the nation as a motivational speaker, sharing his powerful story of perseverance, redemption and faith with corporations, churches, schools and athletic teams of all kinds.
Married for 53 years to his beloved wife, Eileen, Mike is the proud father of three grown children and grandfather to 11 wonderful grandchildren.
We ask that each party arrive and sit together.
Order your cap, gown, and tassel online here
Choose the appropriate gown, either bachelor’s or a master’s as they are different.
Master’s degree candidates will specify which discipline i.e. Business, Education, etc. because the hoods are different colors.
Specify your height. Gowns are “one size fits most” and if you need a plus size, indicate that in the comment box.
Call the Bookstore at 432.837.8194 if you have questions.
Bachelor’s degree candidates have the option of purchasing a red satin stole, but it is not required. Master’s candidates may also purchase one, but please wear it under your gown so it does not detract from your hood.
If you have any questions regarding commencement, please email lpauls@sulross.edu.