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<\/a>A national news anchor and a vice president for a global provider of consumer information will address Jackson State University graduates during commencement exercises scheduled May 2-3.<\/p>\n
ABC News Anchor and Chief National Correspondent Byron Pitts will address undergraduates during the ceremony on Saturday, May 3.<\/p>\n
Pitts was named ABC news anchor and chief national correspondent in April 2013. He covers national news stories and in-depth features for the network, reporting for all broadcasts and platforms including \u201cGood Morning America,\u201d \u201cWorld News with Diane Sawyer,\u201d \u201cNightline,\u201d \u201cThis Week\u201d and \u201c20\/20.\u201d Pitts also reports for all ABC News digital properties, including ABCNews.com.<\/p>\n
Pitts is a multiple Emmy award-winning journalist known for his thoughtful storytelling, on-the-ground reporting and in-depth interviews. A news veteran with over 20 years of experience, Pitts has traveled around the world to cover some of the biggest news stories of our time from the Florida presidential recount to the tsunami in Indonesia and the refugee crisis in Kosovo. Less than 24 hours at ABC News, Pitts participated in live special coverage of the Boston marathon bombing investigation, including the daylong manhunt for the Tsarnaev brothers that virtually shut down the city.<\/p>\n
Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, senior vice president of U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement for Nielsen, will give the commencement address at the graduate ceremony on Friday, May 2.\u00a0 Pearson-McNeil is responsible for increasing the company\u2019s brand awareness among African-American, Asian-American and Hispanic non-profit organizations, leaders and consumers \u2013 elevating their understanding of Nielsen\u2019s measurement services to assist in improving the overall probability of their inclusion in Nielsen\u2019s panels, studies and surveys.<\/p>\n