Commencement Speaker

Dr. John Morrissey, Sweet Briar professor of biology, to deliver 2025 Commencement Speech

Dr. John Morrissey, Sweet Briar College professor John Morrissey Photo taken on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022.  of biology and pre-vet advisor, will address the Class of 2025 at the College’s 116th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Dr. Morrissey joined Sweet Briar’s faculty in 2007, and since that time, has become a beloved member of the College’s faculty.

Dr. Morrissey earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hofstra University, where he taught for 16 years before arriving at Sweet Briar. His doctorate is from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. During his time teaching at both Hofstra and Sweet Briar, he has taken more than 50 marine biology trips among coral reefs around the world, looking for lemon sharks in the Bahamas, cownose rays in the Chesapeake Bay, and megamouth sharks in Japanese waters.

In his time at Sweet Briar, 92% of the students who have applied to veterinary school have been accepted. In addition to teaching, Dr. Morrissey co-authored a textbook now in its 11th edition: Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life .

Dr. Morrissey recently received the Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV). Dr. Morrissey is a well-respected and admired member of the College’s community, among students, faculty, and staff.