Make that Dr. Jimmie Allen

The country singer, who just earned his fourth number one with "down home," will be the keynote graduation speaker at his alma mater, Delaware State University.

Delaware State University announced that Allen will be the speaker on May 12.

"Delaware State University is where I am proud to say I attended. I met lifetime friends there and learned so much about who I am as a Black man and navigating my way through life," said Allen. "I'm honored to be the keynote speaker and hope I can share something that will inspire the next generation of leaders. Thank you to President (Tony) Allen and the rest of the DSU family for having me. Let's go HORNETS."

DSU President Allen said, "Our vision at Delaware State University is to be the most substantively diverse, contemporary and unapologetic HBCU in the nation. Doing so requires a noted and continuous clarion call from anyone touched by the Delaware State University experience. Both Jimmie and (fellow speaker International President of Alpha Phi Alpha) Dr. Lonzer are tremendous examples of that tradition, and I am proud that each will have the opportunity to impart their story and wisdom to what will be the largest graduating classes in Delaware State University history."

Next up, Allen will return to the road as special guest for all dates of Carrie Underwood's The Denim & Rhinestones Tour. The 43 U.S. arena date tour kicked off in October 2022 and resumes Feb. 2 in Miami, for 20-plus stops – including New York City, Los Angeles and Nashville – before concluding March 17 in Seattle.