MORGANTOWN -- "Today Show" anchor Hoda Kotb will address graduates on the West Virginia University Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism, during May commencement.

Kotb, who co-hosts the fourth hour of the "Today Show" with Kathie Lee Gifford, grew up in Morgantown.

Despite moving away, she says West Virginia still holds a place in her heart.

“Returning to WVU is like coming home,” Kotb said. “My dad was a professor of engineering. We never missed a home football game. I know the WVU fight song by heart. My childhood closet was covered with ‘Wild Wonderful West Virginia’ bumper stickers. The day we packed up and moved from 1416 Dogwood Ave., I sat on the front stoop and cried.”

Kotb went on to graduate from Virginia Tech and work at a number of network affiliate news stations, before taking a position with NBC's "Dateline".

“We’re thrilled to have a journalist of Kotb’s stature give the send-off to our students,” said Maryanne Reed, dean of the School of Journalism. “Kotb has risen through the ranks to become one of the most admired and recognized television correspondents in America.”

The commencement is set for 10:00 a.m. on May 17.

While the ceremony is reserved for students and their families, anyone else can watch a live webcast of Kotb's speech at the link below.