AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Name a better way to celebrate a Texas commencement than to have an actual cowboy deliver the keynote address, I'll wait. Texas native and renowned screenwriter, director, and producer Taylor Sheridan is set to deliver the keynote address at the University of Texas at Austin's g raduation in May. UT's 142nd Commencement Ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Air Force’s 1st female fighter pilot is a UT alum, and she’s the 2024 commencement speaker Sheridan, an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter, an Emmy-nominated producer, and the creator, director, writer, and executive producer of several record-breaking television series, was announced as the keynote speaker on Thursday. He is well-known for being a co-creator of the series "Yellowstone" (he also plays Travis Wheatley on the show) and for his acting roles in "Veronica Mars" and "Sons of Anarchy." “It’s a tremendous honor to be invited to speak at the UT Austin commencement,” Sheridan said in a press release from UT. “This University has long been known to champion excellence, integrity and bold ideas, and I’m excited to celebrate the Class of 2025 as they step into the next chapter of their lives.” Sheridan is Texan to his core and a real-life cowboy. He grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and spent much of his youth on a family ranch in Cranfills Gap, per Britannica. That experience helped shape his career and storytelling, and he's remained connected to his Texas roots, as many of his productions feature Texas locations, the UT release noted. Sheridan also owns and operates two Texas ranches, including the legendary Four Sixes (6666) Ranch, according to UT. He currently lives in Weatherford, Texas, with his family. In 2021, he was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame for his contributions to Western heritage and culture, according to the university. “As a native Texan and a visionary storyteller, Taylor Sheridan has redefined the modern Western genre while remaining deeply connected to the spirit and resilience of our great state,” said UT interim President Jim Davis. “His journey to the top of the entertainment field is a testament to the power of hard work, creativity and staying true to one’s roots — values that resonate deeply with Longhorn Nation. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Forty Acres as this year’s ceremony speaker.” According to the university's release, the ceremony will recognize more than 10,000 graduates from 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, and it's expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees. In addition to Sheridan’s remarks, the ceremony will feature performances from UT student musicians, drone shows, and a fireworks finale, the release said. ...read more read less