An honorary doctorate, also known as a doctorate honoris causa (Latin for “for the sake of honor”), is a prestigious academic award bestowed by a university or degree-granting institution to recognize an individual’s extraordinary contributions to society, a specific field, or the university itself. Unlike traditional academic degrees earned through rigorous study and research, an honorary doctorate waives the standard requirements, serving instead as a high form of commendation. It is a way for universities to publicly acknowledge and celebrate individuals who embody values and achievements they wish to promote. While highly esteemed, it’s crucial to understand that an honorary degree does not hold the same academic weight as an earned doctorate and should not be presented as equivalent to formal qualifications in professional contexts.
Universities like NC State consider the honorary doctorate as their highest form of recognition. They are reserved for those whose accomplishments serve as an inspiration at a state, national, or even international level, aligning with the university’s broad mission of impactful contribution to the world.
What Defines an Honorary Doctorate?
The essence of an honorary doctorate lies in honoring exceptional distinction. Universities award these degrees to individuals who have reached remarkable heights in various domains. These achievements can span across scholarship, artistic creativity, leadership, humanitarian work, or public service. Recipients may or may not have prior affiliations with the awarding university. The key criterion is their exceptional impact and the lasting significance of their contributions. It’s important to distinguish this honor from service awards, such as the Watauga Medal at NC State, which specifically recognizes distinguished service directly to the university itself. An honorary doctorate, conversely, acknowledges a broader scope of influence and achievement.
To maintain the integrity of the honor, NC State, like many institutions, has specific guidelines regarding eligibility. Active members of the university faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, elected officials, or state employees directly involved with the university’s governance are typically not eligible while holding these positions. Furthermore, self-nominations are not considered, emphasizing the external recognition of the nominee’s merit.
For a deeper dive into the specific regulations and a list of past recipients at NC State, you can explore: leadership.ncsu.edu/board-of-trustees/honorary-degrees.
A History of Recognition: NC State’s First Honorary Degree
NC State University’s tradition of awarding honorary doctorates began in 1917 with Wilbur Fiske Massey. A distinguished botanist, horticulturalist, and agriculturalist, Massey’s recognition highlights the university’s early commitment to honoring contributions in crucial fields that shaped its foundation. This historical award sets a precedent for the continued recognition of individuals who have made significant impacts on society.
Celebrating Recent Honorary Doctorate Recipients
NC State’s recent honorary doctorate recipients exemplify the diverse fields and remarkable achievements celebrated by these prestigious awards. These individuals serve as powerful examples of leadership, innovation, and service.
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Ashley Christensen
Ashley Christensen: Culinary Excellence and Community Impact
Ashley Christensen, an NC State alumna, is a James Beard Award-winning chef renowned for her influential restaurants in the Triangle region. Her culinary artistry has garnered national acclaim in publications like Bon Appétit and The New York Times. Beyond her culinary success, Christensen is deeply involved in community service, serving on the boards of the Dix Park Conservancy and Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen. She is also an active member of the Southern Foodways Alliance and the founder of the Stir the Pot fundraising event, demonstrating a commitment to both her craft and societal well-being.
](https://ac-restaurants.com/) [ 
Astronaut Christina Koch
Christina Koch: Pioneering Space Exploration and Scientific Advancement
Christina Koch, another distinguished NC State alumna and NASA astronaut, holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, spending 328 days in space. Her groundbreaking achievements include participating in the first all-woman spacewalk with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir. Koch’s missions have significantly contributed to scientific progress, including vital enhancements to the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer for dark matter detection and advancements in protein crystal growth for pharmaceutical research. Her work embodies the spirit of exploration and scientific dedication.
](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christina-hammock-koch/biography) [ 
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams: Leadership in Technology and Philanthropic Dedication
Jeff Williams, an NC State alumnus and Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, is a leader in the technology industry, overseeing global operations and customer service for a leading global brand. He also leads Apple’s design team and the engineering for the Apple Watch. Beyond his corporate leadership, Williams, along with his wife Melissa, actively supports education and addresses food insecurity through the Williams Family Private Foundation, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging success for societal benefit.
](https://www.apple.com/leadership/jeff-williams/)
Nominating a Candidate for an Honorary Doctorate at NC State
NC State University encourages nominations for deserving individuals who exemplify exceptional achievement for consideration for an Honorary Doctoral Degree. The Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees reviews nominations from individuals affiliated with NC State.
To nominate an individual, the process involves two key steps:
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Online Nomination Form: Begin by completing the brief online nomination form: Honorary Doctoral Degree Nomination Form. (Note: Access requires a Unity ID and password, indicating the nomination process is intended for the NC State community).
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Nomination Letter: Following the form submission, email a detailed nomination letter to [email protected]. This letter should articulate the nominee’s accomplishments, qualifications for an honorary degree, and the significance of this recognition for NC State University.
The Faculty Committee will assess the nomination letter. If the committee proceeds with the nomination, the nominator will be asked to secure two supporting letters. Nominations endorsed by the Faculty Committee, the provost, and the chancellor are then presented to the Board of Trustees for final approval. The Board reviews nominations each semester.
For any inquiries regarding the nomination process, please contact the Office of the Provost, Amy Jinnette at 919.515.3123 or [email protected].
For further resources, you can refer to:
- Honorary Doctoral Degree Nomination Form
- Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees 2024-25
Honorary doctorates stand as a testament to the power of individual contribution and serve as an inspiration for future generations. They represent the highest form of recognition a university can bestow, celebrating lives of impact and achievement.
