An honorary doctoral degree stands as a distinguished accolade bestowed by a university or degree-granting institution, where the conventional academic prerequisites for earning a degree are intentionally waived. This prestigious honor is typically conferred upon individuals who have made remarkable contributions to a particular discipline or to society at large. It’s also often a gesture of goodwill extended to commencement speakers at university gatherings.
It’s crucial to understand that while an honorary degree is a significant recognition, it is not considered by employers to hold the same academic weight as a doctorate earned through rigorous study and research. Therefore, it should not be presented or perceived as equivalent to an earned doctoral degree.
At NC State University, honorary degrees represent the highest form of commendation. They celebrate exceptional and enduring contributions to scholarship, innovation, leadership, and humanitarian or public service. These contributions should serve as a state, national, or international benchmark, embodying the university’s broad mission and values.
Decoding the Selection Process for Honorary Degrees
The selection of honorary degree recipients at NC State University is overseen by the Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees, which actively solicits nominations. The Honorary Doctoral Degree is reserved for individuals whose accomplishments are not only extraordinary but also possess a lasting impact. Recipients may or may not have prior affiliations with the university. The award is granted based on exceptional merit in areas such as scholarship, creativity, leadership, humanitarian endeavors, or public service. This distinction sets it apart from the Watauga Medal, which specifically acknowledges exceptional service to NC State University itself.
To maintain impartiality and integrity, NC State University has established clear guidelines regarding eligibility. Honorary degrees are not awarded to current members of the university faculty, staff, Board of Trustees, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the governor, or any elected official or state employee whose responsibilities are directly linked to the function or governance of NC State. Furthermore, the committee does not consider self-nominations, ensuring a process driven by community recognition.
For a deeper understanding of the Honorary Doctoral Degree at NC State University, including the official regulations and a list of past recipients, you can visit: leadership.ncsu.edu/board-of-trustees/honorary-degrees.
A Glimpse into History: NC State’s First Honorary Degree
NC State University’s tradition of awarding honorary degrees began in 1917 with Wilbur Fiske Massey, a distinguished botanist, horticulturalist, and agriculturalist. This inaugural award set the stage for recognizing individuals who have significantly shaped their fields and society.
Spotlight on Recent Honorary Degree Recipients
NC State University continues to honor remarkable individuals. Here are some recent recipients who exemplify the spirit of the honorary doctoral degree:
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Ashley Christensen
Ashley Christensen
Ashley Christensen, a celebrated NC State alumna, is a James Beard Award-winning chef renowned for establishing some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Triangle region. Her culinary expertise has garnered national recognition from prominent publications such as Bon Appétit, Gourmet, The New York Times, and Southern Living. Beyond her culinary achievements, Christensen is actively involved in community service, serving on the boards of the Dix Park Conservancy and Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen. She is also a dedicated member of the Southern Foodways Alliance and the founder of Stir the Pot, a biannual fundraising event.
Learn more
](https://ac-restaurants.com/)
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Astronaut Christina Koch
Christina Koch
Christina Koch, another distinguished NC State alumna, is a NASA astronaut who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, spending an impressive 328 days in space. She also made history alongside fellow astronaut Jessica Meir by participating in the first all-woman spacewalk. During her missions, Koch contributed to numerous scientific experiments, including enhancing the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer, an instrument used to detect dark matter, and growing protein crystals for pharmaceutical advancements.
Learn more
](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts/biographies/christina-hammock-koch/biography)
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Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams
Jeff Williams, an NC State alumnus, is the Chief Operating Officer of Apple. In this pivotal role, he is responsible for Apple’s global operations, customer service, and support. Williams also leads Apple’s esteemed design team and oversees the software and hardware engineering for the Apple Watch. Demonstrating a commitment to philanthropy, Williams and his wife Melissa manage the Williams Family Private Foundation, which focuses on addressing education and food insecurity.
Learn more
](https://www.apple.com/leadership/jeff-williams/)
Nominate a Deserving Individual for an Honorary Degree
NC State University’s Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees encourages nominations for individuals who merit this high distinction. If you know someone whose achievements align with the criteria, consider submitting a nomination.
Nominations can be submitted online by individuals affiliated with NC State University. Nominators will need an active Unity ID and password to access the nomination form.
Nomination Process:
Step 1: Complete the online nomination form. (Unity ID and password login required)
Step 2: Email a letter of nomination to [email protected]. This letter should detail the nominee’s accomplishments, qualifications for an honorary degree, and the reasons why awarding the degree would be significant to NC State University.
The Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees will review the nomination letter. If the committee decides to proceed with the nomination, the nominator will be asked to provide two letters of support. Nominations endorsed by the Faculty Committee, the provost, and the chancellor are then forwarded to the Board of Trustees for final approval. The board reviews nominations recommended by the faculty committee each semester.
For any inquiries, please contact:
Office of the Provost
Amy Jinnette / 919.515.3123 / [email protected]
Quick Links:
- Honorary Doctoral Degree Nomination Form
- Faculty Committee on Honorary Degrees 2024-25
