UK Graduate School accepting nominations for honorary doctoral degrees
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2023) — The University Joint Committee on Honorary Degrees (UJCHD) is currently seeking nomination packages for candidates of honorary doctoral degrees to be awarded at a future university commencement. The deadline to be considered for commencement ceremonies in December 2023 is Thursday, March 9.
Nominations may be made by faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the University of Kentucky. The selection committee will follow the criteria, principles and guidelines approved by the University Senate and Board of Trustees.
The nomination package must include a primary letter of nomination, at least two letters of support and the nominee’s bio (or resume or CV).
The titles and definitions of honorary degrees are listed below:
- Honorary Doctor of Arts — To recognize extraordinary accomplishments in the creative arts, fine arts, performing arts or related fields.
- Honorary Doctor of Laws — To recognize extraordinary accomplishments in law, politics, governance, diplomacy or related fields.
- Honorary Doctor of Science — To recognize extraordinary accomplishments in scientific fields.
- Honorary Doctor of Engineering — To recognize extraordinary accomplishments in engineering, design, technology or related fields.
- Honorary Doctor of Humanities — To recognize extraordinary accomplishments in the humanities.
- Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters — To recognize extraordinary contributions to philanthropy, human development, education or societal well-being.
An honorary doctorate pays tribute to those whose life and work exemplify professional, intellectual or artistic achievement by recognizing and appreciating those who have made significant contributions to society, the state and the University of Kentucky.
For complete criteria and directions on the nomination process, please visit The Graduate School’s Honorary Doctoral Degrees webpage.
The list of previous honorary degrees awarded, dating back to 1886, can be viewed here.
If you have any questions, please contact Morris Grubbs, assistant dean of The Graduate School: morris.grubbs@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.